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Personal Loans

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What Is a Payday Loan and How Does It Work?

Payday loans are high-cost, short-term and risky loans. Consider alternatives before getting a payday loan.

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Nicole Dow, Jackie Veling
Jun 07, 2018

What Is Predatory Lending?

Predatory lending benefits a lender at the borrower's expense. Learn the warning signs and how to spot a good lender.

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Jackie Veling, Nicole Dow
Jun 05, 2018

When and How to Refinance a Personal Loan

When you refinance a personal loan, you pay it off with another loan. Ideally, your new loan has a lower rate, so you save money.

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Annie Millerbernd, Ronita Choudhuri-Wade
May 14, 2018

National Debt Relief for Debt Settlement: 2026 Review

National Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.

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Jackie Veling
Apr 24, 2018

What Is a Credit-Builder Loan and Who Would Benefit?

A credit-builder loan helps you build credit through a record of on-time payments — plus you get a savings boost.

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Nicole Dow, Robin Hartill, CFP®
Apr 04, 2018

Top Debt Management Plan Companies in 2026

A debt management plan can help you get control of your debt. Compare fees from the top companies.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles
Mar 29, 2018

Self Credit Builder: How It Works

A credit-builder loan from Self can help your credit profile through on-time loan payments.

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Bev O'Shea, Robin Hartill, CFP®
Mar 13, 2018

How to Consolidate Credit Card Debt: 5 Best Options

Consolidating your credit card debt is usually a good idea if you can qualify for a lower rate than your current debts.

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Jackie Veling
Mar 12, 2018

No-Credit-Check Loans: How They Work and Alternatives to Consider

No-credit-check loans are easy to get but should usually be considered after lower-cost alternatives.

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Nicole Dow, Laura McMullen
Feb 26, 2018

401(k) Loans: How to Borrow From Your Retirement Fund

A 401(k) loan lets you borrow money at a low interest rate, but it can derail your retirement savings.

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Annie Millerbernd, Nicole Dow
Feb 19, 2018

Capital One Personal Loan Alternatives

Capital One doesn’t offer personal loans, but borrowers can find loans at other banks, online lenders or credit unions.

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Amrita Jayakumar
Jan 19, 2018

Tax Refund Loan: How to Tap Your Refund Early

Tax refund loans provide fast cash while you wait for the rest of your refund.

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Nicole Dow
Jan 18, 2018

Bank of America Personal Loan Alternatives

Bank of America offers a small-dollar loan, but borrowers seeking large personal loans have options with other lenders.

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Amrita Jayakumar
Jan 18, 2018

What Is Debt Settlement and How Does It Work?

Debt settlement can help you get out of debt by reducing the amount you owe, but it’s risky and you likely have other options.

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Bev O'Shea, Jackie Veling
Dec 21, 2017

Debt Relief: How It Works and Options to Consider

Debt relief changes the terms or amount you owe to help you pay it off. Learn about debt management, debt settlement and other debt relief options.

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Jackie Veling, Kate Ashford, WMS™
Dec 21, 2017

How to Negotiate Debt Settlement on Your Own

Negotiating a debt settlement on your own isn't easy, but it can save time and money compared with hiring a debt settlement company.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles
Dec 20, 2017

Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement: Which Is Best For You?

Debt consolidation and debt settlement are two different ways to address debt. Which is best for you depends on your circumstances.

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Jackie Veling, Sean Pyles
Dec 20, 2017

Freedom Debt Relief for Debt Settlement: 2026 Review

Freedom Debt Relief offers debt settlement plans that can help you get out of debt, but it’s risky. Compare debt settlement with other debt payoff alternatives.

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Jackie Veling
Dec 19, 2017

What Is Debt Consolidation, and Should I Consolidate?

Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into a single payment. It can be a good idea if you qualify for a low enough interest rate.

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Jackie Veling
Oct 06, 2017

Where to Get a Personal Loan

You can get a personal loan from an online lender, credit union or bank. There are pros and cons to each option.

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Nicole Dow
Sep 12, 2017