Expert Explains

How to compute an annual compound interest rate

It's the little things like compound interest that can get you in the end. Learn how to compute compound interest and avoid bankruptcy.
Close-up of interest rate calculations written in ink on a piece of paper.

Personal loans to attend for-profit schools can be risky

Borrowing personal loans to attend a for-profit college may not be the best choice, as they are riskier than their nonprofit counterparts.
College graduates

Applying for loans can cause credit score drops

The point of having a good credit score is to get approved for loans with good rates. However, applying for a loan will ding a credit score.
Image of a persons' credit report

Payday Loans and How You Can Protect Your Personal Information From Identity Theft

Encryption of your data is just the basic level of protection you need to look for. You can also check to see if the page has HTTPS in the address bar when on application page.
Encryption of your data is just the basic level of protection you need to look for. You can also check to see if the page has HTTPS in the address bar when on application page.

Crowdsourcing good for businesses and for personal loans

Crowdsourcing isn't just for funding personal loans or projects. Businesses can raise loan capital that way, too, or use peer to peer lending.
Laptop computer

Students have a hard time paying off personal loans

College graduates are having an increasingly difficult time paying back student loans. One in four struggle, and 7 percent are in default.
Students in graduation attire

How to remove a co-signer from a student loan

If you've co-signed on a student loan but want out, there are a few things you can try to have your name removed from the paperwork.
A graduate mortarboard cap and diploma, as well as a male hand that is handcuffed to a stack of money, are visible.

How People Are Taking Advantage of Installment Loans To Cover Budget Shocks Today

Budget shocks are something very common these days. Many middle class Americans have started using installment lending products to get through tough times.
Budget shocks are something very common these days. Many middle class Americans have started using installment lending products to get through tough times.

Bridge Loan basics: Financing short-term obligations

A bridge loan is used most often to fill the gap of financing between purchasing houses, but people are finding other ways to use them now.
Bridge

Private, low-interest loans offered to small farms

A small farm can usually count on having about 10 percent of income to reinvest. Now, Whole Foods and others are offering small farm loans.
Whole Foods

Everything parents need to know about their student loan options

A thorough understanding of student loans is vital. Everyone should research grant and scholarship opportunities before applying for loans..
College students

Short Term Loans Are Available Without Credit Checks - What Does That Mean For You?

Having access to a short term loan online when every you want without credit checks is a tempting offer but what should you know before applying?
Having access to a short term loan online when every you want without credit checks is a tempting offer but what should you know before applying?

Do your homework and think hard about a debt consolidation loan

A debt consolidation loan can make sense with low interest rates and loosening credit standards, but it's not a quick fix. Do your homework.
debt consolidation loan

Intrafamily loans, done right, benefit both lenders and borrowers

Intrafamily lending can be a safer investment with a higher return than many investment options currently available.
intrafamily lending return on investment

The advantages of a personal loan over a credit card

Unexpected expenses can be met more cost-effectively over time with a personal loan instead of a credit card.
personal loan vs. credit card for cash

You Are Not Supposed To Know Cash Advances Online Do Not Require Any Credit

Credit is not a factor with cash advances online. There are not credit checks so their is no hard inquiry on your record to lower your credit score.
Credit is not a factor with cash advances online. There are not credit checks so their is no hard inquiry on your record to lower your credit score.

Debt settlement relief unavailable when it comes to student loans

Student loan debt loads have increased over the years. Not only do students usually have $20,000 in debt, they have high risk of default.
College Dorm

Auto loan modification could be a good option

You know you can refinance auto loans? In fact, this is a great time to do it. Rates are low, and you can save serious money if you do...
Mercedes

Raising a credit score saves a fortune in a lifetime of borrowing

Raising a credit score will save money on interest payments that can be invested to finance retirement by earning interest, not paying it.
raising credit score resulted in wealthy retirement

Personal Online Lending and How It Can Make or Break Your Family Budget During Hard Times

Hard times befall us all but you do not have to break your budget to pay your bills. Use personal loans responsibly to avoid penlaties and late fees.
Hard times befall us all but you do not have to break your budget to pay your bills. Use personal loans responsibly to avoid penlaties and late fees.

Not all debt consolidation is created equal

A person has to be cautious about how they get debt relief. Debt consolidation plans aren't always the best for the consumer. READ MORE...
Calculator

Social Security recipients, beware banks pushing personal loans

Going paperless with Social Security checks seemed fine, but banks have started targeting recipients with their high-cost personal loans...
The cover of an old pulp thriller comic book. The title is "Beware – Chilling Tales of Horror." Depicted is a man tied up in ropes in what appears to be an old gothic castle. Three hungry rats are deciding whether to dine on the hapless prisoner.