The Importance Of Education Before Taking Out A Personal Loan
By Kath / December 13, 2018 / No Comments / Tips
Before we train for employment, we are educated. Before we move out on our own, we are taught many of the basic skills that make us self-reliant, so naturally, it only makes sense that before we take on debt that we know exactly the ins and outs of financing, whether it is a simple credit card, a home, or a car. The opposite is true, though.
Much of what is learned about financing is learned through experience and our own research and effort. Many, unfortunately, do not take advantage of the many resources at their hand, which is surprising in a day and age when there is so much information available to consumers. Educating yourself as to the intricacies of debt is important so that when you do apply for a loan online or through more traditional means, you armed with the best information to make good financial decisions.
Continue reading to learn why financial education is of import before taking out a personal loan.
Understanding Basic Terms
One of the most important reasons that having a basic financial education is important relates to knowing simple terms that are integral to loan agreements. Terms like interest rate, principal, and amortization are common words that make up a contract. Their importance lay in the fact they not only determine the payment schedule but they also are a central part of calculating how much you owe on the principal over the life of the loan. Understanding basic terms can help prevent you from signing a loan that might not be to your advantage in the long run.
Understanding Your Monthly Payment
Whether you are making a major purchase or paying on a credit card, someone who has been educated as it relates to calculating a payment is so much further ahead of the game than someone who does not pay attention to how their monthly bill is calculated. More than just being a particular, astute consumer, knowing how to calculate your payment has far-reaching effects.
For one, while financing institutions are usually correct in their calculations, from time to time they err as well. For the consumer who just tosses their bill on the table and then pays it without regard to its contents, you lose extra money that month. Conversely, those who can calculate their monthly interest using the appropriate payment calculator will immediately know whether or not there has been added charge to their bill and can address it quickly.
Giving Yourself Purchasing Power
It is often said that knowledge is power, and in the case of understanding your finances, consumers have so much more power over their finances by simply understanding the terms and concepts that go along with taking out a personal loan. For one, those with a basic education can go into the loan with questions regarding the agreement they are about to sign.
Second, this knowledge can prevent you from making the serious missteps that happen when consumers are not clear about the terms and conditions of a loan agreement. Worse yet, consumers miss out on great opportunities simply because they do not have the financial acuity or education to act on loan programs that can turn into investments, or to even see them as being valuable.
Getting Financially Schooled
Getting an education is so much a better alternative to getting schooled. With an education, you can actually walk into a financial institution armed with the information that can guarantee you make the best decision and have more bargaining power. Alternatively, getting schooled only involves making poor choices as a result of lack of preparation.