Responsible borrowing

Most of us navigate through life with the inevitable need to borrow money at some point. Whether it is purchasing a home, acquiring a car, or transitioning careers or industries, borrowing becomes a pivotal tool for financing our lifestyles and investing in our future.

However, even as the lending market continuously innovates and adapts, it is not without its flaws. One significant gap that prevails is the lack of awareness about responsible borrowing, which in most cases is held for students. We believe that the concept of responsible lending should be the foundation of every borrowing journey, underpinning every investment we make in our future.

Neglecting to incorporate responsibility into our borrowing decisions can result in a domino effect of financial downturns. Moneezy is dedicated to resolving this issue. Our mission is to alter the position of potential borrowers and bolster their knowledge about loans before they make any commitments.

We firmly believe that the future is embedded in responsible lending.

What does it mean to borrow responsibly?

Responsible borrowing entails that you are able to take on debt in a careful and thoughtful way, underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation, and ensuring you fulfill your commitment to repay the loan.

Essentially, it is about maintaining financial control. The essence of responsible borrowing is to avoid lending too much while committing to repay it all within an unaffordable timeframe. Thus, it requires not just a sound knowledge of your financial status, but also a disciplined approach to managing your finances.

To borrow responsibly implies, for instance, that you are capable to self-evaluate the following elements:

• What is the purpose and sum of your loan? It gives great value to be able to contemplate the reason behind your borrowing need. Particularly to determine if the cause of the loan is based on a well-considered decision.

• What are you committing to? The answer is rather simple - and brief. You are committing to repay the loan. Assess your ability to fulfill this obligation within the selected loan term. Remember to consider your current financial commitment and expenses.

• What risks should you consider? Financial and economic matters are often under social and global influence, and this could also potentially impact your loan. How adept are you at handling this unpredictability?

• Alternative options: For many, online loans serve as an alternative to traditional bank loans, and there might even be other options you haven’t considered. Regardless of whether you choose to be traditional or alternative, it is vital to weigh the pros and cons.

Loans should be easy, but they are not a convenience – if you implement this way of thinking into your borrowing, you are one step closer to borrowing responsibly.

Long-term problems with irresponsible borrowing

At Moneezy, we passionately advocate for a more transparent lending market in the future. We believe that the way we borrow money in the future will be based on expanded knowledge. This stems from our increasing curiosity coupled with the current trend of viewing loans as investments of our future. Therefore, our vision is to address the potential long-term problems that may arise from irresponsible borrowing, empowering you to navigate the complex landscape of lending while still feeling prepared for the many facets of borrowing resulting in confident lending.

Borrowing can be a powerful tool to achieve financial goals or even change financial circumstances. However, it is crucial to remember that the consequences of irresponsible borrowing are equally significant. Embarking on a borrowing journey without adequate responsibility can lead you astray, making it challenging to regain your financial footing.

We have gathered an array of long-term issues typically associated with irresponsible borrowing:

1. The debt spiral
   You may be familiar with the concept of a ‘debt spiral’. It is a precarious situation we find ourselves in when we continually accrue new debt, even while struggling with the repayment of existing loans. This spiraling pattern typically leads to a trio of unfavorable outcomes: rising interest payments, growing financial stress, and diminishing financial stability.

2. Economic instability
   Instability is rarely a desirable attribute, particularly in the context of lending. The shift from a stable to an unstable economic situation usually arises due to unforeseen expenses or an alteration in income. Consequently, this typically leads to a reduction in available resources for loan repayment. The result? An unfulfilled financial obligation, commonly known as a defaulted loan.

3. A decline in credit score
   Defaulting your loans is more than just a financial setback - it directly impacts your future prospects. Loan defaults can wreak havoc on your credit rating, while also taking a toll on your self-esteem. This impaired credit status might limit your borrowing options in the future, curtail your ability to secure apartment rentals, and even reduce your chances of acquiring certain jobs. As such, a degradation in credit score doesn’t merely disrupt your current financial standing – it potentially narrows the scope of your future opportunities.

4. Limited opportunities
   Irresponsible borrowing can impose significant constraints on your future financial possibilities, making access to credit a challenge. Failing to uphold your agreement with a lender classifies you as a high-risk borrower, a member’s club that is neither desirable nor popular. The repercussions extend beyond finances as many borrowers will experience feelings of shame, leading to a need to hide the less glamorous aspects of their life from others. The emotional burden of such secrecy can ultimately exert a heavy toll on mental health.

