Personal loans are one of many types of loans you can borrow from a bank. These loans are typically general purpose loans that you can use at your discretion for anything you wish. Personal loans are most often treated as a fixed-term loan. Regular payments are made over a set period of time and end when the loan is fully paid. The better your credit score the better interest rate you will qualify for. As with any loan, it's crucial to determine the monthly payments and the total cost of the loan over time before accepting the loan. Something many people are unaware of is that taking out a personal loan can actually help you build your credit and improve your score.

Below are 5 situations when you can use personal loans as a smart financial move:

You Have Immediate Cash Needs

• It is practical to use short-term personal loans to bridge the shortage of funds in your life. You can use the funds to support any of the sudden cash emergencies like medical expenses, home repair or funding a foreign trip. The purpose of loan doesn't affect its interest rate, however your income and duration of loan does. All you need here in a planning stage is to have a strong back up plan for repaying the loan. The repayment will improve your credit score and add to your future worth at the same time.

To Avoid Trashing Your Credit

• In case you have lost a job or face a sudden spurt of personal expenses such as a wedding or some other expense in your life, you can take recourse on personal loans. Bad credit is a situation you should always avoid. If you have a shortage of funds, rather than missing a loan repayment you can borrow some funds. The idea is to not let the score fall for temporary financial challenges.

To Consolidate Multiple Loan Payments

• When you have multiple payments to be made every month, it is better to simplify the process by consolidating the loan into one personal loan. By consolidating loans, you just have to pay a single repayment and that will pay for other loans. Availing short-term loans for bad credit is a practical means to mend mounting debts and save a financial mess.

In Need of Student Funds

• Being a student it is not always easy to keep a track on your expenses. Sometimes you need funds for reasons that your education loan fails to pay for. A personal loan allows you to apply for short-term loans to cover these needs.

Business Funding

• Every new start-up or a business entity needs positive inflows. You need to maintain an adequate supply of funds for maintaining sound terms with your suppliers and business associates. The short-term personal loans can be used as business loans to keep the flexibility of operations in your business.

In all of the above cases, personal loans can be used to better manage your finances. However, it is prudent that you carefully read the terms and conditions of a loan agreement and do not sign a very expensive loan. In case you find yourself unable to make a mind on the loan terms, you should contact a loan broker for financial advice. They would guide you on the ways to manage your funds and keep your credit score healthy.