Why Do People Borrow?

"Do you often wonder why people borrow? Have you always done everything in your power to keep "borrowing" and "debt" at an arm's length? Do you for some reason feel there is still an element of stigma attached to being in debt? Well, times have changed. Borrowing money is no longer something people are embarrassed about or consider only as a last resort. It has become a way of life for millions of people around the world, enabling them to survive times of crises if not live out their dreams. In the U.S., thousands borrow money every single day. You might not think of it that way, but you are actually borrowing money each time you use your credit card! If they couldn't borrow money easily, most average Americans would find it very hard to own a home or a car. After all, how many of us have thousands stashed away in our bank accounts at any given point of time? When you have several day-to-day financial obligations to meet - putting food on the table, sending children to school, paying the rent and medical bills - borrowing is often the only way to raise money for big transactions, like buying a house or funding a business. Being in debt is a reality for most people today and it is a perfectly acceptable situation if are on top of your finances. As long as you are managing your money in a way that ensures you regularly pay back what you have borrowed, there is nothing to worry about. Debt becomes a problem only when you start to live beyond your means or if you borrow without thinking of how to repay it. Because it has become an integral part of life, borrowing is easier today than it has ever been. There are thousands of banks and other financial institutions that lend money. These traditional lenders however favor borrowers who have good credit ratings. But even people with bad credit now have avenues for borrowing. There are hundreds of creditors today who specialize in giving loans to people with repayment problems in their past. Many even extend loans without collateral, which makes it easy for people who are not homeowners to borrow. You can borrow money for whatever you wish. A mortgage allows you to buy a home. A refinance loan enables replacing the original mortgage with a loan at lower interest. A personal loan can be taken if you need cash to tide over an emergency or if you want to make purchases, fund a vacation, get your child a good higher education, carry out home repairs or for any other purpose. A home equity loan is money borrowed against the equity you own in your home. The money could be used for anything. Then there are auto loans that can help you own your dream car. Borrowing can be a positive thing. It can serve as a means to an end. If you are prudent with your finances, taking a loan could work out well for you. Don't get swayed by alarmist projections in the media that Americans have lost control of their finances and the nation is doomed to live in debt. According to the Federal Reserve, vast majority of Americans either owe nothing to creditors or have minor debts that they can pay off comfortably. "