Lorien Strydom
Lorien is the Country Manager for Financer US and has a strong background in finance and digital marketing. She is a fintech enthusiast and a lover of all things digital.
Biography
With a strong background in finance and HR, I decided to turn my focus to content management in 2007, working my way up as an expert writer on personal finance, investment, and fintech topics.
I am currently the Country Manager for Financer.com US where I help consumers in the U.S. make better decisions about their personal and business finances.
I also work as a financial writer, editor, blogger, and ghostwriter for various well-known brands worldwide. Prior to joining Financer.com, I’ve owned and managed a small content development firm in South Africa, serving clients globally.
I am currently pursuing an LL.B degree from the University of South Africa and a financial degree from ICB.
Experience
- Financial writer for more than a decade.
- Pursuing an LL.B law degree from UNISA.
- Pursuing a financial degree from ICB.
- Joined Financer.com in 2021.
Cash Flow Loans
A cash flow loan is a type of [small business loan](/loans/business-loans/) that uses your company's revenue and projected cash flow as the basis for approval, rather than physical collateral like property or equipment. These loans are designed for business owners who need fast access to working capital but may not have assets to pledge. Approval can happen in as little as 24 hours with many online lenders, making cash flow loans one of the quickest paths to business funding available today. The five most common types of cash flow loans for small businesses are:
Direct Lenders
A direct lender payday loan is a short-term loan you get straight from the company funding it. There's no broker, no middleman, and no third party shopping your application around. You apply, they decide, and if approved, the money comes directly from them. This matters because working with a direct lender means your personal and financial information stays with one company. Brokers, on the other hand, send your details to multiple lenders, which can lead to more calls, more emails, and less control over who sees your data. Below, we've compared the top direct lenders payday loans options so you can see rates, fees, funding speed, and state availability in one place. Whether you're looking for online payday loans direct lenders or in-store options, this comparison covers both.
Mortgage Loans
A mortgage loan is **a home loan** provided by a bank, mortgage firm, or other financial institution for the purchase of a house, either a primary residence, a secondary residence, or an investment residence. In a home mortgage, the owner of the property (the borrower) transfers ownership to the lender on the condition that the title is returned to the owner after the final loan payment is made and all terms of the mortgage are met.
Best Finance Podcasts
Finding the right finance podcast can completely change how you think about money. We spent weeks listening to dozens of shows to find the 20 best finance podcasts that actually deliver value. This is our curated list of the best financial podcasts available right now. These are not just popular names. Each podcast on this list earns its spot by providing practical, actionable advice that listeners can apply to their own financial lives. Whether you want to learn investing fundamentals, get out of debt, build passive income, or pursue financial independence, there is a podcast here for you.
Real Estate Business Loans
Starting a real estate business takes more than finding the right property. You need capital, and getting it can feel like the hardest part of the whole process. The good news: you have more real estate financing options today than ever before. From government-backed SBA loans to private lenders, hard money loans, and even crowdfunding, there are paths for almost every budget and experience level. Below, we break down 7 proven ways to finance your real estate business, including the costs, requirements, and trade-offs of each.
Top Finance Influencers
Personal finance influencers inspire, guide, and equip people to take charge of their money and build wealth. But with hundreds of social media influencers and industry experts to choose from, who actually delivers reliable financial advice? Financer has put together our list of the **top 30 finance influencers** in the U.S. for 2026. These personal finance influencers are seen as respected industry leaders, and they have the experience, reputation, and track record to back it up.
Cash-Out Refi vs HELOC
Both a cash-out refinance and a HELOC let you tap into your home equity, but they work in fundamentally different ways. A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one, giving you the difference as cash. A [HELOC](/loans/what-is-a-heloc/) works like a credit card secured by your home, letting you borrow as needed up to a set limit. The right choice depends on your current mortgage rate, how much cash you need, and whether you want predictable payments or flexible access to funds. Here's everything you need to know to make the best decision for your situation.
Coign Credit Card
The [Coign credit card](https://www.coign.com) is a VISA cash-back card built specifically for conservative consumers. Founded by Rob Collins, the card positions itself as an alternative to mainstream banks that cardholders feel fund causes they disagree with. Coign offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, and donates a portion of merchant fees to conservative charities chosen by its members. The card runs on the VISA network and comes with standard fraud protection. But is 1% cash back competitive in 2026? And does the political branding justify potential trade-offs? Here is what you need to know before applying.
