Why Do People Borrow Money? What the Data Actually Shows
Pew, CFPB, and Fed data reveal why people really borrow money, plus a simple framework to tell a real emergency from a budget gap.
By Aaron Kim
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Borrow Smarter - 4
Reporting, analysis, and plain-language explainers on payday loans, state rules, credit scores, and the lower-cost alternatives most borrowers never hear about.
From the Borrow Smarter Archive
Georgia Payday Loan Laws: The Felony-Track Payday Ban
Georgia bans payday loans outright and treats repeat violations as a felony. See the statute, penalties, and legal alternatives here.
By Carmen Ortiz
What Is a Payday Loan Lender? How to Spot a Legit One
Learn what a payday loan lender is, then use this checklist to verify a license before you borrow from one online.
By Lena Whitfield
Payday Loans in New York State: Why the Law Effectively Bans Them
Payday loans are illegal in New York under state usury law. See the caps, NYDFS enforcement, and legal cash options for New Yorkers.
By Carmen Ortiz
Payday Loan Assistance: Where to Find Real Help Right Now
Stuck in payday debt? Find legit payday loan assistance: nonprofit counseling, extended payment plans, emergency funds, and PAL loans.
By Aaron Kim
Payday Loans Without Direct Deposit: Your Options and the Risks
Paid in cash or gig income with no direct deposit? See which lenders accept pay stubs or bank statements instead, and the risks to watch.
By Lena Whitfield