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Does Taking Out a Personal Loan Mean I’m Still In Debt?

Written by Banks Editorial Team

Updated April 22, 2021​

2 min. read​

If you’re are in debt looking for some way for money to become available quickly, a personal loan can be an ideal option. They’re one way to dig yourself out of a deep hole. But, as with all aspects of money, consider you options carefully. After all, a personal loan isn’t free money.

While personal loans can help pay off credit card bills, they do still mean that you are in debt. You’re not completely cleared… just yet. However, a personal loan may help you making progress. With credit card interest rates regularly clocking in at the double digits (close to 20 percent) chances are you’re paying quite a bit more for the money you’re spending. A personal loan, which is also an unsecured loan, can help cover a big expense or help consolidate your debt, all without you putting up anything as collateral.

Personal loans still come with an interest rate. However, they may just not be as high as what you’ve been paying which will help you if you are i debt to get out of it quicker. There isn’t standard interest rate across the board for personal loans. So make sure you compare and check these across lenders to ensure you are saving money and the loan helps with paying off your debt cheaper and quicker:

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What Should I Use My Personal Loan For?

Well, a personal loan can be used for a wide variety of things! It’s personal. It’s up to you. You have your own discretion. Generally, though, personal loans are good for long-term purchases, like consolidating your debt (that’s affixed with a sky-high interest rate!) or financing a home repair.

Does a Personal Loan Mean I’m Still in Debt?

When receiving an influx of a lump sum of money, it may seem like you have money to spend. Remember that a personal loan, though, is still a form of debt. You’ve agreed to pay this amount back, over time, including the interest you accumulate. So the answer is yes, you are still in debt.

If you are someone who has a mountain of credit card debt you’re trying to chip away at, taking out a personal loan can be one way to help yourself save money over the long haul, but it also provides you an opportunity to take stock of where you are financially. Are you aware of your spending habits? Are there steps you can take to get yourself back on track and shovel yourself out of credit card debt?

Saving up with cash and then making your purchase will keep you from paying off credit card debt month after month. Paying with cash for everything can seem daunting and can seem to limit “extraneous” expenses, but money is a finite resource. Use what you have with discretion.

Do Your Research

When you’re looking to take out a personal loan, give yourself enough time to do research first. Loans come with different interest rates, depending on your income and your credit score. These are the top personal loan lenders of 2017:

  • Upstart
  • SoFi
  • Payoff
  • Citizens Bank
  • LendingClub
  • Earnest

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