Credit Score Updates
If you have been making regular payments to improve your credit, you probably want to know when those efforts will show up on your credit report. The short answer: your credit score updates every **30 to 45 days**, which is the typical cycle for lenders to send new account data to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). But since different lenders report on different days, your score could actually change several times a month. Below, we break down exactly how the credit reporting cycle works, what triggers score changes, and how you can speed things up when it matters.
Robinhood IRA
[Robinhood](/robinhood/) launched its IRA in January 2023, and the product has gone through several upgrades since then. The biggest draw right now is the IRA match: Robinhood Gold members get a 3% match on every eligible dollar they contribute to a self-directed IRA, while non-Gold users still get 1%. No employer required. No complicated paperwork. Just open the account, fund it, and Robinhood adds extra money on top. In this Robinhood IRA review, we break down how it actually works in 2026, what it costs, where it falls short, and whether the match makes it worth choosing over Fidelity or Schwab.
Pay for College
College costs have been climbing steadily for decades, and the numbers can feel overwhelming. For the 2025-2026 school year, average tuition and fees at public four-year colleges run about $11,950 for in-state students and $25,415 for out-of-state students. Private colleges average $44,961. But here's what most people miss: the sticker price isn't what most students actually pay. Nearly 80% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of college financial aid, and the net price after grants and scholarships is often dramatically lower. If you're wondering how to afford college or how to pay for college with no money saved, the answer is the same: start with free money, layer in savings and income, then borrow strategically. This guide walks you through every major option, from grants you never have to repay to smart borrowing strategies that won't wreck your finances.
Stop Automatic Payments
Stopping automatic payments on your credit card comes down to three actions. Contact the company charging you, notify your card issuer, and monitor your account for any further charges. Here is a breakdown of each step so you can get this handled quickly.
Get a Payday Loan Online
[Payday loans](https://financer.com/loans/payday-loans/) are high-cost, short-term loans, typically for $1,000 or less, that are designed to bridge the gap between paychecks. They are **tailored to people who have** [**bad or nonexistent credit**](https://financer.com/loans/bad-credit-loans/) and our advice is to treat them as a last resort cash option due to their high costs and short repayment terms. In this article we share how to get a payday loan online same day, compare 5 of the best offers on the market, and explain what to watch out for when evaluating your options.
APR vs Interest Rate
When you apply for a [mortgage](/loans/mortgage/), [car loan](/loans/car-loans/), or [personal loan](/loans/personal-loans/), you will see two percentages on your loan offer: the interest rate and the APR. They look similar, but they tell you very different things about what you will actually pay. The interest rate is the percentage a lender charges you to borrow the principal amount. It determines your monthly payment. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is a broader measure that includes the interest rate plus additional fees and costs rolled into the loan. Because APR accounts for those extra charges, it is always equal to or higher than the interest rate. Think of it this way: the interest rate is the price of borrowing the money itself. The APR is the total annual cost of having that loan, fees included.
Effective Interest Rate
When you take out a [personal loan](/loans/personal-loans/), [mortgage](/loans/mortgage/), or even open a [savings account](/personal-finance/savings-accounts/), the interest rate you see advertised is usually the nominal rate. But the actual amount of interest you pay or earn over a year can be higher than that number suggests. The **effective interest rate** (also called the effective annual rate or EAR) reveals the true annual cost of borrowing or the real return on an investment after factoring in how often interest compounds. It strips away the marketing and gives you a clear, apples-to-apples number for comparison. You might also see it called the effective annual interest rate (EAR), annual equivalent rate (AER), or simply the effective rate. All of these terms refer to the same concept: the actual interest you pay or earn over one year, compounding included.
Signature Loans
A signature loan is a type of unsecured [personal loan](/loans/personal-loans/) that requires nothing more than your signature to borrow money. No home, car, or savings account on the line. Your name on the dotted line is your promise to repay. That makes signature loans one of the simplest borrowing options available, but also one where your credit history matters most. With total U.S. household debt hitting $18.8 trillion by the end of 2025, more Americans are looking at their borrowing options carefully. Signature loans remain a popular choice for people who need cash without risking their assets. This guide covers everything you need to know: how signature loans work, what rates to expect, where to find them, and whether they make sense for your situation.
