Deciding to start a family can be overwhelming. This is a huge decision that will alter your life in so many ways.
But before you get too ahead of yourself, there are a few things you need to do first, like figure out how you’re going to finance this new life-altering endeavor.
One option you may be considering is taking out a personal loan. Here are a few things to consider before you make your final decision.
The Pros
- Lower Interest Rates
Personal loans are some of the most affordable loans out there. They generally have lower interest rates than credit cards and other types of loans.
This means you’ll save money in the long run by taking out a personal loan to finance your new family.
A fixed-rate personal loan can also give you peace of mind knowing that your interest rate will never go up, no matter what happens with the economy.
With this financial security, you can focus on the more essential things in life, like your new baby.
You do not want the stress of worrying about money to take away from this particular time.
- Easier to Qualify For
Another great thing about personal loans is that they’re relatively easy to qualify for.
Unlike a mortgage or auto loan, you don’t need perfect credit to get approved.
As long as you have a steady income and can prove that you can repay the loan, you should have no problem getting approved.
Some lenders only require that you have a checking account and a job. This makes personal loans one of the most accessible types of financing, especially for people with less-than-perfect credit.
- Quick and Easy to Get
If you are looking to start a family, you do not want to wait months or even years to get financing. With a personal loan, you can usually get the money you need within a few weeks.
There is no lengthy approval process like there is with a mortgage. As long as you meet the lender’s qualifications, you should be able to get your loan quickly and start planning for your new family right away.
- You Can Use the Money for Anything
Unlike other types of loans, personal loans do not have to be used for a specific purpose.
You can use the money to buy your new home, pay for fertility treatments, or cover any other expenses related to starting a family.
This flexibility is one of the things that makes personal loans so attractive to many people.
Cons
- You Will Have to Pay Interest
One of the most significant drawbacks of taking out a personal loan is that you will have to pay interest on the money you borrow.
This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the total cost of your loan.
If you’re not careful, the interest can quickly outweigh the benefits of taking out a personal loan.
While personal loans generally have lower interest rates, the extra payments will likely eat into your budget, which is not exactly what you want when trying to raise a family.
- You May Not Be Able to Get as Much Money as You Need
Many lenders often offer lower loan amounts for personal loans. This means you may not be able to get the total amount of money you need to finance your new family.
If you’re looking at a personal loan as your only option, shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders.
The amount you get may depend on your income and credit score, so it’s always a good idea to compare offers from multiple lenders before making a final decision.
- You May Have to Put Up Collateral
Depending on the lender, you may be required to purchase collateral for a personal loan.
This means you could risk losing your home or car if you can’t repay the loan.
This is too big of a risk for many people, especially when starting a family.
You could lose everything you’ve worked so hard for if you can’t make your payments on time.
- The Loan Term May Be Short
The repayment period for personal loans is often shorter than other types of loans, such as mortgages.
This means you’ll have to make your payments on time every month, or you could face penalties, such as a late fee.
If you’re not careful, the short loan term can put a lot of pressure on your finances and make it challenging to keep up with your payments.
There are upsides and downsides to taking a personal loan to start a family.
It’s essential to do your research and weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
If you’re unsure whether a personal loan is right for you, speak to a financial advisor to get more information.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.