Many people take out personal loans to cover emergency expenses or to get them through a tough financial period. But what happens when the interest rates on these loans go up? Here are a few things you need to know.

What is a personal loan?

Personal loans are a type of loan meant for personal, non-business use. Banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions typically offer these loans. 

There are various types of personal loans available to consumers, so it's important to know what's available before you decide which one is the best for you.

The most common types of personal loans are unsecured and secured loans. Unsecured loans are simply lines of credit that don't have any security or collateral attached, meaning that if you don't pay back the loan, the lender can take your assets (like your home or car) as collateral.

On the other hand, secured loans require you to pledge some form of security - like a savings account or mortgage - as collateral in case you don't repay the loan on time.

Why are interest rates on personal loans going up this year?

The interest rates on personal loans are going up this year for a few reasons: 

• The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. 
• The economy is doing better, which means that people can borrow more money and pay back their loans faster. 
• Recently, there has been an increase in the number of personal loan applications, especially as people weigh the benefits of credit card refinancing vs debt consolidation to reduce their debt burden, so lenders are starting to charge higher interest rates to cover their costs.

How can I avoid paying more interest on my loan?

When you take out a personal loan, the interest rate on the loan will be based on several factors, including your credit score and the amount of money you're borrowing. However, there are ways to avoid paying more interest on your loan.

• Stay up-to-date with your payments. If you are late on a payment, the interest rate on your loan will increase.
• Keep working on improving your credit score. A good credit score means that you will be able to borrow money at a lower interest rate, so it's essential to keep your credit rating up if you want to avoid paying more interest on your personal loan.
• Consider using a loan consolidation service. A consolidation service will help you combine multiple personal loans into one loan with a lower interest rate. This can help you avoid paying more interest on your personal loans.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a way to get through a tough financial period or need to make a major purchase, consider taking out a personal loan. Just be sure to understand how interest rates work so you can shop around for the best deal possible.