Invoice Financing
Invoice financing is a form of short-term borrowing that lets businesses access cash tied up in unpaid customer invoices. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days for customers to pay, a company can receive a percentage of the invoice value upfront from a lender. This type of financing is especially popular among small and mid-sized businesses that sell to other businesses (B2B) on credit terms. It helps cover everyday expenses like payroll, rent, and supplies without taking on traditional debt. The concept is straightforward: your unpaid invoices serve as collateral. The lender advances you most of the invoice amount (typically 85% to 95%), and you pay a fee for the service. Once your customer pays the full invoice, you receive the remaining balance minus the lender's fees.
Student Loans
Student loans help you pay for college when savings, scholarships, and grants don't cover the full cost. You borrow money now and pay it back later, usually with interest. There are two main categories: federal student loans (funded by the U.S. government) and private student loans (offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders). Each works differently, and understanding the differences can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how student loans work, from applying to repaying them after graduation.
Buy Now Pay Later
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) lets you split a purchase into smaller, interest-free installments instead of paying everything upfront. Over **90 million Americans** now use BNPL services, and the market hit roughly $70 billion in transaction volume during 2025. BNPL is offered at checkout by thousands of online and in-store retailers. The most popular providers in the US include **Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay (now part of Cash App), Sezzle, Zip, and PayPal Pay in 4**. This guide covers how BNPL works, what it costs, how it affects your credit score, and which apps offer the best terms.
Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage is a loan that lets homeowners aged 62 or older borrow against their home equity without making monthly mortgage payments. Instead of you paying the lender each month, the lender pays you, either as a lump sum, a line of credit, or fixed monthly payments. The loan balance grows over time and gets repaid when you sell the home, move out permanently, or pass away. Reverse mortgages were designed to help retirees supplement their income using the wealth they've built in their homes. The most common type, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is federally insured by the FHA and accounts for roughly 95% of all reverse mortgages issued in the U.S.
Credit Union vs Bank
Banks and credit unions both hold your money, offer loans, and provide checking and savings accounts. But the way they operate is fundamentally different. Banks are for-profit companies owned by shareholders. Credit unions are nonprofit cooperatives owned by their members. That single distinction shapes everything from the fees you pay to the interest rates you earn. As of Q4 2025, there are 4,287 federally insured credit unions in the U.S. managing $2.43 trillion in assets, according to the [NCUA](https://ncua.gov/). Meanwhile, banks remain the dominant force with thousands of branches nationwide and increasingly sophisticated digital platforms. Here is a side-by-side look at the key differences between a credit union and a bank:
Installment Loans
An installment loan is a type of loan where you borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it through regular, scheduled payments over a set period. Each payment, or "installment," covers a portion of the principal balance plus interest. Unlike [revolving credit](/loans/line-of-credit/) (such as credit cards), where you can borrow, repay, and borrow again up to a limit, an installment loan gives you one lump sum upfront. Once you repay the balance, the account closes. Most installment loans come with fixed interest rates and fixed monthly payments. That means you know exactly what you owe each month and when the loan will be fully paid off. This predictability makes installment loans one of the most common borrowing tools in the U.S. for everything from buying a car to consolidating debt. As of March 2026, the average personal loan interest rate sits at around 12.26% APR, though rates range from roughly 6% to 36% depending on your credit score, loan amount, and repayment term.
Cosigning a Loan
Cosigning a loan means you agree to take on legal responsibility for someone else's debt. When you cosign, you promise the lender that if the primary borrower can't make payments, you will. A cosigner is typically someone with a strong credit history and stable income who helps a borrower qualify for financing they wouldn't get on their own. The borrower might need a cosigner because they have limited credit history, a low credit score, or insufficient income to meet the lender's requirements. According to the FTC, cosigning is not just a formality. You are putting your own finances and credit on the line. If the borrower defaults, the lender can come after you for the full balance, plus late fees and collection costs, without even trying to collect from the borrower first.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
So, what is a commercial real estate loan? A **commercial real estate (CRE) loan** is a mortgage secured by a lien on commercial property rather than residential property. Commercial properties include office buildings, retail centers, warehouses, apartment complexes with five or more units, hotels, and mixed-use developments. Businesses use CRE loans to purchase, construct, renovate, or refinance properties they either occupy or lease to tenants. These loans are typically made to business entities like LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and real estate investment trusts. Unlike a standard home mortgage, commercial real estate loans are underwritten primarily based on the property's income-generating potential. Lenders evaluate how much rental income the property produces relative to the loan's debt payments, a metric called the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR).
