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- Watch out for capital gains taxes
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- How to open a savings account or CD
- How to make a claim
- How to invest in AI stocks
- Dividend tax rate 2023
- What should I do if I want to insure more than $250,000?
- How to get a refund
- How long-term care insurance works
- For credit building
- When to switch business bank accounts
- 4. Revisit regularly
- How much are Disney Park Hopper tickets?
- Prospective buyers optimistic about 2021
- 3. Buy a house. Heck, buy houses for all your friends.
- Personal loans from banks
- 10. Use a credit card cash advance
- Does YouTube TV fit in your budget?
- Other ways to skip baggage fees
- Foundation grants for nonprofits
- Interest rate
- What if you can’t afford to tip?
- How to cancel an Emirates Skywards award flight
- Plan ahead — demand is high
- Alternatives to a lady bird deed
- ONE VIP Visa Prepaid Card
- How the lifetime gift tax exclusion works
- What states banned abortion?
- May
- How to calculate your modified adjusted gross income
- How to qualify
- Fly to Hawaii from 12,500 points each way
- Take advantage of nontraditional return options
- Estimate your 2024 IRS tax refund date
- Additional costs for international wires
- Compare the best savings and money market accounts
- 7. Keep the check until it's processed
- Gemini Credit Card
- Important Treasury Bond Terms
- What's different about buying a condo?
- Pre-tax vs. Roth 401(k)
- Which Bilt transfer partners are best?
- State thresholds for the medical expense deduction
- Most rent remains unaffordable
- When to consider adding additional insurance to your rental
- Change your repayment plan
- Is Uber Eats Pass worth it?
- What to expect when you open your new account
- Standard deduction for those 65 or older
- Budgets loom
- Watch out for scams
- Mortgage and refinancing benefits
- LLC payroll taxes
- What is the Federal Reserve Board?
- How do I find an accounts receivable factoring company?
- Understanding the American Express card families
- How to increase your pre-qualification amount
- What are fleet cards?
- Best value plans
- Average cost of renters insurance in Florida by city
- What is California's standard deduction?
- Impact investing examples
- 11. Look for a payday alternative loan
- Who should avoid Frontier Airlines?
- Average certificate of deposit rate: 1.81% for one-year CDs
- How to complain about FedLoan Servicing
- What Nationwide pet insurance covers
- 4 ways to start investing
- Alternatives to savings accounts
- Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
- How to find the 2024 W-4
- 2. Certificates of deposit
- G
- How to freeze your child’s credit
- How to change or cancel an EIN
- Other Roth IRA rules
- Become a marijuana stock investor
- Quick start guide: How to invest in index funds
- The most popular surveys for cash apps
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Universal vacation packages
- Doing the math on HDHPs
- Credit union personal loan rates
- Where to get a loan to buy a business
- What are the required minimum distribution rules for a traditional IRA?
- Minimum wage increases
- 3 ways to avoid inheritance tax
- Joint accounts for teens
- What is net investment income tax?
- 6. Inspect and test-drive the car, if applicable
- 4. Pick an investment strategy
- Dividend tax rate 2024
- More reading about ETFs
- More U.S. passport photo requirements
- Credit card and travel insurance that can get your money back
- How to choose the best ESG funds for you
- How did we determine the value of United miles?
- Growth stocks vs. dividend stocks
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- Other ways to cut wire-transfer costs
- How to buy bank stocks
- Other special types of CDs
- Compare the best CD accounts
- Lingering questions
- Why you may not be getting a response after an interview
- How to find AI ETFs
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
- What percent down payment do you need for a house?
- Tips to find cheap flights any day of the week
- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- Getting the most from your pre-qualification limit
- How do fleet cards work?
- Finalize preparations for tax day, April 15
- What part of my income gets taxed by California?
- What to expect: Delta Comfort Plus
- What to know about holiday return policies
- 12. Get a personal loan
- Set and stick to a repayment plan
- What is the median household income in the U.S.?
- Compare Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k)
- Is transferring your Bilt Rewards worth it?
- The U.S. needs way more rental housing
- Close your old account, if needed
- H
- 3 tips to control central air conditioning installation costs
- Is accounts receivable financing a good idea?
- How previously incarcerated people can strengthen their loan application
- How to earn United PlusPoints
- How do you buy Vanguard Index fund shares?
