Borrowing and loans
How to get out of student loan default: rehabilitation vs. consolidation
Default doesn’t have to be a dead end. There are two ways to get federal student loans back in good standing, and both can work on a tight budget.
Read Borrowing and loansWhat happens if you default on a federal student loan?
Falling behind on student loans is pretty common, and it doesn't happen overnight.
Read Borrowing and loansStudent loan forgiveness programs that still exist
Student loan forgiveness isn’t over, but it has evolved considerably. Several federal programs still cancel some or all of what borrowers owe, but most have strict rules when it comes to eligibility.
Read Borrowing and loansDeferment vs. forbearance: how to pause student loan payments without making it worse
Dealing with income trouble? Pausing your student loan payments could be the solution.
Read Borrowing and loansLife after SAVE: How to choose a repayment plan under the new rules
The SAVE plan is gone, and federal student loan repayment is different from what it was a year ago.
Read Borrowing and loansHow to find your student loan servicer and what you really owe
Plenty of student loan borrowers aren't sure who handles their loans, especially if there’s been a servicer change.
Read Borrowing and loansFederal vs. private student loans: why the difference matters
Student loans aren't all the same. Whether yours come from the federal government or a private lender decides everything from your interest rate to the plans, protections, and forgiveness programs you can use.
Read Borrowing and loansWhen the bank says no: credit unions, PALs, CDFIs, and community lenders
Getting turned down by a bank isn't the end of the road. Credit unions, Payday Alternative Loans, community development lenders, and nonprofit programs are real options that may work when big banks won't.
Read Borrowing and loansHow many loan applications is too many? Hard pulls and rate shopping explained
Applying for credit leaves a mark on your credit report called a hard inquiry, but shopping around for the best loan rate in a short time window is usually treated as just one inquiry. This guide explains how hard pulls work, how much they hurt your score, and how to apply smarter next time.
Read Borrowing and loansSecured loans vs unsecured loans: using savings or a car as a bridge
If a lender said no, backing a loan with something you own — like savings or a car — may improve your chances and lower your rate. This guide explains how secured loans work, what you risk, and how to use them to rebuild your financial footing.
Read Borrowing and loansCredit-builder loans: how they work and who they help
A credit-builder loan is a small loan designed to help you build credit history, even if you've been turned down elsewhere. The money stays locked in an account while you pay, and you get it at the end.
Read Borrowing and loansThe 30 days after a loan decline: a step-by-step recovery plan
Getting turned down for a loan or credit card is disappointing, but the next 30 days give you a real chance to understand why it happened and start fixing it. This week-by-week guide walks you through exactly what to do so you are in a stronger position to reapply later.
Read Borrowing and loansHow to read an adverse action notice
When a lender says no, they are required by law to send you a notice explaining why. This guide walks you through how to read that notice, what the reason codes mean, and how to use your free credit report to start fixing the problem.
Read Borrowing and loansHow to avoid predatory lenders
Predatory lenders use tricks that can trap you in debt. Learn how to spot unfair loans before you sign anything.
Read Borrowing and loansWhat loan fees to watch for
Loans often come with extra costs beyond the interest rate. Knowing what fees to look for can help you avoid surprises and choose a loan that truly fits your budget.
Read Borrowing and loansFixed vs variable rates
A fixed rate stays the same for the life of your loan. A variable rate can change over time. Here is what that means for your wallet.
Read Borrowing and loansHow to compare loan offers
Loan ads can be confusing and even misleading. This guide shows you how to look past the marketing and find the real cost of any loan before you sign.
Read Borrowing and loansWhat APR means
APR tells you the true yearly cost of borrowing money — not just the interest rate. Understanding it helps you compare loans and avoid paying more than you need to.
Read Borrowing and loansThe real cost of high-interest loans
High-interest loans can look affordable at first glance, but the real cost often surprises people. This guide breaks down how these loans work and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read Borrowing and loansCash advance apps explained
Cash advance apps can put money in your pocket fast, but the fees and tips can add up quickly. Here is what you need to know before you borrow.
Read Borrowing and loansTitle loans explained
A title loan lets you borrow money using your car as collateral. Learn how they work, what they cost, and what to consider before you sign.
Read Borrowing and loansPayday loans explained
Payday loans are short-term, high-cost loans that are easy to get but expensive to repay. Here is how they work and what to watch out for before you borrow.
Read Borrowing and loansSecured vs unsecured loans
Secured and unsecured loans work differently — and knowing the difference can help you borrow smarter and avoid surprises.
Read Borrowing and loansInstallment loans explained
An installment loan lets you borrow a set amount of money and pay it back in fixed payments over time. Understanding how they work can help you borrow smarter and avoid surprises.
Read Borrowing and loansPersonal loans explained
A personal loan lets you borrow a set amount of money and pay it back in fixed monthly payments. Here's what you need to know before you apply.
Read Borrowing and loansHow loans work, in plain words
A loan is money you borrow and agree to pay back over time, usually with extra charges called interest. Here is how the whole process works, step by step.
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