economy

When you should (and shouldn't) take out a personal loan to pay off debt

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When you should (and shouldn't) take out a personal loan to pay off debt

TL;DR

  • Personal loans can consolidate high-interest debts into a single, potentially lower-interest payment.
  • This can simplify cash flow management and provide a fixed end date for debt repayment.
  • The strategy is beneficial if you qualify for a significantly lower interest rate than your current debts.
  • It's crucial to address underlying spending habits to prevent accumulating new debt alongside the personal loan.
  • A personal loan may not be advisable if you have damaged credit, leading to high interest rates, or if your future income is unstable.
  • Missing payments on a personal loan can damage your credit score and lead to legal action.