People
Real needs.

Start with what the money is for, then choose the loan product and repayment structure that fits the expense1.
Define the exact expense, due date and repayment fit.
Real needs.

Required arrival.
Timing-fit routes.
Cost, terms and fit.
If approved.
A purpose is not a separate loan guarantee. The reason for borrowing helps organize the comparison, but does not establish approval or a special rate. Check whether the actual loan agreement permits that use and whether the expense can be reduced or covered another way. ↩ Back to text
The amount still uncovered. A funding gap is the expense that remains after money already available and confirmed help are counted. Do not subtract an expected reimbursement as if it were available today, or count the same source of help twice. ↩ Back to text
Confirm help before subtracting it. An assistance program or payment arrangement may have eligibility rules, limits and processing time. Count it as a confirmed resource only after verifying the amount and availability for your expense. ↩ Back to text
Expected reimbursement is not cash today. Verify what the policy covers, any deductible or limit, and when reimbursement could arrive. Until confirmed, keep an expected payment separate from cash already available for the bill. ↩ Back to text
Money actually available to use. Here, net proceeds means the cash left after any amount withheld from the loan at disbursement. A $1,000 principal with a $100 deducted fee leaves $900 to use; the debt is not automatically reduced to $900. ↩ Back to text
A payment that fits the budget. Payment fit refers to your budget after essential spending, existing debts and a reserve. A lender’s willingness to approve a payment does not establish that it is comfortable for your household. Check when the first payment is due. ↩ Back to text