How to Avoid the Payday Loan Debt Cycle

Payday loans are often used as a crutch by many people who can hardly manage their personal finances properly. Often this 'crutch' can become a financial coffin that leads to a debt flow that seems unending.

When used properly and with caution, payday loans are a useful financial instrument that can actually be a better choice than some other alternatives, such as late fees and bounced check charges. However, many people end up taking out a payday loan to prevent the aforementioned charges and do not pay the payday loan back as promised. This causes the borrower to pay the high loan apr and the late fees and bounced check charges, causing more financial hardship. It becomes a cycle that is hard to break.

From an outsiders point of view, this cycle may seem easy to avoid but for many people it is a fact of life. The people who get caught in this trap usually have good intentions as far as repaying the loan back on time but they often borrow more than they can comfortably repay in such a short period of time. Often other expenses are overlooked when they apply for the loan and once the money is in their account it is too late, there will be an automatic withdrawal from the chosen bank account in two to four weeks that can cause other checks not to clear. And the cycle begins.

Once the borrower fails to repay the payday loan on time, he will incur more charges on top of the original amount and this new amount is due to be paid in full in another two to four week period. If in this time frame, the bank account has not been brought back up to a level to cover the payment the borrower faces more fees, bank charges and other expenses. Often times, the borrower will be forced to close the banking account to avoid any more bank fees associated with the negative status of the account.

This cycle can be avoided though. By applying some common sense practices and viewing ones financial status in reality the following tips can help avoid the payday loans hardships mentioned above:

1. If you need a payday loan, borrow the least amount that you can to take care of whatever financial crisis has come up.

2. Never borrow money that you honestly know you will not be able to repay on time.

3. You need to know the exact amount that will be deducted from your bank account before signing any loan documents.

4. If something happens after you take the loan that causes you not to be able to repay on time, contact the lender immediately. Most payday loan lenders are willing to work with borrowers so the debt cycle can be avoided. After all, the loan company has a vested interest in helping you repay them the money they have loaned.

5. Before availing a payday loan, check if there are any other resources available to help you. Perhaps a small loan from family or friend could get you by. Some people can even get a partial amount of their paycheck advances to them just by asking at their human resources department.

Following these simple tips, a payday loan can be a financial instrument that is helpful and does not cause further financial hardship. Remember, after you take out the loan is not the time to consider whether or not you can repay it on time.