Are you thinking about getting a personal loan? People often look to lending institutions first when they’re in a financial bind, but doing so could get you into debt you can’t afford. Before applying, ask yourself these five questions.

1. Do You Really Need That Loan?

Look hard enough, and you might find another way to fund that need. Can you hold off getting that upgrade to your computer until you save enough to buy it outright? Can you get a part-time job to pay for that new roof on your home? Sometimes, the need is dire, necessitating a loan, but think of other ways you can obtain that cash apart from getting a loan. Could you borrow the money from family members instead?

2. How Much Can You Afford To Pay?

You can borrow the money from MaxLend, but if you do, try to get as low of a loan as possible. Think about how much you’ll have to pay, and then study your budget. Will you be able to make those payments and still have money left over for unexpected costs? If the loan that you’re considering takes up every spare penny, it’s not wise to take out that loan.

3. What’s Your Credit Score?

Your credit score will also have an impact on whether you can even obtain a loan. That crucial, three-digit number is the score lending institutions look at to determine whether you’re a good credit risk. If your credit score is high, your chances of getting a loan are good. If it’s low, you’ll have trouble obtaining one.

Keep your credit score in good shape by keeping your debt low and paying off your credit card balance each month. Limit the number of credit cards you use. Also, be sure to check your credit score at least twice a year to make sure no one has stolen your identity to run up bills you may be held accountable for. That way, you can fix such problems quickly.

4. Where Can You Get a Loan?

If you’ve decided you need a loan and can afford the payments, the next thing to decide is where to apply for a loan. Check with your bank first, but be sure and shop around to make sure you get the best interest rates. The lower the interest rates, the less you will pay each month and the sooner you can pay back that loan.

5. What Are the Terms of the Loan?

Make sure to learn all the terms of the loan before you sign. What are all the fees and costs involved with it? Can you pay the loan off early? Will the institution penalize you if your payment is late? Is the interest on your loan calculated on a daily or monthly basis? All of those factors will have an impact on whether that loan is a good deal you can live with.

Be sure and ask these questions before approaching a bank or other lending institution to make sure you get the best loan that you truly need.