Lenders & Resources: Where to Turn for Help

Introduction

Dealing with financial struggles can be really tough. Like, it can totally feel overwhelming trying to figure out your options when you’ve got money problems or need a loan. The good news is there are tons of places out there that wanna help people in situations like yours. I wanted to give you a quick rundown on some of the best lenders and resources, in case you or someone you know needs support.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are usually the first place to turn when you need a personal loan, auto loan, mortgage, or other type of lending. Most banks offer pretty competitive rates and flexible terms, especially if you’ve already got an account with them.A few top banks to check out include:

• Chase – Offers personal loans up to $35k with rates as low as 6%. Good option if you already bank with them.
• Wells Fargo – Personal loans up to $100k with rates starting at 5.74%. Bigger loans available.
• Citi – Personal loans and credit cards with intro 0% APR offers. Existing customers may qualify for discounts.

As for credit unions, I’d recommend ones like Alliant, PenFed, or Navy Federal if you’re eligible. They’re non-profits so can have better rates. Alliant has personal loans with rates as low as 6.99%.

Online Lenders

If the rates from your bank aren’t cutting it, I’d look into some online lending companies:

• LendingClub – The OG peer-to-peer lending marketplace. Personal loans up to $40k with rates from 5.99%.
• Lightstream – Loans up to $100k with rates from 3.99% for those with great credit. No fees is a nice perk.
• Upstart – Uses more than just your credit score to approve loans up to $50k starting at 5.68%.
• SoFi – Large personal loans up to $100k with rates as low as 5.74%. Other products too.

The nice thing about online lenders is they tend to move faster and are more convenient than brick-and-mortars. Could be just a few days from application to getting your funds.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending sites like LendingClub connect investors looking to loan money with borrowers like you. The investors compete to offer the lowest rates. It cuts out the middleman vs going through a bank.Some other big P2P lending platforms:

• Prosper – Personal loans up to $40k with rates from 5.99%.
• Upstart – Also uses education and job history for better rates.
• LendingTree – Marketplace with multiple lender offers. Loans up to $40k.

If your credit’s less than stellar, P2P can still be an option to get a personal loan with soft credit check. Just may have higher rates unfortunately.

Payday & Title Loans

I gotta be real with ya, payday and title loans generally aren’t a great move if you’ve got other options. They tend to have crazy high interest rates and aggressive repayment terms. But I get it – sometimes they feel like your only choice.If you do need to go this route, I’d check out:

• OppLoans – Payday alternative loans from $500-$4k with payments over 9-18 months.
• CashUSA – Large marketplace of state lenders offering personal loans up to $10k.

Be super careful reading the fine print with any payday or car title lenders. Make sure you understand the full cost of the loan including all fees. Don’t borrow more than you can afford to pay back.

Grants

If your credit is shot or you just have no way to take on another loan, there are some options for grants available:

• FEMA Grants – Provided to victims of natural disasters, pandemics, etc. Small business grants too.
• SBA Grants – Grants supporting small business owners including minorities, women, veterans, etc.
• Non-Profit Grants – Organizations like The Salvation Army and United Way provide emergency assistance grants covering food, rent, utilities, medical bills and more.

Reaching out to charities and non-profits in your area is smart if you’re struggling. Many offer emergency financial assistance or help connect people with government aid programs too.

Government Assistance Programs

There are government organizations that provide financial help including low interest loans, grants, and other relief options:Housing & Utilities

• HUD – Rental/housing assistance, public housing programs, and homebuyer assistance loans.
• LIHEAP – Helps pay heating and cooling bills, emergency furnace repairs, etc.

Food & Healthcare

• SNAP – Provides food stamp benefits to supplement groceries.
• Medicaid – Health coverage options for low-income individuals/families.

Unemployment & Education

• Unemployment Benefits – Financial support if you lost your job.
• FAFSA – Federal and state aid for college expenses.
• CareerOneStop – Job training and career development opportunities.

Tons of government agencies have programs available even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. Have some patience and do your homework to find ones that work for your situation.

Crowdfunding

If you’ve got a compelling story, turning to crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe and FundRazr can be an option to cover emergency expenses:

• GoFundMe – The largest crowdfunding platform. Free to set up a campaign.
• FundRazr – Supports personal fundraising for medical bills, vet bills, funeral costs, etc.
• YouCaring – Free crowdfunding for individuals and charities.

Make sure you share your campaign far and wide on social media so it gets visibility. Having an emotional story with pictures/video helps drive more donations typically.

Financial Literacy & Credit Counseling

If you’re struggling financially or have a lot of debt, speaking to a non-profit credit counseling agency can be super helpful. They can explain all your options, create debt management plans, negotiate with creditors on your behalf, and more.The top credit counseling agencies I’d recommend are:

• Money Management International – Free credit counseling and financial workshops.
• GreenPath – Affordable debt management programs.
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling – Low cost credit counseling options.

Getting educated on topics like budgeting, credit scores, paying down debt, and fixing your finances goes a long way too. Tons of free articles and videos online from reputable sources that can help.

Resources

Additional Lenders

• LendingTree – Compare rates from multiple lenders with one application.
• Avant – Personal loans up to $35k with options for fair credit.
• OneMain Financial – Personal loans with 300+ branches nationwide.

Financial Assistance

• 211 – Connects you with local assistance programs and resources.
• FindHelp.org – Database of programs providing financial relief in your area.
• AuntBertha.com – Service that connects users to free and reduced cost local resources.

Subreddits

• r/PersonalFinance – Discuss banking, loans, debt, credit, etc.
• r/PovertyFinance – Get tips and support for making ends meet.
• r/Borrow and r/Loans – Options for borrowing money on Reddit.

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