Repaying a personal loan!

If you are stuck in a personal loan debt, here are some ways to free yourself:

Asset monetization

If you have one or more of these assets such as car, home, life insurance policies, tax saving certificates, shares, bonds and debentures, or gold jewelry, bank fixed deposits, or mutual funds, you could monetize them to pay off your debt. In fact, some banks offer loan against assets that carry a lower rate of interest which could be used to settle your personal loan.

Consider debt consolidation

Another effective way of dealing with your debts is through what is called debt consolidation. In this method, you could pay a relatively lower installment every month over a longer tenure to the lender who will combine all the components of your debt portfolio into one. Debt consolidation is an effective option if you have too many loans to take care of and not enough monetary capacity for astute financing as this method will give you a built-in view of your credit worthiness. Though beware that when you calculate the total loan cost in the long run, it might become expensive. However, the idea is to obtain a short term relief under the current circumstances. Once your finances improve aim to close the loan earlier than planned.

Top up or convert to a secured loan

If you had taken a home loan you can move to a lower cost credit by going for a top up on your current loan. Another viable option would be to talk to your bank and if they agree convert the current loan into a secured loan against your vehicles, house, but only if the property is free from debts, liens or mortgages. This way you can restructure the loan for a lower monthly payment after taking into consideration the loan tenure and the interest rate.

Perhaps, the only drawback in converting a personal loan into other loans having collateral is that you stand to lose the collateral at risk in case of default on your loan amount, which could mean a lot when there is a contingency in the future. Hence, it is advisable to convert your current debt into a secured loan only after analyzing your capacity to repay the secured loan so that you don’t stand to lose the collateral at risk.

Remember that even a single default on your personal loan could trigger unexpected after effects in the repayment of your current loan and getting a future loan. In cases of the first default, it is ideal for you to talk to your lender and find a way out. Under normal circumstances the lender could impose a penalty of roughly around 2% on the default amount, which will only add to your current burden! So strive to discuss any problems you face with the lender to seek advise on possible solutions.

A personal loan is always a risky alternative finance with a higher rate of interest and it is better to close the loan as early as possible.

Evaluate other options before you take up a personal loan

In a case of any eventuality you could try the other time tested avenues of finding emergency funds. Monetizing your assets, or selling off your shares, bonds or debentures or premature closing of your fixed deposit could help! If you are a salaried individual the best way to get funds to meet a contingency is to approach the bank where your salary credit is done. Having known your track record and your exact income and withdrawal transactions, the banks are the best option available for you to secure a loan. The rate of interest could be relatively lower for you, as you bank with them. The same option holds good for any businessman having a current/savings account with a bank.

You should opt for a personal loan only if you do not have any assets to monetize or other options don’t work for you as interest rates are the highest next to only credit cards!