5. Stress and the impact on mental health
   The constant struggle to secure financial stability can have profound implications. Studies show that escalating financial concerns directly correlate with an increase in psychological distress. The combined forces of stress and anxiety, further amplified by the weight of debt, have a ripple effect. This not only affects one’s mental well-being but also influences personal relationships, work productivity, and general health.

We wish to clarify that our intent is not to instigate fear or anxiety. Indeed, most borrowing experiences do not result in negative outcomes; they are in fact quite rare when looking at the amount. We simply want to underline the significance of responsible borrowing. The truth is that the entire responsibility rests solely upon you, and you control your financial destiny.

Don’t let it slip away – particularly when fulfilling this responsibility is not as daunting as it may seem.

How to borrow responsibly

The road to becoming a responsible borrower is not long. Quite the opposite. It is grounded in a fundamental principle – common sense. However, if you need a final nudge towards becoming a responsible borrower, consider these 7 guided steps:

1. Analyze your financial situation
   Reviewing your financial circumstances is an essential part of your loan application process. You need to take a comprehensive look at your income, expenses, and any existing debt. Be proactive and identify if any changes in these areas might influence your financial stability. This analysis will guide you in determining whether it is the appropriate time to take on additional debt.

2. Budgets
   It is a not-so-secret, secret: budgets are indispensable. They function as your financial compass, ensuring you navigate within the safe boundaries of your income while sidestepping avoidable debt. Start by assembling all your income and expenses into categories like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and so forth. It is equally crucial to earmark a part of your income for savings and debt settlements.

   Budgeting takes time, but it is worth it – we promise.

3. Consider all options
   Before you make a final decision regarding a loan, we strongly suggest that you explore alternative options. If the sum required is not significant, consider reaching out to your network of family and friends to borrow. This approach may help you avoid some interests and other costs often linked with formal loans.

4. Understand the loan terms and conditions
   How good are you at reading the fine print? It is a common oversight for most to just hit ‘accept’, oblivious of the terms they are agreeing to. This mistake becomes especially consequential while applying for a loan, where the unread fine print might hide crucial details.
   Ensure you take the time to understand every detail. Should you encounter any ambiguous sections, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from the lender – they are here to assist you.

5. Structured and regular repayments
   Choose a specific monthly date to settle your loan obligations, aligning it with your convenience. It could be payday, the first day of every month, or even the first Monday of each month – whatever makes the most sense for you.
   To ensure punctuality, consider setting a reminder on your phone. Or even better, enroll in an auto-payment system so you will never miss a due date. Late payments can result in unpleasant consequences, including additional fees and a bad credit score.

6. Monitor your debt
   It is essential to proactively manage your financial obligations. Left unchecked, debt can spiral out of control. Maintain oversight of your payment history – ensure your transactions are processed successfully – consistently track your outstanding balance and stay informed about any modifications to your loan terms.
   By doing so, you will be able to discover potential issues promptly and address them before they escalate into serious financial distress. In the event that a problem arises, we advise you to reach out to your lender as soon as possible.

7. Pay extra when the opportunity arises
   The chance to pay more may not arise – and that is perfectly fine. As long as you are meeting your obligation by paying the agreed amount on time, you are fulfilling your part of the deal. However, if the occasion does present itself, making additional payments could benefit you in terms of lowering the overall interest rate and reducing the loan term.
   Still, consistency in meeting your set payments keeps your lender happy, and it keeps us at ease too. Most importantly, you should also feel satisfied – and perhaps even a little proud – for upholding your end of the agreement.

These 7 steps will make you a responsible borrower with a solid foundation for your financial future. With informed decision-making, consistent discipline, and a thorough comprehension of your own financial standing and capabilities, you will be well-equipped for effective loan and debt management.

Tools and resources

It is entirely understandable if you are uncertain about how to become a responsible borrower, especially if you are new to the world of lending. Thankfully, there are numerous resources at your disposal to help you manage your upcoming loan effectively. At Moneezy, drawing on our vast experience, we have identified 3 exceptionally beneficial tools for your journey to financial responsibility.

Repayment plan

A repayment plan is a valuable tool for managing one’s finances effectively. Its primary benefit is that it empowers borrowers to take the reins of their financial health, circumventing unnecessary fines and fees, and as implied by its name a repayment plan maps out the timeline of your repayments. Moreover, it can play a significant role in enhancing one’s credit rating.

