Rates, articles, and other basic information about consumer lending.

Provides information and self-qualification tests for a variety of consumer lending products.

1997 article that describes risks and provides guidance regarding co-borrowers, from the Federal Trade Commission.

The truth about advance-fee loan scams, where you pay first and get the loan later. 1999 article from the Federal Trade Commission.

1998 article from Bankrate.com about abusive lenders that offer advances on paychecks.

Information on finding reputable cash advance and payday loan lenders as well as what to look for in a lender.

Also called cash advance loans, check advance loans, or deferred deposit check loans, these high interest loans are usually expensive. 2000 article from the Federal Trade Commission.

Timesofmoney.com offers detailed instructions on obtaining consumer financing.

Article from SmartMoney.com about high loan-to-value loans for homeowners.

Article from About.com regarding abuses in the advance payday loans business.