Personal loans can be a lifeline in times of need. However, not all personal loans are created equal. Today, Nicole unpacks six common types of personal loans, the benefits and risks, and helps you understand which one might be the best for you and your financial picture.

Want to estimate how long it would take you to pay off your debt? Use this debt repayment calculator: https://www.creditkarma.com/calculators/credit-cards/debt-repayment

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Brokerage services for alternative assets are offered by Dalmore Group, LLC, member FINRA & SIPC. Brokerage services for treasury accounts offering 6-month T-Bills are offered by Jiko Securities, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Banking services are offered by Jiko Bank, a division of Mid-Central National Bank. Securities investments: Not FDIC Insured; No Bank Guarantee; May Lose Value. 

Brokerage services for Regulation A securities are offered through Dalmore Group, LLC, member FINRA & SIPC. Risks at public.com/disclosures/alts-risk-and-conflict-of-interest-disclosure

See public.com/#disclosures-main for more information.