SBA Loans
An SBA loan is a type of small business financing that's partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Because the federal government backs a portion of each loan, partner lenders (banks, credit unions, and online lenders) can offer lower interest rates, longer repayment terms, and smaller down payments than you'd find with conventional business loans. The SBA itself doesn't lend money directly to business owners in most cases. Instead, it sets guidelines and guarantees a percentage of the loan, which reduces the risk for lenders. If a borrower defaults, the SBA covers part of the loss. That guarantee is what makes these loans accessible to businesses that might not qualify for traditional bank financing on their own. SBA loans are one of the most popular funding options for small businesses in the United States. In fiscal year 2024, the SBA approved over 70,000 7(a) loans totaling more than $31 billion. The programs serve businesses across every industry, from restaurants and retail shops to tech startups and manufacturing firms. **Looking for a traditional business loan instead?** [Compare business loans here](/loans/business-loans/).
I Need Money Now
You need cash and you need it fast. Maybe an unexpected car repair just drained your checking account, or rent is due tomorrow and your paycheck doesn't land until Friday. Whatever the reason, that tight-chest feeling of being short on money is something millions of Americans deal with every month. If you're thinking "I need money today for free" or at least very cheap, the good news is you have more options than you think. Some can put cash in your hand within hours, others within a day or two. Below are 14 proven ways to get money when you're in a pinch, organized from fastest to most involved.
401(k) Loans
A 401(k) loan lets you borrow money from your own retirement savings, typically up to $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance, whichever is less. You repay the loan through payroll deductions, and the interest you pay goes back into your own account. Unlike traditional loans, 401(k) loans don't require a credit check, won't show up on your credit report, and generally have lower interest rates than personal loans or credit cards. But borrowing from your retirement account comes with real risks, including lost investment growth and potential tax penalties if things go wrong.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages designed for homebuyers who may not qualify for conventional financing. Backed by the [Federal Housing Administration](https://www.hud.gov/fha), these loans let you buy a home with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score of 580 or higher. For 2026, FHA loan limits range from $541,287 in most counties to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas. With current 30-year FHA rates averaging around 6.10%, this program remains one of the most accessible paths to homeownership in the U.S.
Hard Money Loan
A hard money loan is a short-term, asset-based loan secured by real estate. Unlike traditional bank loans that rely on your credit score and income, hard money loans are funded by private investors or lending firms who focus primarily on the property's value. These loans are popular among real estate investors, house flippers, and borrowers who need fast access to capital. Approval can happen in as little as 3 to 5 days, compared to 30 to 45 days for conventional financing. The trade-off? Higher interest rates (typically 10% to 15%) and shorter repayment periods (6 to 36 months). In this guide, we break down exactly how hard money loans work, what they cost, who qualifies, and when they make financial sense.
Car Loan APR
APR on a car loan is the annual percentage rate, which represents the total yearly cost of borrowing, including interest and lender fees. It gives you a more complete picture of what you will actually pay compared to the interest rate alone. When you shop for auto financing, every lender is required by the [Truth in Lending Act](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-the-difference-between-a-loan-interest-rate-and-the-apr-en-733/) to disclose the APR. That makes it the single best number for comparing loan offers side by side. Your car loan APR depends mostly on your [credit score](/loans/what-is-a-good-credit-score/), loan term, down payment size, and whether you are buying new or used. Borrowers with higher scores consistently receive lower rates, which can save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Small Business Loan Sources
[Small business loans](/loans/business-loans/) come from several sources, including traditional banks, credit unions, online lenders, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The right option depends on how much funding you need, how quickly you need it, and what your business qualifies for. Banks and credit unions tend to offer the lowest interest rates, but they also have the strictest requirements. Online lenders move faster and accept lower credit scores, but you'll pay more in interest. SBA loans fall somewhere in the middle, offering competitive rates backed by a government guarantee. Here's a breakdown of every major option for getting a small business loan in 2026.
Banks Offering Personal Loans
Several major U.S. banks offer personal loans, including Wells Fargo, Citibank, Discover, U.S. Bank, and American Express. Each bank has different APR ranges, loan amounts, and eligibility requirements. Personal loan rates from banks currently range from about 6.74% to 24.99% APR, depending on the lender and your credit profile. Most banks require a minimum credit score of 660 and offer loan amounts between $1,000 and $100,000. Here is a breakdown of the top banks offering personal loans in 2026, including their current rates, terms, and what makes each one stand out.
