Have you received an envelope in the mail for a cash advance which is yours for the taking? Maybe it was in the form of a credit card which would deposit the cash advance into your bank account. It could possibly have come to you in the form of blank checks endorsed by a credit card company. Did it come with a note with a reservation number which implies that this option was designed for you and you only? Did you think that all your problems were solved? As perfect as the offer might be, you have to read between the lines in order to get the full message.
Could the cash advance lender or credit card offer be more harmful than good?
Aggressive lenders come in all shapes and sizes. It is not just small companies that try to find ways into your bank account. Credit card companies began years ago to look for ways to make more money off of those who have little to spread around. It took the genius of one business man to develop a way to approve low income households for credit. People were celebrating the opportunity to have what others already had. All it took was an invitation in the mail, “Congratulations, you are pre-approved!”
When opportunities arise, there are many who fail to read between the lines or search the fine print to understand the mechanics of the loan or line of credit. Is it just a payday loan or cash advance lender that looks to make a quick transaction profitable? Most definitely not.
Credit card traps have put people in debt for decades. Revolving credit lines give opportunities for those who have paid down debt to have the available balance at their disposal. A credit card company which sends you checks in the mail is giving you additional access to this money.
Not much comes for free, especially in the business world. It takes some understanding of how the system works or just a strong discipline to refuse the chance to spend more. Having to read the fine print to find out what your interest rate will be for taking advantage of your offer is a clear sign that the offer may not be in your best interest. Does the letter include the cost for depositing the fast cash advance into the bank account? Do you really know what you are getting into when a third party has invited you to join them in using their services?
Before you use any third party money:
- Know the upfront cost of the loan if any
- Is the offer coming from a company you are familiar with?
- What exactly will your interest rate be? Some lenders display multiple interest options and you will not know which one applies to you till after you accept their offer.
- Understand your need to use this money and if it is a cost worthy approach to your finances.
- Have a payoff plan which will fit your budget.
There are times of emergency needs for extra money. How we use this money and then mange the debt will place us into credit categories for future lenders. It is always good to be self-sufficient, but when there is a need, choose your option wisely. Educate yourself on short-term cash advances and payday loans, to secured options like car title loans or home equity loans. Get the help you need without being sorry you did later.
