Basically,
there are two types of loans: secured loans and unsecured loans. Secured
loans are loans in which you pledge some sort of collateral. The bank
may repossess the collateral if you do not repay the loan according to
the terms you agreed to when you took out the loan.
Unsecured
loans are loans which do not require any collateral. You borrow money
on the strength of your good credit and ability to repay alone.
Revolving
vs. Installment Loans
Revolving
and installment describe the amount of time you have to pay back a loan.
With a revolving loan, you have access to a continuous source of credit,
up to your credit limit. You repay only the amount of the credit you use,
plus interest on the unpaid amount. You may re-borrow the principal you've
repaid. So the loan could remain "open" for years.
With
an installment loan, you pay an agreed amount, which includes principal
and interest, every month. Each payment reduces the balance of the loan
until it is paid off. There is a fixed ending date, known as the term
of the loan.
Fixed
vs. Adjustable Interest Rate Loans
Fixed
interest is just that. You and the bank agree to a certain interest rate
and it remains constant throughout the term of the loan. Fixed interest
rates give you the stability of always knowing what your payment will
be, so you can budget accordingly.
Adjustable
or variable rate interest fluctuates. Usually it is pegged to the Prime
Rate - the interest the U.S. Treasury charges to its best borrowers. When
the Prime Rate is high, such as during a period of inflation, you pay
more. When the Prime Rate is low, such as when the government is trying
to stimulate the economy during a recession, you save on interest. If
you need to borrow during a period of high interest, your payments will
drop once the Prime Rate drops.
Types
Of Loans
Auto
Loans: A secured loan in which the collateral is the vehicle you purchase.
Credit
Cards: An unsecured loan which allows you a line of credit against which
you may borrow by presenting a plastic card to the merchant from whom
you are purchasing the item. You may make more than one purchase, up to
your credit limit.
Personal
Loans: A secured or unsecured loan made for a fixed purpose.
Mortgages:
A secured loan in which the collateral is the real estate you buy.
Home
Equity Loan: A secured loan for a fixed amount in which the collateral
is your home. In some cases, the interest on this loan may be tax deductible.
See your accountant.
Home
Equity Credit Line: A secured, revolving line of credit in which the collateral
is your home. In some cases, the interest on this loan or a portion of
it may be tax deductible. Consult a tax professional or your accountant.
Home
Improvement Loan: A secured loan for a lump sum fixed amount in which
the collateral is your home. The money may only be spent on home improvements.
The interest on this loan may be tax deductible. Consult a tax professional
or your accountant. (In some areas of the country, a home imporvement
loan "secured by the equity in your home" may not be available. In these
areas, an unsecured home improvement loan would be available.)
Student Loan (Stafford Loan) A loan for college expenses underwritten
by the U.S. Government. The loan is granted to the student. Payment is
deferred while the student is still in school.
Personal
Line of Credit: Unsecured loan allowing you access to funds up to a fixed
credit limit.