Payday Loans – A Short Term Solution or a Long Term Debt
Friday, April 13th, 2012The term pay day loan tends to induce a sense of alarm and panic. They have attracted a lot of bad press in recent years due to unfounded negative perceptions. There is a tendency to think that you might end up with long term financial debt by choosing this type of loan, which could be true if the loan is abused. However, if used in the correct way, payday loan products do have a bone fied place in the financial market.
A payday loan is absolutely meant to be a short term solution. It is imperative that its consumers remember this and stick to its concept. It is only when consumer abuses the product that the threat of a long term debt might be a reality. The whole concept of payday loans is that they are for that purpose only i.e. until the next payday or within 28/ 31 days. The high levels of APR means that these type of loans are only affordable for one month only. For example:
A loan of £100 @ 1737% APR rate = £125 per month i.e. you pay £25 for the loan for one month.
If you push the repayment back by another month this means £25 x 2 = £50 for the loan for two months.
This illustration shows how it is possible to get into long term debt of you do not follow the terms and conditions set out by the lender to make the repayment after the first month.
Payday loans are therefore an excellent short term financial solution to resolve an emergency cash flow situation. Therefore these types of loans should only be used in the following types of circumstances:
- An emergency household repair
- An emergency car repair
- Small business owners with an invoice to pay
- Medical bills
- Vet bills
- To cover expensive unsecured overdraft fees
In short, payday loans should be used for emergencies only.
To avoid getting into long term debt you need to be honest with yourself about your finances. Different types of financial products are designed for different types of financial problems. Therefore if your problem is anything other than an isolated emergency situation, you should consider an alternative solution such as:
- Credit Card
- Overdraft facility
- Short term credit through Credit Union
- Personal Bank Loan
The important thing is to always seek professional advice if you are unsure about what type of financial assistance you require.
In summary, payday loans are a really good product if you have an emergency cash flow situation. Provided you use this loan sensibly and make the repayment in full on the agreed date then they are an excellent solution. You will only get into long term debt if you abuse this service, therefore if you are unsure of the type of financial assistance that you require then you must always seek professional advice.
