Forget the financial fairy tales! We’re here to slay the dragons of bad money advice.
The world of personal finance is riddled with myths that can make it hard for you to make good financial choices.
Believing things like “you need a lot of money to start investing” or “personal loans are bad” can seriously stall your financial progress.
But fear not! I’ll be your guide, dispelling financial fiction and revealing the truths you need to make smart money moves.
5 Common Misconceptions About Loans
1. Myth: You need a perfect credit score to get a loan
Many people think you can only get a loan if you have perfect credit, but this isn’t true.
Even though having better credit can help you get a loan with better terms, many lenders are still ready to work with people who don’t have perfect credit.
There are different requirements for different kinds of loans and lenders. Some loans are made for people with bad credit.
You should look at all your choices because even if your credit score isn’t great, you might still be able to get a loan.
You should also check out my guide on how to get a loan with no credit
2. Myth: Getting a loan will always hurt your credit score
Many people think that every time they ask for a loan, their credit score goes down a lot.
Indeed, loan applications often cause a hard search on your credit report and this can lower your score for a short time, but it’s usually not a big deal.
Over time, a single inquiry will have less of an impact. If you’re looking for the best loan rates, multiple inquiries for the same type of loan in a short time are often counted as a single inquiry for scoring reasons.
3. Myth: Personal loans are always a bad choice
Some people think personal loans are always bad because they think of “high interest rates” and “desperation for money”.
But, personal loans can be helpful, though, if they are used wisely. They can pay off your high-interest debt, make big purchases, or cover costs out of the blue.
It’s important to get a loan with good terms and a reasonable interest rate and have a sound plan for paying it back.
4. Myth: You should always choose the loan with the lowest monthly payment
It might seem like the best way to save money is to choose the loan with the lowest monthly payment, but that’s not always the case.
Longer loan terms are common for loans with smaller monthly payments. This means that you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.
To find the most cost-effective loan in the long run, you need to look at the total cost, including interest and fees.
5. Myth: You have no choices if you can’t get a loan from a bank
Know this today, it’s not just banks that give out loans!
If you can’t get one from a bank, there are other options you can look into like credit unions, online lenders, or peer-to-peer lending sites.
These other options usually offer good rates and terms, especially for people with special needs or financial situations.
They may also have different approval requirements, making it easier for some people to get a loan even after being turned down by traditional banks.
But, if you’re still stuck on wanting to get a loan from a bank, check out my guide on Secrets to Get Your Bank to Give You a Loan
Speaking of loans, looking for the right loan can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start but why not take the stress off by getting a loan with Loanspot?
Loanspot allows you to compare loan options from a variety of lenders, so you can find the loan with the best interest rates and terms for your situation.
By using Loanspot, you can save time and money on your next loan.
5 Common Financial Myths
Let’s look at five common false beliefs about money and finances that keep people from handling their money well:
1. Myth: More money means less stress
Many people believe the false idea that making more money will instantly make their financial life easier. LOL!
On the other hand, having more money often means taking on more tasks and duties.
When people’s wealth goes up, they sometimes spend more. This is called “lifestyle inflation” and this could mean that even if someone makes more money, they don’t always improve their health or financial situation.
No matter how much money you make, you need to handle it well and plan your finances well to have financial peace of mind.
2. Myth: Rich people are the only ones who can invest
Few think only rich people can trade in the stock market or other financial instruments. That my friend is not true at all.
The rise of digital platforms and financial services has made investment easy for everyone.
Due to the power of compound interest, small purchases made regularly can grow over time and this allows people with limited funds to slowly become wealthy.
3. Myth: You should own a home if you want to be wealthy
People often think that owning a home is a sign of financial success and security.
On the contrary, buying a home is not always the best idea, even though it can be a good investment and a useful asset.
Mortgage payments, property taxes, repairs, and insurance are just a few of the costs of owning a home. If you want more freedom, have little money, or live in an area with high housing costs, renting may be a better choice.
4. Myth: Having debt is always bad
Most people think of debt as bad, but not all debt is bad.
Strange right?
Strategic borrowing can be helpful, like getting a mortgage for a house that will go up in value or student loans to pay for school that will help you get a better job.
You need to know the difference between good debt (which can help your business grow over time) and bad debt (which doesn’t help your business grow and can cause you to lose money).
For more information on debt, check out my guides:
Outstanding Debt – Everything You Need to Know
5. Myth: I don’t make enough money to save for retirement
Many people think they can’t save for retirement because of how much money they make now, but in the long run, starting small can make a big difference. Even small contributions to a retirement plan can grow thanks to the interest that builds on itself and investment returns.
This is especially true if the company matches the contributions. No matter how much money you make, you should start saving as soon as possible to take advantage of the time value of money and make sure you will have enough money in the future.
Additional Tips
1. Create and stick to a budget
A budget helps you keep track of your money coming in and going out, so you don’t spend more than you earn.
Putting money into different groups, like groceries, rent, savings, and fun, can help you get a handle on your money, pay for the things most important to you, and reach your financial goals.
2. Build an Emergency Fund
This is a very important way to protect your finances in case of sudden costs like medical problems, car repairs, or losing your job.
This fund should be enough to cover your living costs for three to six months and it can help guide against taking out high-interest loans when needed. This will give you peace of mind and financial security.
3. Educate Yourself Financially
Learning new things and keeping current on financial issues can help you make better decisions about your money.
This means knowing basic financial ideas, keeping up with economic trends, and knowing the different financial goods and services.
When it comes to personal finance, knowing more gives you the power to make decisions that are best for your position and to help you reach your long-term goals.
P.S. Loanspot Nigeria is perfect for this because we tell you all you need to know about loans and finance.
Conclusion
Making good money decisions helps you plan your spending, save for emergencies, and keep learning about money.
These steps can help you become more stable and grow your money. Knowing and doing these things can make a big difference in your financial life.
You’re welcome!