- U.S. passport agency locations
- EveryDollar, for simple zero-based budgeting
- Things to consider
- Claiming tax-deductible donations on your tax return
- How to file your sole proprietorship tax returns
- 4. Varo: Best for existing bank customers
- Where's my 2024 state tax refund? Track your status
- How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?
- Best for extra benefits: Anthem Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Remote work and school shape wish lists
- 4. Give it away
- If you’re considering flying Frontier Airlines
- Purchase upgraded airfare with priority lane access
- 7 ways to reduce your 401(k) taxes
- Delta Comfort Plus
- How can you take the guesswork out of tipping?
- The bottom line on OpenAI
- Emirates' cancellation policy recapped
- How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
- If you're considering booking a rental car with your American Airlines card
- How to report dividend income on your taxes
- Best free kid banking apps
- 2024 lifetime gift tax exemption
- Do I have to update my W-4 every year?
- Can I take my own passport photo?
- June
- What to know about Florida renters insurance
- The 5 Cs of credit
- Fly to Hawaii in business class from 25,000 points each way
- Capital loss deduction
- Compare the best checking accounts
- How to settle a dispute with FedLoan Servicing
- More on WebBank
- What’s next?
- Some helpful links from the IRS
- Days in the cycle
- The latest report on inflation
- Why you might prefer the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- How to pay lower taxes when selling stocks
- 3. Bonds
- When should you freeze your credit?
- Types of fixed-income investments
- Florida resident discount for Universal Orlando Resort
- Are Roth IRAs safe?
- 13. Rent out a room
- The bottom line
- Want more context?
- 7. Determine which warranties are right for you
- Dress code for a passport picture recapped
- Breeze Airway cancellations recapped
- LLC self-employment taxes
- Am I a resident for California state tax purposes?
- How to get a loan from a credit union
- How to get a tax refund sooner
- Cheaper ways to send money
- Does Disney Park Hopper include parking?
- Summary of pros and cons of personal loan lenders
- Can you open a business account with no credit check?
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- How to control your dividend tax bill
- FamZoo Prepaid Card
- Standard deduction for dependents
- How to get Air Canada preferred seats for free
- Online travel agencies can be hit or miss
- How long does it take to get pre-qualified for a mortgage?
- Are bonds a good investment?
- Are mortgage rates the same for all lenders?
- Compare the best banks, credit unions and cash management accounts
- Where to find the best savings accounts
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- How to use United PlusPoints
- Why do I need a business credit score?
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- How to evaluate dividends
- How to find the best refinance rates
- New homeowners face financial challenges
- 5. Buy an island. Or make a movie.
- Alternatives to Roth IRAs
- How to choose a lender
- Shop around and read the fine print
- What’s not covered
- Next Steps
- Could we be in an AI bubble?
- 5. Understand your investment options
- Who pays the gift tax?
- July
- Cons of a credit freeze
- What are the best Vanguard index funds?
- How to start impact investing
- Tax-loss harvesting rules
- 14. Moonlight as a dog sitter
- The bottom line
- Average money market account rate: 0.66%
- Which type of life insurance should I put in a trust?
- What's next?
- K
- LLC sales taxes
- Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
- How to finance central air installation
- Cost of long-term care insurance
- Can you get a passport in one day?
- Advantages and disadvantages of Navy Federal business loans
- Fly to Europe in business class from 60,000 points each way
- Charitable contributions 2023
- 5. Dave: Best for repayment flexibility
- Shop with confidence
- Best for nationwide availability: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Single-member LLC taxes
- Compare the best bank accounts for students and kids
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- 8. Negotiate the best price
- How to fund a startup
- When can't you take the standard deduction?
- Do you pay taxes when you receive a gift?
- How do I get my business credit score?
- Fleet fuel cards: benefits and drawbacks
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Credit union vs. online lender
- 15. Become a rideshare or delivery driver
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- What are the best dividend stocks?
- Cards with primary coverage
- Air Canada seat selection recapped
- Investor-friendly
- How to manage stock trading risks
- How to decide if Disney Park Hopper is right for you
- Summary of the best banks and credit unions of 2024
- Approved federal student loan servicers
- What’s a good down payment for a house?
- L
- Credit freeze or credit lock?
