Brainy Loans
Why you should think twice before getting a payday loan.
When you get in a financial crisis or shortage of funds between your payday, consider taking out a payday loan to relieve your financial news. Payday loans are designed to quickly access funds that can be used until your next payday.
But it is essential to be aware of the risk associated with payday loans before you decide to take one out. Payday loans are designed as quick relief and usually will be due on your next payday anywhere from one to four weeks.
These loans are known for carrying extremely high-interest rates, other fees, and penalties. The interest rate on payday loans car depends on the lender and the state you live in but can be as high as 664 percent.
Additionally, payday loans target borrowers who are in a difficult financial situation and might not have other options to consider. These loans are promoted as a quick and easy financial solution to your difficulties.
But often they will trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, one out of five payday loans are rolled over which can trap many borrowers in a spiral of debt.
In summary payday loans may seem like an easy solution to financial difficulties but usually end up being a debt cycle for many. It is important to explore all of your loan options and seek assistance from credit counseling services before considering a payday loan.
What's a payday loan?
A payday loan will be a short-term loan intended to cover expenses until the borrower’s next payday, with these loans your amount can range anywhere from a few hundred up to a few thousand dollars. The primary aim of payday loans is to offer immediate cash for unforeseen expenses.
To obtain a payday loan lender will require proof of income and a valid bank account, resulting in an easily accessible loan for borrowers that need funds quickly. It is important to understand even though payday loans can be a quick solution to your problems, they can be really risky due to high-interest rates, fees, debt traps, and low regulation of the industry.
Despite being marketed as a user-friendly financial option, due to lack of regulation many of the lenders will engage in predatory practices such as excessive fees or trapping borrowers in a debt cycle. Borrowers should take into account the substantial risk associated with these types of loans and leave payday loans as the last result.
What is the target borrower for payday loans?
Payday loans are often marketed toward borrowers who are facing financial emergencies and need money quickly. Usually, payday loans are typically offered to individuals who have limited access to the traditional form of credit and who might have a lower credit score.
The lender who offers payday loans target individuals with low income and who are living paycheck to paycheck. The application process for payday loans is designed to be quick and borrowers will only have to provide proof of income with a valid bank account.
This will make the loan easily accessible to individuals who may not be eligible for other forms of loans. The target borrower for payday loan companies will be individuals earning less than $40,000 annually and who don’t have access to other forms of credit.
Why are payday loans so risky?
Payday loans are considered risky because they are extremely high-interest rates, have many fees, and trap many borrowers in a cycle of debt. The interest rate on payday loans can range anywhere from 154 percent up to 664 which is higher than any other loans types.
Another reason why payday can be risky is that they are designed for individuals who are likely not able to pay them back leaving them in a cycle of debt. Since payday loans are designed to be extremely short it usually doesn’t give enough time for borrowers to repay the loans and they end up rolling the loan over.
The main reason payday loans are risky would be due to lack of regulation in the industry this allows borrowers to use predatory practices such as charging excessive fees and not disclosing the true cost of payday loans.
For example with an average interest rate of 391% on a payday loan if you borrow $500 you could end up paying as much as $1,575 over the course of the year. Sometimes something that might seem like a quick solution could cost you a thousand extra and before applying for any loan be sure to look into all the options available to you. This will help you make the right decision to help your financial news.
Other financial resources to consider instead of payday loans.
Instead of using payday loans, here are several other options available to most individuals that can get you the funds your looking for:
- Personal Loans: Personal loans are a great alternative to payday loans they will generally have lower interest rates and longer repayment periods.
- Paycheck advances: Some employers can offer paycheck advances to their employees, this will provide you with a short-term loan that you will pay back with your future wages.
- Borrowing: Borrowing money from family or friends can be the best option compared to taking out any loan. It is important to under that borrowing from close friends can put a stray on your relationship.
- 401(k) Loans: If you have a 401(k) retirement plan you will be able to borrow from it with lower interest rates than payday loans. It is important to understand that it should be used as a last resort because it can impact your savings.
- Peer-to-peer lending (P2P): P2P lending platforms allow you to borrow money from individual investors. The interest rates are typically lower the payday loans and repayment terms are flexible.
- Side jobs or selling items: You are able to get a side hassle like driving for uber, TaskRabbit, or any other companies letting you work part-time when you have time. Another option would be selling unwanted items such as old clothes or other items you might not be using.
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