Where to Obtain Short Term Funds like Payday Loans
Before the economic challenge took its toll, people dealt with short-term financial challenges by paying a check at a grocery store while hoping that it won’t clear before their next payday comes. This can be quite risky especially when the check bounces and there is a need to pay additional fees. The lack of option to make ends meet when cash is short is to take a loan from payday lenders.
Payday lenders give loans for the short-term. Loanable amounts range from $100 to $1000 with fees averaging at $15 to $30 for every $100 borrowed. This type of loan can be easily obtained. However, they can be very expensive. If the annual fee is considered, the rates can range from 381% to 700% according to NCLC or the National Consumer Law Center. More than the high interest rates, a cause for worry is the repeated loans of many borrowers because of the inability to pay their current loan when it becomes due. Many individuals get stuck in unmanageable debt because of this type of loan. But, payday loans are not the only options to provide for short-term cash needs. There are other fast-cash sources like 401K loans and credit card advances.
401 K allows employees to loan up to $50,000 or 50% of the total amount invested whichever is lower. Interest rates in 401K loans are generally lower than other types of consumer loans. On the average, a 1 to 2 percentage points higher than the prime rate is charged as interest. Payments are deducted from the paycheck, interest is paid to oneself and there is no need to undergo a credit check. Moreover, 401 K loans do not give limits as to how or where the money will be used.
Credit card cash advance is also a quick way to obtain short-term funds. However, they can be very expensive. The fees and interest rates for cash advances are usually higher than credit card purchases. It does not give a grace period for payment.
Running short on cash can be a challenge especially when the payday is not coming soon. However, short-term emergency funds can be obtained by borrowing from payday lenders, 401K loans or making credit card cash advances.
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