- Calculating MAGI: Example
- Empower Personal Dashboard, for tracking wealth and spending
- Refinancing a mortgage, step by step
- 16. Cut your insurance premiums
- The bottom line
- How much money can you make on YouTube?
- Figo: Best pet insurance for cats
- Is the gift tax deductible?
- August
- What determines Florida renters insurance rates?
- What is no-exam life insurance?
- As a last resort, contact your member of Congress
- Which is the cheapest credit card with Priority Pass?
- Other transportation
- Nationwide coverage options
- Which card should you get?
- Greenlight Prepaid Mastercard
- How much is my 2023 standard deduction?
- LLC tax forms and deadlines
- 4 key things to know about bonds
- How to use Chase points for flights smartly
- Credit cards and elite status can improve your overall experience
- Cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points
- 9. Maximize trade-in value, if applicable
- American Express add-on coverage
- How much is the gift tax rate?
- Who can access your frozen credit reports?
- How can I save on new car insurance?
- Tax advantages of buying long-term care insurance
- If you're looking for how to use United PlusPoints
- Important considerations when opening a Roth IRA
- 6. MoneyLion: Best for existing customers
- Medigap plan types
- Pros of investing in REIT stocks
- M
- How to get a passport in 24 hours
- 17. Consolidate your debt
- The difference between interest rate and APY
- Should you invest in AI stocks?
- Additional help
- Fuel card vs. business gas credit card
- Make the most of your credit cards during spring travel
- California resident discount for Universal Studios
- How can credit cards and elite status improve your overall experience?
- Next steps
- Other lounge access cards
- Alternative lending best practices
- Restrictions and waiting periods
- Compare insurance rates by driver history
- September
- Best AARP discounts
- What's the easiest way to invest responsibly?
- Alternatives to no medical exam life insurance
- When to file sole proprietorship taxes
- Principles of investment strategies
- Cons of investing in REIT stocks
- Earn an audience, and earn more in the long run
- 10. Make the purchase
- It pays to know
- The bottom line
- Invest in bonds: next steps
- Are dividends taxed?
- 18. Refinance your student loans
- Travel cards used
- 2023 vs. 2024 standard deduction
- Common gift tax return triggers
- N
- LLC tax tips for business owners
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Hop through Europe from 12,500 points for two destinations
- Stay at a Marriott beach resort with points
- Nationwide pet insurance rates
- Practical matters
- What is credit card consolidation?
- How to buy long-term care insurance
- California state tax credits
- More about buying life insurance as a senior
- Next steps
- 7. SoLo Funds: Best for peer-to-peer cash advances
- 19. Change your cell phone plan
- Investing in REITs: How to get started
- How much we spent: A breakdown
- Is alternative lending right for my business?
- Walmart MoneyCard
- W-4 calculator
- 4. Money market funds
- Become an annual pass holder or season pass holder
- Alternatives to Navy Federal business loans
- Other ways to make money
- When to claim the standard deduction
- October
- Methodology
- PocketGuard, for a simplified budgeting snapshot
- Fixed-income taxes
- Avoid risky loans
- How the FDIC calculates national rates
- If you’re considering an upgrade to Delta Comfort Plus
- How does credit card consolidation work?
- O
- Does your business need a fleet fuel card?
- Where to trade stocks
- Modified adjusted gross income: The bottom line
- Investing
- Best websites for finding a business partner online
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- 3 best cold wallets
- What else to know about Form W-4
- More about top-rated life insurance companies
- How to invest in fixed-income securities
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- The bottom line
- P
- Understanding state 'partnership' plans
- If you’re considering an upgrade from Delta Comfort Plus to Premium Select
- 8. Klover: Best for no-fee advances
- What are tax deductions?
- 5. Mutual funds
- November
- Traveler-friendly
- How big is the impact investing market?
- Is a single-member LLC worth it?
- Discounts
- The bottom line
- Is consolidating credit card debt a good idea?
- OK, what's next?
- Credit card rewards
- S
- More about buying life insurance with a health condition
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Disney Park Hopper recapped
- More resources
- Best stocks for beginners
- The bottom line
- Can I still use my credit card after debt consolidation?
- Best pay-as-you-go plans
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- How are impact investments measured?
