Bad credit is becoming a new reality for many, which means the traditional loan sources may not be viable. Private lenders, also known as legal loan sharks, may be a viable option for the expenses coming up, but it is important to assess the risks such a resource presents. Bad credit will only be made worse if you take on more debt than you can afford, but for a person looking to build or rebuild their credit, these private lenders can serve a dual purpose; enable you to have the goods and services you require, as well as establish a good credit history.
If you need money quickly, and could not secure a loan from your bank, you could have your paycheck forwarded to you. This can be a good option if you know that you’ll be able to pay the lending firm back. These payday loans can cost up to $17 per $100 paid out. When applying, be sure your lender is a member of the CFSA, see how long they’ve been in business, and make sure to see the prices up front. You don’t need much personal information for this loan, as it is meant to be short term.
If you are currently unemployed, but have collateral, a title loan from a private lender might be the best choice. Credit history and employment are less important than the value of the car. Opting for a title loan has more risk involved because you are using your possessions in place of background history to secure the loan. The term is often a month, but can be longer.
If multiple debtors are the main reason you are looking for a legal loan shark, then debt consolidation may be the path for you. Much like the name implies, debt consolidation means lumping all of your current debt into a single monthly payment. These consolidators factor in their consolidation fee, so even though the month-to-month bill will be lower, the over-all expenditure will be higher. You may also be faced with higher interest rates than advertised. If you are willing to take a longer debt period, it can be a good option for those unable to manage their debt.
Regardless of where the loan comes from, you should be presented with options on the payout terms. While handling a higher monthly payment on a loan may be tougher, the short-term loans mean less money over all going to the lender. A loan might be stretched out over 20-30 years, but will mean paying three to four times the amount borrowed. Depending on the source of the loan, interest rates can be anywhere from 10-30%, which is another reason to research all your options before signing for a loan.