Personal Loans

How to Get The Most Out of Your Loan

March 1, 2023

A loan is money you borrow with an agreement to repay the amount with interest over a specified and agreed period of time.

The money could be borrowed from a financial institution like a bank, a Sacco or a savings group.

Loans are a financial tool and a common way for people to finance major projects like starting or expanding a business, building houses, buying a car or covering unexpected expenses like medical bills. They can also be used to pay for education.

The terms and conditions of a loan can widely vary depending on the lender and the borrower's income and credit history.

It is therefore important to work on ensuring that your loan enables you to achieve what you set out as a matter of priority and stay within the course.

To get the most out of your loan, please ensure that you:

1. Have a Very Specific Goal for Your Loan Funds

Having a specific and well-defined goal for your loan funds can help you make the most of your loan and ensure that you use the money effectively. A clear purpose for the loan makes it easier to determine the amount you need to borrow, work out a repayment period that is best for you and the type of loan that fits your needs.

A specific goal for your loan funds can also help you prioritise the spending and ensure that you don't use the loan on unnecessary expenses. For example, if you are taking a loan to purchase a house, it's important to use the loan funds only for that purpose and avoid using the funds for other expenses such as vacations or buying luxury items.

By sticking to your plan, you will avoid falling into debt and this can also help you stay focused and motivated to repay the loan as quickly as possible which could help in reducing the overall cost of borrowing.

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2. Research the Right Loan for You

Taking out a loan is a significant financial decision that should be carefully weighed. Even in cases where getting a loan could be easy, seriously consider having a clear repayment strategy to ensure that you are able to honour your obligations and also sustain your relationships with the lenders while protecting your creditworthiness.

Before taking a loan, please consider the following:

Repayment ability: Make sure you can comfortably repay the loan, considering your monthly expenses and future financial obligations.
Interest rate and fees: Compare the interest rates and fees offered by different lenders to determine the overall cost of the loan. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the loan before you sign a loan agreement.
Alternatives: Consider alternative options like saving money, cutting expenses or finding other financing sources before taking a loan.
Credit history: Your credit history and score will play a role in determining the terms and conditions of the loan. Make sure that your credit situation is favourable to your getting a loan before applying for one.
Lender reputation: Research the lender's reputation and track record to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable and trustworthy institution. Check the lender's ratings and reviews from independent sources or consumer advocacy groups online and on social media platforms.
Loan application process: Consider the documentation required, and the time it takes to get approved all the way to the loan disbursement. Ensure that the lender you choose has a loan application process that works for you.

3. Understand the Total Cost of Credit (and plan for it)

Understanding the total cost of credit is as important as getting the loan itself in that it will largely help you make informed decisions about your finances. The total cost of credit includes not only the interest you will pay on the loan but also any additional fees, charges and penalties. To fully understand the cost of credit, consider the following:

Interest rate: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. A higher interest rate will result in a higher overall cost of credit.
Fees: In addition to the interest rate, there may be other fees associated with the loan, such as an origination fee, a late payment fee or a prepayment penalty. All these fees can significantly increase the overall cost of credit.
Repayment period: The length of the repayment period will also impact the overall cost of credit. A longer repayment period will result in lower monthly payments, but a higher overall cost of borrowing.
Inflation: Consider the impact of inflation on the cost of credit. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your loan repayments over time, making the loan more expensive in real terms.

By understanding the total cost of credit, you can plan for the loan repayments and make sure that you can afford the loan. This can help you avoid falling into debt and ensure that you are using your loan funds effectively.

Consider creating a plan for the cost of credit in a budget that includes your loan repayments, and make sure you have enough funds to cover your monthly expenses and other financial obligations. You may also consider setting aside funds for unexpected expenses or emergencies to help ensure that you can make your loan repayments on time and avoid additional fees or penalties.

4. Use your Loan on Growth Opportunities

Using your loan for growth opportunities can be a smart way to invest in your future and achieve your financial goals. When used wisely, a loan can provide the funds you need to start a new business, expand an existing one or invest in other opportunities that can lead to long-term growth and success. Here are some tips for using your loan for growth opportunities:

Having identified your goals, you can determine the specific growth opportunity you want to pursue and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals. This could be a strategy in line with “making your money work for you” by having your loan generate interest for you which could go towards the repayments or savings depending on your financial state.
Research and plan: Do your research and create a plan that outlines the steps you need to take to achieve your growth goals. Make sure your plan is realistic and takes into account any potential risks and challenges. Prioritise the plan that will see you increase the opportunities for growth in your favour rather than the growth of your debt. Loans serve you better by bringing you more rather than accumulating more debt is better to invest in than
Monitor your progress: Regularly monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed to ensure that you are on track to achieving your growth goals.
Manage your finances: Avoid taking on additional debt or dipping into your loan even when your monthly expenses and other financial obligations change. Strive to stick to your plans for the loan.

5. Choose the Correct Loan Tenure

Choosing the correct loan tenure is an important step in the loan process and can have a significant impact on the overall cost of borrowing and your financial situation. Loan tenure refers to the length of time you have to repay the loan, and it can range from a few months to several years. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right loan tenure:

Financial goals: Consider your financial goals and choose a loan tenure that aligns with your plans. For example, if you are planning to buy a house in the near future, you may want to choose a shorter loan tenure to reduce the overall cost of borrowing and help you achieve your goals more quickly.
Affordability: Consider your monthly income and expenses and choose a repayment period that you can afford. While a longer repayment period will result in lower monthly payments, it will see you dealing with a higher overall cost of borrowing in the long term.
Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the loan terms and conditions. For example, some loans may allow you to prepay or make extra repayments without incurring penalties, which can help you pay off the loan more quickly and save money on interest.

6. Protect Yourself from Income Loss

It's important to protect yourself from income loss when taking out a loan.

Here are some tips to help you avoid financial difficulties and ensure that you are able to make your loan payments:

Consider your income: Before taking out a loan, take a close look at your current income and expenses. Make sure that you have enough money coming in to cover your monthly loan payments, as well as all of your other bills and expenses.
Budget carefully: Make a budget and stick to it. Make sure you have enough money set aside each month to make your loan payments, even if you experience a drop in income.
Consider a contingency plan: If you are worried about losing your job or experiencing a drop in income, consider setting up a contingency plan. This could mean saving up an emergency fund, finding a side job or finding ways to cut back on your expenses.
Choose a loan with flexible terms: Look for a loan that offers flexible terms, such as the ability to defer payments or change the due date if necessary. This can give you some breathing room if you experience a drop in income.
Read the fine print: Before signing any loan agreement, make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions, including any fees, interest rates and repayment requirements.

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Wrapping Up

When all is done towards securing a loan, remember to always work towards staying on top of your financial situation by continuously monitoring your progress in utilising the loan as well as your credit status.

By tracking your progress, you will be able to tell and act on factors that positively or negatively impact your progress and your credit score. By so doing, you’ll have the advantage of knowing when to change something in your strategy or plans to help you keep within you goals.

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Njenga has over 8 years experience in multimedia and business journalism both as a writer, editor and producer. He has over 5 years of experience in radio broadcasting as a news reader, reporter and presenter. He is also a 2012 Earth Journalism Network-EJN Fellow.