personal loan guide

TIME was when we had little choice if we needed to arrange a loan. The first port of call was typically the High Street bank, or local building or friendly society. We would then have to rely upon the benevolence of the manager - and of course a decent credit record showing that we were a good risk when it came to repaying money borrowed.

The amounts we could borrow were restricted, and even up to just a decade or so ago, going cap in hand for sums above £10,000 was virtually unheard of. Today however the situation is radically different. As a nation we collectively owe in the region of one trillion pounds - yes, one trillion - comprised for the most part of mortgage, credit/store cards and personal loans.

One of the reasons for this massive uplift in debt is the easy availability of money. Whereas we used to be limited to the High Street when wanting to borrow significant sums to buy a car, say, or maybe to help finance other major projects, in 2005 there are endless avenues open to us.




Along with the High Street lenders - some of whom offer the most competitive rates available in today's fiercely competitive market - we can now log onto the Internet to source a personal loan, or pick up the telephone to arrange an in-principle loan via a finance company in a matter of minutes.

As a financial data comparison site, Moneynet.co.uk can point you in the right direction for the best deals to meet your needs. There is a bewildering choice, and not all of them will be right for you.

For example, some loans impose hefty penalties should you want to pay them off earlier than the agreed borrowing period. The golden rule is always to read the small print before signing for a loan.