You probably think of installment loans as a last resort –– something to be used only when all other options have been exhausted. And while this may be true for some circumstances, there are a few instances when an installment loan can be a good idea. Here are two such situations. 

When You Have Unforeseen Expenses

Unexpected expenses can come at any time, and they can throw a wrench in your budget. Whether it's a car repair, a hefty medical bill, or anything in between, sometimes you just need a little extra cash to get by.

That's where an installment loan comes in. An installment loan is a type of loan that allows you to borrow a lump sum of money and then pay it back over time in fixed payments. This loan can be a helpful option when you need money for an unexpected expense and don't have the cash on hand.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering an installment loan. Make sure you understand the terms of the loan before you agree to anything.

For instance, since you'll be locked into fixed payments, you'll want to ensure the loan term and payment amount work with your budget. Also, since you can refinance an installment loan, find out when you'll be able to do so and what the process entails.

Try to find a loan with affordable payments that you can comfortably make. Even though you can borrow a larger amount of money with an installment loan than you could with, say, a credit card, that doesn't mean you should.

Remember, you'll have to pay this money back eventually, plus interest. But as long as you're aware of these things, an installment loan can be a helpful way to cover unforeseen expenses.

When You Need to Reduce Your Debt Responsibilities

Maybe you have high-interest debt, like credit card debt, and you want to lower your monthly payments by consolidating that debt into a single loan with a lower interest rate. Or, you may want to merge multiple debts into a single payment to make it easier to manage your finances. Whatever your reason, an installment loan can be a helpful tool when you want to reduce your debt responsibilities into one.

The repayment terms of an installment loan can vary, but you may get a longer repayment term than you could with other types of loans. This arrangement can give you some breathing room in your budget and make it easier to pay off your debt.

Another benefit of using an installment loan to consolidate debt is that it can help you improve your credit score. By making timely payments on an installment loan, you can show lenders that you are a responsible borrower. This strategy can give you access to more favorable loan terms in the future. 

To learn more about installment loans, reach out to a finance business, such as Ardmore Finance.