A few questions before you borrow at all
Answer a short set of questions about the expense and your situation to see whether a loan fits, or whether a payment plan, hardship program or waiting might cost less.
How this guide works
It asks a short series of questions about the expense and your situation — how urgent it is, whether it’s a one-off or ongoing, whether you have any savings or time — and points you toward a direction: a loan, a non-loan alternative, or waiting. It’s a thinking aid, not a verdict; you can change any answer.
Why ask before borrowing
Borrowing is one tool, not the only one. A creditor’s hardship plan, a payment arrangement, a credit union small-dollar loan, nonprofit assistance, or simply a short wait can cost far less than a loan — especially for small or short-term needs. The guide surfaces those before it points at a loan.
What it suggests
Each direction comes with its trade-offs and a next step, including alternatives worth a phone call first. Nothing here is a recommendation of a specific lender or product.
What it can’t tell you
- Whether you’ll qualify for any particular option.
- The exact cost of an alternative — that depends on your creditor, employer or local programs.
- Your full situation. Treat it as a prompt to think, then check the specifics.