Smart money · Borrow

Smart ways to borrow money

Borrowing isn't the problem. Not knowing the real cost is. These guides cover personal loans, credit, student loans and home equity so you can compare before you sign. First stops: the best personal loans and how a home equity agreement compares with a HELOC.

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The guides to read first.

Personal loansBest Personal Loans of 2026Credit cardsBest Credit Cards of 2026Home equityHEI vs HELOC: Costs, Requirements and How to Choose in 2026Student loansBest Private Student Loans (Updated for 2026)

Savvy move

Before you sign

Three quick checks that keep more money in your pocket.

  1. 1Compare APR, not the monthly payment.A longer term can shrink the payment and still cost you more overall. APR rolls interest and many fees into one yearly number, so use it to line offers up.
  2. 2Find the fees before you fall for the rate.Origination fees, late fees and prepayment penalties change what a loan really costs. Ask for the full list.
  3. 3Prequalify first when you can.Many lenders let you check your rate with a soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your score. A full application usually means a hard pull.

All Borrow guides

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Quick answers

What should I check before I take out a loan?

The APR, the term, every fee and what happens if you pay it off early. Put two or three offers side by side and compare the total you would repay, not just the monthly payment.

What's the difference between an interest rate and APR?

The interest rate is the price of borrowing the money. APR adds many of the fees on top, so it shows the yearly cost more fully. Use APR when you compare loans.

Does checking my rate hurt my credit?

Often not. Many lenders prequalify you with a soft pull, which doesn't affect your score. Formally applying usually triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower it a little. Check which one a lender uses before you click.

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