Smart Borrowing Guide

Learn to borrow wisely and save thousands with our comprehensive loan guide.

Loan Types Compared

Explore various loan options to find the best fit for your needs.

Approval Blueprint

Follow our 5-step process to secure your loan efficiently and effectively.

Money-Saving Strategies

Discover tips to maximize savings and minimize borrowing costs throughout your loan journey.

5-Step Loan Approval Blueprint

Check credit, calculate DTI, compare lenders, gather docs, and negotiate terms to secure your best loan deal.

1. Check Credit Score

   • Minimums: 620 (mortgages), 720 (best rates)

   • Free tool: AnnualCreditReport.com

2. Calculate Debt-to-Income (DTI)

   • Formula: Monthly debts ÷ Gross income

   • Ideal: <36% (mortgages), <20% (personal loans)

3. Compare Lenders

   • Mortgages: Rocket Mortgage (fast), Better (low fees)

   • Personal Loans: SoFi (low rates), Upstart (fair credit)

4. Gather Documents

   • Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements

5. Pre-negotiate Terms

   • For example: "Can you waive the 1% origination fee?"

Money-Saving Strategies

Refinancing

Worth if rates drop >1% (check breakeven period)

Auto Loans

Buy used (2021-2023 models save 30% vs new)

Federal > private (income-driven repayment options)

Student Loans

Customer Feedback

Discover how our guide helped others borrow wisely and save money.

This guide transformed my understanding of loans and saved me thousands!

Emily Johnson

New York

I learned about loan types and strategies that truly helped me save money.

Michael Lee

Los Angeles

★★★★★

★★★★★