5 minute read

Modern life can often make it hard to stay ahead of your finances. It can feel like there’s simply so much to pay for, especially when you’d rather save your money for later in life. Then, there’s the overwhelming nature of debt that can make you feel completely out of control altogether. 

Fortunately, some useful tools and services help you regain control and feel more confident about your budget. That’s what this guide is here for. Below, you’ll find 5 tried and tested money management tools that have been handpicked for their ability to help with debts and household budgeting. 

1. Achieve

For anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt, there is Achieve, a debt resolution platform that focuses on people as individuals rather than numbers on a screen. 

The process involves experts negotiating your debt on your behalf, which can mean you end up paying less overall. Then, you are put on a clear debt relief plan that shows you exactly how much you’ll pay over a specific length of time to get out of your debts altogether. 

What are the benefits of using Achieve?

  • An easy application process: Achieve is a low-friction debt management solution that evaluates your debt with a simple online tool. You can also speak to an expert consultant if you would prefer. 
  • Get out of debt faster: Achieve offers a light at the end of the tunnel. Specifically, a light you can actually see. The process puts you on a repayment plan for 24 to 48 months, meaning you’ll be repaying the debts for a shorter period so that you can eventually be free from debt altogether. 
  • Lower monthly payments: The expert team at Achieve negotiates your debt balance down and consolidates it into a single payment. This makes the repayment process easier to maintain for members. 

2. OneMain Financial

OneMain Financial is the go-to lending company for individuals wanting a personalized touch. This company is unique among the others because it has physical branches across the United States so that you can speak with an expert consultant in person. Plus, they offer secured loans ranging from $1,500 to $30,000. 

What are the benefits of using OneMain Financial?

  • Accessibility for lower credit scores: Unlike many other lenders, OneMain Financial accepts borrowers who are in the poor or fair credit rating range. They consider the overall financial picture, including your income, when determining your eligibility. 
  • Fixed interest rates: With OneMain Financial, you can rest assured that the monthly payments will never increase halfway through the term. This means easier budgeting. 
  • Flexible options: There are a variety of loan options that OneMain Financial offers, including unsecured, secured, and even joint loans. 
  • A human approach: It often helps to speak to a human about your loan options, and you can do so at one of the 1300+ OneMain Financial branches in the US. 

3. Prosper

Prosper offers a variety of financial services, including personal loans, the Prosper credit card, and investment diversification. For staying ahead financially, there’s also the debt consolidation tool that allows you to place all your debts into one single payment. 

What are the benefits of using Prosper?

  • Speed: You won’t have to wait long to see whether your application is approved or not. Then, once you are approved, you will receive the funds in your bank account in as little as a day, giving you quick access to cash when you need it. 
  • Fixed repayment rates: You don’t have to worry about costs increasing over time, as all of Prosper’s personal loans come with fixed monthly payments and interest rates. 

4. Upgrade

Upgrade is a unique fintech lending platform that offers both personal loans and credit cards to lenders. The Upgrade Card is the standout feature, as it offers a credit line for everyday purchases, with the borrowed amount repaid through fixed monthly payments. 

What are the benefits of using Upgrade?

  • A unique credit card: The Upgrade credit card offers the flexibility of a traditional credit card alongside the predictability of monthly loan repayments. It helps you pay off your balance faster. 
  • Directly pay off debt: If you want to, you can choose a personal loan for debt consolidation that directly pays off your debts by paying the creditors. It takes the work out of your hands. 
  • You only need a fair credit rating: Whereas some other lenders require a good credit score, you can get an Upgrade loan or card with just a fair rating (for example, 580+). 

5. LightStream

LightStream is a personal loan company offering a variety of loans based on what it funds. They specifically offer loans for: 

  • Auto purchases
  • Kitchen or bath remodeling 
  • Debt consolidation
  • Swimming pools
  • Weddings
  • Boats

What are the benefits of using Lightstream?

  • Making the big purchases easier to fund: LightStream is specifically about funding those big purchases. It can help you stay ahead even when you need to fund something large, such as a wedding or a kitchen renovation. 
  • Low fixed rates: LightStream offers low, fixed rates so you don’t have to worry about increasing prices over time (which could leave you out of pocket). 
  • Rewarded for good credit: LightStream is specifically for lenders with a good or excellent credit score, and many lenders find it refreshing to be rewarded for this.