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How Do Debt Consolidation Loans Work?

Debt consolidation loans work by paying off all your debts at once with the loan’s lump sum. You then pay back the loan in fixed monthly installments.

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Jackie Veling

Should You Get a Personal Loan? Here Are the Pros and Cons

Personal loans can be used for many reasons, but potentially high rates are among their biggest drawbacks.

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Nicole Dow

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personal Loan?

Personal loan funding times vary, but many lenders can fund your loan in a week or less.

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Nicole Dow

Co-signing a Loan: Risks and Benefits

Co-signing a loan may help the borrower qualify, but it could also hurt your credit score and overall finances.

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Jackie Veling

Many Americans Are Borrowing to Pay for Basic Expenses

A new NerdWallet survey finds that the average personal loan has grown over the last year, with close to a third of borrowers trying to pay for necessities.

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Andrew Marder

7 Signs of Personal Loan Scams

Signs of fraudulent loans include texts inviting you to apply, promises of guaranteed approval and requests for money upfront.

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Annie Millerbernd

Average Personal Loan Interest Rates for March 2026

Average personal loan interest rates remain elevated, with the lowest rates available to those with strong credit. Compare offers from multiple lenders to get the best interest rate.

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Jackie Veling

What Are the Requirements for a Personal Loan?

Most lenders review your credit score, credit history, income and debt-to-income ratio on a personal loan application.

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Nicole Dow, Ronita Choudhuri-Wade

What Is a Secured Loan and How Does It Work?

A secured loan is a type of debt that requires collateral.

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Nicole Dow, Annie Millerbernd

What Are Usury Laws? See Your State’s Maximum Loan APR

A usury law is essentially an interest rate law. For the most part, loan rates are controlled at the state level.

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Annie Millerbernd, Jackie Veling

How to Pay for Pet Care in an Emergency

Pet emergencies are common — and expensive. Here are your options for covering this type of expense.

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Laura McMullen

How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026

Learn the best strategies for whittling down what you owe, depending on how much debt you have.

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Lauren Schwahn, Jackie Veling

Home Improvement Tax Credits and Rebates for Energy Efficiency in 2025

Federal home improvement tax credits are available for energy-saving home updates until the end of 2025. States rebates are currently paused.

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Annie Millerbernd, Dalia Ramirez

What Is Earned Wage Access?

Earned wage access is a company benefit that lets employees request part of their paycheck before payday.

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Annie Millerbernd

9 Personal Loans for Non-U.S. Citizens and How to Get One

Non-citizens who are permanent residents and have a Social Security number or ITIN may qualify for a personal loan.

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Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow

Payday Loan Consolidation: What It Is and How It Works

Consolidating high-interest payday loans into one personal loan can help ease a debt burden.

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Jackie Veling, Laura McMullen

The Top Buy Now, Pay Later Apps for 2026

These popular buy now, pay later apps will split your purchase into equal installments, usually with no interest.

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Jackie Veling

Hardship Loans: How to Borrow Money During a Financial Setback

A hardship loan can be any funds borrowed during a financial challenge. Compare all options before you borrow.

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Nicole Dow, Annie Millerbernd

How to Get a Personal Loan in 7 Steps

Getting a personal loan starts with checking your credit, getting pre-qualified and comparing loan offers.

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Ronita Choudhuri-Wade, Nicole Dow

What Is a Joint Loan and How Does It Work?

A joint loan gives co-borrowers equal access to the loan and shared responsibility for paying it back.

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Annie Millerbernd, Robin Hartill, CFP®