Loans While Unemployed: Honest Options and Real Risks

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The Short Answer Being unemployed does not automatically disqualify you from borrowing, but it does narrow your options and raise your cost. Lenders care about income, not just employment — unemployment benefits, freelance earnings, spousal income, Social Security, a pension, rental income, and investment distributions can all count as qualifying income, depending on the lender … Read more

Debt Consolidation Loans: Roll Your Balances Into One Payment

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The Short Answer Debt consolidation loans let you pay off multiple high-interest balances — credit cards, medical bills, personal debts — and replace them with a single fixed monthly payment at a lower APR. For most borrowers with a credit score above 580, a personal loan is the right tool: $1,000–$50,000, 6.99%–35.99% APR, repaid over … Read more