When you create such a plan, the main beneficiary is yourself. It not only aids in averting late fees and fines but a meticulously designed plan can expedite your debt resolution process, reducing the likelihood of loan defaults.

One of the notable advantages of having a repayment plan is the psychological relief it brings. With a systematic and automatic repayment schedule at hand, you possess a plan for debt repayment, allowing it to operate smoothly in the background. Consequently, you can devote your time and energy towards other life pursuits rather than being consumed by worries over loan payments.

A repayment plan also offers financial agility. In case of unforeseen alterations in your financial circumstances, it provides enough economic flexibility to adapt the plan and maintain repayment continuity.

Arguably, one of the most significant benefits is that the plan enables you to envision future financial goals like accumulating funds for a house, launching your own business or even preparing for a comfortable retirement.

With all these benefits directly improving your personal financial situation, there’s an added advantage as well. It also reflects positively on your credibility with the lender. It signals that you are conscious about your loan commitments and your unwavering dedication to fulfilling them.

At Moneezy, we firmly believe in the transformative power of a repayment plan, making financial goals more achievable and manageable. Therefore, we strongly encourage all our users to commence their debt management journey with this vital step.

Step-by-step: A comprehensive guide to an effective loan repayment plan

• Begin by compiling all relevant details related to your loan, such as the loan amount, interest rate, annual percentage rate, and loan term. These details will form the cornerstone of your plan.

• Gain a thorough understanding of your financial standing. Doing so will enable you to ascertain the amount you can comfortably afford to repay.

• Develop a detailed budget to manage your finances more effectively.

• Determine your optimal monthly repayment amount. This should ideally be an amount that is not overly burdensome but also not insignificant.

• Implement automatic payments to ensure regularity and avoid missed payments.

• Establish repayment milestones, possibly on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, and take the time to acknowledge and celebrate each achievement. This will boost your motivation to continue with the plan.

• Regularly evaluate and modify your payment plan as necessary. If there is any change in your income – whether it increases or decreases – it is important to adjust your repayment accordingly.

• If you find it difficult to make your monthly payments, don’t hesitate to consult a financial advisor for expert advice and guidance.

Take advantage of all available information

At Moneezy we firmly believe that responsible borrowing is a result of knowledge, understanding the ins and outs of loans and finances, as well as introspection into one’s own financial health. Therefore, our mission is to ensure comprehensive financial information is accessible to you.  Nonetheless, it is equally important that you have an awareness of your own financial standing and anticipate your borrowing trajectory effectively.

Entering the world of loans can often feel like learning a foreign language, brimming with unfamiliar terminology and concepts. We are here to help you decode this language, providing you with tools to navigate this new terrain.  We have established three distinctive sub-universes within the greater Moneezy universe: Moneezy Investigates, Moneezy Explains and Guides.

Moneezy Investigates is our research haven, where our expert team dissects and interprets financial trends.

Moneezy Explains serves as a digital encyclopedia, designed for you who want to understand loans in all aspects.

Moneezy Guides is your hands-on loan training, offering material on how to draft a budget, enhance your credit score, and much more.

This is our knowledge hub. Here, you will uncover all you need to comprehend the complexities of finances and loans. Immerse yourself in our resources, and you will emerge with a newfound understanding of your current or future loans.

Use a comparison service

Moneezy was originally built with one primary purpose – to enhance the loan experience for users by fostering superior quality within the loan market. For many years, our primary role was that of a comparison service, but we have since broadened our scope to evolve into the complete information platform we are today.

In today’s digital age, comparison services are an essential tool in a wide array of sectors, including hospitality, travel, and electronics. The benefits of comparison are manifold – it ensures higher quality, promotes cost and time efficiency, and in the context of loans, it paves the way for improved loan terms.

At Moneezy, we assemble a wide array of information about loan products, including interest rates, loan terms, fees, and other important details relevant to your loan journey, ultimately helping you to make informed decisions. Our extensive network of lenders – including banks, credit unions, and online lenders, is at your disposal. By using our platform, and therefore also gaining access to our network, you enhance the probability of finding a loan tailored to your needs.

The key reason for choosing a comparison service like Moneezy, however, lies in the increased security it offers you. Throughout your loan journey, our platform provides a level of protection unmatched elsewhere on the internet, guarding you against fraud and ensuring your privacy.

We pride ourselves on being risk-free and transparent – a loan comparison service that truly puts the user’s needs first. A loan comparison service with its heart in the right place. In our opinion, that is the definition of responsible borrowing.