You never know when an unexpected expense is going to pop up. When one does, it's not always possible to pay for it right away. If that happens, it's not uncommon to start thinking about a personal loan. After all, personal loans provide you with access to the funds you need when you need them. However, that doesn't mean that personal loans from companies like Frontier Community Credit Union are always the best way to go, especially if you haven't given it a lot of thought. Here are three questions you need to ask yourself before you apply for a personal loan.

Is It for a Necessity?

When it comes to taking out a personal loan, it's important to ask yourself if the loan is for the purchase of a necessity. Loans to pay off emergency medical bills or car repairs would definitely be considered a necessity. However, taking out a loan to finance a summer vacation might not fall under the necessity category. Before you go into debt for a personal loan, make sure the purchase is for something that you really need.

Is There Another Way to Secure the Funds?

If you're going to be taking out a personal loan for an emergency purchase, you should first ask yourself if there is another way to secure the funds. For instance, there may be personal property that you can sell or friends and family that you can borrow the money from. Finding another way to secure the funds you need may be a less expensive way to take care of your emergency needs. This may also be an easier avenue to take if you have questionable credit right now.

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

When it comes to taking out personal loans, it's crucial that you identify any hidden fees that might be attached. Many personal loans come with penalty fees for early payoff, servicing fees, insurance fees, and fees for the establishment of a line of credit. These fees may increase your monthly payments, so it's best to identify them prior to the funding of your loan. If you find that the additional fees may put your monthly payment higher than you can comfortably afford, you might want to reduce the size of the loan you're requesting.

Now that you're considering a personal loan, make sure the loan you choose is right for you. The questions provided here will help you avoid problems with your personal loan. If you have other questions and concerns about your loan, be sure to speak to your loan consultant.