8 types of personal loans and their uses — plus 5 to avoid
Personal loans can be a good way to cover one-time expenses or consolidate debt.
7 min read
Apr 21, 2025
Erin Lowry
Expert Reviewer, Personal Finance
EXPERTISE
- Credit cards
- Debt management
- Personal finance
- Retirement
- Wealth
- Budgeting
Bankrate's Expert Contributors
Our Expert Contributors are a select group of creators, experts and thought leaders who share first-person perspectives on finance and its intersections with our lives.
Meet our expertsAbout Erin
Erin Lowry is the author of the four-part Broke Millennial series, including: Broke Millennial, Broke Millennial Takes On Investing, Broke Millennial Talks Money and Broke Millennial Workbook: Take Control and Get Your Financial Life Together. Erin’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and on GMA3, ABC News, CBS Sunday Morning, CNBC and The Rachael Ray Show. She has written for The New York Times, USA Today, and other major publications.
Erin's latest articles
-
-
Goodwill letters to creditors: Do they work?
Goodwill letters can convince creditors to remove late payments from your credit report.
7 min read Apr 21, 2025 -
Should you buy an annuity inside your 401(k)?
In-plan annuities offer peace of mind, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
6 min read Apr 21, 2025 -
What are memecoins and how do they work?
Are memecoins worth adding to your portfolio? See why they’re so popular.
4 min read Apr 21, 2025 -
Recession fears got you down? Try thrifting to help your budget
Thrifting lets you save money on clothes and furniture amidst a changing economy.
6 min read Apr 21, 2025 -
What is a pocket listing?
There can be benefits to pocket listings, or “off-market” listings, but they limit exposure to your home.
4 min read Apr 18, 2025 -
When to consider semi-truck financing
Business owners with bad credit or the lack of assets should consider getting semi-truck financing.
5 min read Apr 18, 2025 -
How to negotiate debt with credit card companies
Come prepared to your credit card debt negotiation.
11 min read Apr 14, 2025