Personal Loan Timeline
Getting a personal loan typically takes **one to seven business days** from application to funding. Online lenders are the fastest option, with some approving and depositing funds within the same day. Banks and credit unions usually take two to five business days for approval alone, plus another one to three days for funding. The exact timeline depends on your lender, the completeness of your application, and how quickly you provide supporting documents. Here's a breakdown of what to expect at each stage.
Personal Loan & Credit Score
Yes, a [personal loan](https://financer.com/loans/personal-loans/) can affect your credit score in both positive and negative ways. The direction depends on how responsibly you manage the loan. Making on-time payments builds positive payment history, which is the single largest factor in your FICO score (35%). A personal loan also adds to your credit mix, which accounts for 10% of your score. On the flip side, applying for a loan triggers a hard inquiry that typically drops your score by less than 5 points. And missing even a single payment can cause serious damage. Here is how a personal loan affects your credit score at each stage:
Credit Score for Personal Loan
Most lenders require a **minimum credit score between 580 and 670** to approve a [personal loan](/loans/personal-loans/) application. The exact credit score needed for a personal loan varies significantly from one lender to the next. Some lenders, like Upstart and Avant, approve borrowers with FICO scores as low as 580. Others, like SoFi, require a minimum of 600. Banks and credit unions typically prefer scores of 670 or higher. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of approval and the lower your interest rate. But your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle. Lenders also look at your income, [debt-to-income ratio](/loans/what-is-debt-to-income-ratio/), employment history, and overall credit report when deciding what credit score is needed for a personal loan approval.
Max Personal Loan Amount
The maximum personal loan amount you can get depends on the lender, your credit score, income, and existing debt. Most lenders offer [personal loans](/loans/personal-loans/) between **$1,000 and $100,000**, though a handful extend up to $250,000 for highly qualified borrowers. Your individual ceiling comes down to what a lender is willing to approve based on your financial profile. Someone earning $50,000 a year with a 680 credit score will qualify for a very different amount than someone earning $150,000 with a 780 score. Below, we break down the key factors that determine how much you can borrow, which lenders offer the highest limits, and practical steps to maximize your approval amount.
Collateral for a Loan
Collateral for a personal loan is any valuable asset you pledge to a lender as security. If you stop making payments, the lender can seize that asset to recover their money. The most common types of collateral include cars, real estate, savings accounts, investment portfolios, and valuable personal property like jewelry or collectibles. Secured personal loans (loans backed by collateral) typically come with lower interest rates than unsecured loans. In 2026, secured personal loan rates start as low as 3.50% APR, compared to an average of around 12% for unsecured personal loans. The tradeoff is straightforward: you get a better rate, but you risk losing your asset if you default. Below is a breakdown of exactly what lenders accept as collateral, how each type works, and what to consider before putting your assets on the line.
Good Credit Score
A good credit score falls between 670 and 739 on the FICO scale, which ranges from 300 to 850. Scores of 740 and above are considered very good, while anything above 800 is exceptional. The average FICO score in the United States sits at 716 as of early 2026, which falls right in the "good" range. But what counts as "good enough" depends on what you're trying to do. Buying a house, financing a car, or applying for a credit card each come with different score thresholds. Here's a breakdown of the full FICO score ranges and what each one means for your financial options.
Calculate Net Income
Net income is the amount of money you actually take home after all deductions are subtracted from your gross income. For individuals, that means your paycheck after federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums are pulled out. For businesses, net income is what remains after subtracting all expenses from total revenue. It's the "bottom line" on an income statement. Whether you're applying for a [personal loan](/loans/personal-loans/), setting up a [budget](/personal-finance/budget-calculator/), or just trying to figure out where your money goes each month, knowing how to calculate net income is one of the most useful financial skills you can have.
Good Interest Rate Used Car
A good interest rate on a used car depends on your credit score, the loan term, and the age of the vehicle. For borrowers with strong credit (720+), a good rate is anything **below 7% APR**. If your score falls in the prime range (660-719), rates between **7% and 10%** are reasonable. Anything above 11% means you're likely paying more than you need to. The average used car loan interest rate in the U.S. is currently around **10.5% to 11.4% APR**, according to data from Edmunds and Experian. That means if you're getting a rate below that average, you're already doing better than most borrowers.