Alternatives to emergency and payday loans

Payday and emergency loans are often predatory lending methods that allow you to get the cash you need quickly. While this almost-instant cash flow can seem enticing, they often come with exorbitant interest rates that can leave you trapped in a debt-cycle for years. There are safer options to borrow the money you need. Before signing on the dotted line, research every …

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How to Refinance Student Loans: The Complete Guide

Student loan refinancing is when you take out a new private student loan to repay one or more existing student loans. Borrowers may choose to refinance student loan debt in order to lower the interest rate, reduce their monthly payments or pay off debt faster. Refinancing student loans can save you money during repayment, but it’s not a good strategy …

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Payday loan debt consolidation: What it is and how it works

Payday loans are generally short-term loans for small amounts of money in which the payment is due on your next payday. In the U.S. 37 states regulate payday loans. Legal maximums, in states that enforce them, typically range from $500 to $1,000. Payday loans are marketed as a bridge between paychecks. But they come with high fees that translate to …

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5 Costly Debt Consolidation Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

Debt consolidation can help you save money on interest and get out of debt faster, but it doesn’t always work as planned. In a recent U.S. News survey of consumers who have borrowed a debt consolidation loan, more than a third regret doing so. Nearly as many say their finances haven’t improved since they consolidated their debt. Here are some of the …

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How a Foreclosure Affects Your Credit Report

A foreclosure can mar your credit report for seven years from the date of your first missed payment. During that time, it can affect your credit score and the way other lenders view your creditworthiness in the future. If you’re struggling with your mortgage payments, it’s important to understand the foreclosure process, steps you can take to avoid it and what …

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How to Get a Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan, sometimes called a second mortgage, is a type of loan that lets you borrow against the equity on your home. Unlike home equity lines of credit, which give you access to revolving credit, this type of loan gives you a pre-established amount and is paid out as a lump sum. These loans also feature fixed interest …

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What to Do If Your Loan Is Denied

If you’ve recently been denied a loan, you’re not alone. Understanding the reasons why your loan was denied can help you determine your next steps and improve your chances of getting approved the next time you try. Even if the sting of denial may still be fresh, here’s what you can do. Understanding Why Your Loan Was Denied If your …

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What Affects Your Credit Scores?

Do you feel like you need an advanced degree to figure out what is affecting your credit score? Good news is you don’t—it can actually be rather simple. Behind the number itself (credit scores typically range from 300 to 850), there are five main factors used to calculate credit scores. Lenders use those scores to figure out how likely you …

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How to get approved for a bad credit business loan

Small business owners sometimes need outside financing to help cover a shortfall, purchase equipment or expand. When you have good credit, many lenders are more than willing to offer you affordable business loans. But qualifying for a business loan with bad credit can be difficult, and it likely won’t be cheap. Lenders who provide loans to small business owners with bad credit …

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What you need to know about payday loans

Payday Payday loans are unsecured personal loans that are typically repaid on your next payday. They can be a tempting option to quickly get the cash you need, but more often than not, their hidden fees and high rates can leave you trapped in debt. You’ll generally pay between 115 and 650 percent (or more) in interest, depending on your state of residence. Furthermore, …

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How Do You Refinance a Car Loan?

From start to finish, the auto loan refinance process may take a few days, Owens says. Here are the basic steps: 1. Review your current loan. Check your loan documents to figure out the interest you pay each month and the total cost of the loan if you finish the entire term. You’ll use these figures later to determine whether refinancing …

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Is It A Good Idea To Co-Sign A Loan?

If you co-sign a loan for a friend or family member, you could help that person buy a house or car, obtain much-needed cash or secure enough money to attend college. But if the co-sign arrangement doesn’t work out, you could severely damage your credit as well as your relationship with the borrower. Here is a guide to what co-signers …

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Business loan vs. line of credit

A business loan offers funding that small businesses need to make strategic purchases to boost growth. Small businesses can choose from many types of business loans, including term loans and lines of credit. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2023 Report on Employer Firms, business lines of credit and business loans are the top financing sources that employer-based businesses apply for. Forty-three …

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How much can you borrow with a business loan?

Business loans can be used for a variety of expenses, including everyday operations, inventory or for major purchases like equipment or real estate. In 2022, most businesses seeking funding did so to meet operational costs and expand the business, according to the 2022 Small Business Credit Survey. But whatever you need funds for, a small business loan can help  — if you can get the …

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5 Common Myths About Online Payday Loans

If you’re considering using online loan services, you may be wondering what’s true and what are myths about online payday loans. It’s understandable to want to protect yourself and apply for online loans safely. At Lending Bear, we offer state-licensed and highly reputable online payday loan services. We’re also loan experts, and in this guide, we’ll dispel 5 common myths …

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