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- December
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
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- T
- Corporate grants for nonprofits
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- U
- Prime Visa
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The process of applying for a personal loan may feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin or what you need.
Below are five steps and common questions to help you through the process of choosing and applying for the best personal loan for your financial situation.
Step 1: Check your credit
Start the process by checking your credit. The interest rate and loan amount you receive depend a lot on your credit score, so reviewing your credit report lets you spot and fix any errors — like a falsely reported late payment — and strengthen your score before applying for a personal loan.
How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
Good- or excellent-credit borrowers (those with scores of 690 or above) typically receive lower rates and have a wider group of lenders to choose from. On the other hand, bad- and fair-credit borrowers (scores below 690) may have fewer options and receive higher interest rates.
How do I see my credit score for free?
You can get a free credit score and credit report with NerdWallet. You can also request free credit reports directly from the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
Pre-qualifying for a personal loan gives you a preview of estimated rates, monthly payments and terms before you submit a formal application. Many lenders allow prospective borrowers to pre-qualify on their websites.
Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
No, pre-qualifying for a personal loan requires a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score.
What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
To pre-qualify, you’ll need to submit information such as:
Loan purpose. Unsecured personal loans can be used for almost anything, and most lenders ask how you intend to use the money.
Requested loan amount. Lenders typically offer personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000.
Preferred loan term. Personal loans usually have repayment terms from two to seven years.
Personal and financial information. This could include your name, email address, date of birth, address, income and Social Security number.
If you’re unable to pre-qualify for a loan on your own, consider a co-signed or joint loan. Adding someone with a strong credit score and higher income can help you get approved and lower your rate. But keep in mind that a co-borrower or co-signer will be required to make loan payments if you fail to.
How long will it take to pre-qualify?
Pre-qualifying can take up to a few minutes after you submit your information. If you qualify for a loan offer, the lender will show you potential rates and terms to choose from.
Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
The best personal loan is usually the most affordable one. Carefully consider things like APR, monthly payments and fees before you accept an offer.
APR: The annual percentage rate is the total cost of borrowing and includes your interest rate and all additional fees. The lower the APR, the lower the cost of the loan.
Loan term: The loan term is how long you will be paying off the loan. A longer term can lower your monthly payments, but you’ll end up paying more in total interest than you would with a shorter-term loan.
Fees: Some lenders charge an origination fee, which is usually 1% to 10% of the loan amount. This fee increases your APR and a lender may take it upfront, effectively lowering your total loan amount.
Monthly payments: Check the monthly payment and make sure that you can comfortably afford the loan in your budget.
Features and benefits: Identify features that are important to you, like flexible payment options, help with building your credit or direct payment to creditors if you’re consolidating debt.
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Step 4: Gather loan documents
Once you’ve chosen a loan with the rate, term and features that best fit your needs, it’s time to complete the application. Depending on the lender, you may apply for the loan online or in person.
What do I need for my loan application?
You’ll need to provide some or all of the following:
Proof of identity, including a government-issued ID or driver’s license.
Proof of address, including a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
Proof of employment status.
Income details, including bank statements or pay stubs, and proof of additional income like retirement, alimony or child support.
Social Security number if it wasn’t submitted during pre-qualification.
If you have a co-borrower on your personal loan application, they will need to submit similar documents to verify their identity, address and income details.
» MORE: Requirements for a personal loan
Step 5: Submit your application and get funded
Submitting a formal loan application triggers a hard credit inquiry. This inquiry will shave up to five points off your score and remain on your credit report for two years.
If everything checks out, you could get same-day loan approval. If the lender requests additional documents, approval may take longer.
After you are approved, carefully read and sign the loan agreement, which lays out the loan amount, APR and terms. The lender will disburse funds once the loan agreement has been signed.
If a lender does not approve your loan application, it is required to tell you the reason for the denial or to inform you of your right to seek out that information. Knowing why your application was declined can help you improve your chances of future loan approval.
How quickly you receive the money will likely depend on the type of lender you choose. Many online lenders can provide same- or next-day funding, while some banks and credit unions may take up to a week.
» MORE: Best lenders for quick cash
Once you receive funding, expect your first loan payment to be due within 30 days. If you’ve opted into automatic payments, the funds will be debited from the bank account you provided. Add your monthly payment amount to your budget to manage your debt repayment.
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