Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Wise Use of Personal Loans for Unplanned Expenses
Imagine your piggy bank is getting a bit empty, but suddenly you need money for something important like a doctor's visit or a car repair.
Sometimes, getting a special loan from a bank called a personal loan can help you get money fast without needing to give the bank your toys or treasures as a guarantee.
These loans let you pay back the money over a few years, so it doesn't all hit you at once.
It's important to only borrow what you really need and make sure you can pay back the monthly payments easily, like not letting the payments be more than a few coins from your allowance.
Always borrow from trusted banks that follow the rules to stay safe.
Missing payments can make it harder to borrow later, and taking too many loans can get you into a messy situation.
So, use these loans only when you truly need them for emergencies, and try to save up again afterwards.
Personal loans can be a safety valve for essential unplanned expenses like medical emergencies when household savings are low.
Borrowers should only take personal loans they truly need and ensure they have the repayment capacity (EMIs under 30-40% of income).
It is crucial to select only RBI-regulated lending institutions to avoid predatory terms and financial harm.
Risks associated with personal loans include high interest rates, potential damage to credit scores, debt trap risk, and additional fees.
Wise borrowing is essential, and borrowers should reconstruct emergency funds and ideally consult financial advisors after managing a crisis.
- Who
- Borrowers and financial experts, including Vibhore Goyal (Founder, OneBanc).
- What
- Discussing the wise and responsible use of personal loans for managing unplanned expenses amidst declining household savings.
- When
- Currently, in a rapidly evolving economy with shrinking financial buffers.
- Where
- Not specified, but expert opinions reference Indian economic data (RBI, NSO).
- Why
- To navigate financial instability caused by unexpected expenses and avoid long-term financial stress.
Arguments for Using Personal Loans Wisely
Risks and Cautions Regarding Personal Loans
Purpose of Borrowing
Arguments for Using Personal Loans Wisely
Personal loans can serve as a safety valve for crucial unplanned expenses like medical emergencies or necessary travel, especially when household savings are declining.
Risks and Cautions Regarding Personal Loans
Borrowing for anything beyond securing emergencies is discouraged, as upgrading life or covering non-essential expenses with loans poses significant financial risks.
Financial Management
Arguments for Using Personal Loans Wisely
With flexible tenures and quick access to funds, personal loans can be managed responsibly if borrowers ensure EMIs are within 30-40% of income and use EMI calculators.
Risks and Cautions Regarding Personal Loans
High interest rates, potential damage to credit scores from missed payments, the risk of a debt trap, and additional fees and charges make personal loans potentially detrimental if not managed with extreme caution.
Lender Selection
Arguments for Using Personal Loans Wisely
Choosing RBI-regulated lenders ensures financial help and prevents predatory terms.
Risks and Cautions Regarding Personal Loans
Even with regulated lenders, the inherent risks of personal loans require careful consideration and planning, ideally with financial advisors, to avoid future complications.
- Household Savings Trend
- Declining from 15% to 10% of GDP (RBI, NSO).
- Urban India Reserves
- One-third of urban Indians have less than a month's reserves.
- Loan Repayment Capacity
- Monthly EMI should not exceed 30-40% of monthly income.
- Recommended Lenders
- RBI-regulated banks and NBFCs.
- Personal Loan Tenures
- Typically range from 12 to 60 months.
- Key Risks
- High interest rates, impact on credit score, debt trap risk, additional fees.