A
Smarter, Simpler Way to Borrow
From surprise expenses to long-term goals, borrowing can be a smart way to move forward. But success isn’t just about getting the funds—it’s about how you manage them. With simple digital tools and a few good habits, you can stay on top of your payments, avoid costly surprises, and borrow with confidence every step of the way.
Build Good Habits from the Start
At Community Choice, we believe borrowing should work for you, not against you. And that starts with being an informed, intentional borrower. Here are six smart habits that make all the difference.
1. Know the “Why” Before You Borrow
Every loan should have a clear purpose. Whether you’re handling an emergency or planning a major purchase, know exactly why you’re borrowing—and how it fits into your overall financial goals.
Pro tip: A good reason to borrow is one that builds long-term stability or saves you money over time. A risky reason? Filling short-term gaps in your day-to-day expenses without a plan to adjust your budget.
2. Understand the Full Cost—Not Just the Monthly Payment
Before you sign, ask yourself:
- What’s the interest rate?
- Are there fees?
- How much will I pay over the life of the loan?
3. Borrow Only What You Need
It can be tempting to accept the full amount offered—but responsible borrowers take a moment to pause. Do you need all of it? Borrowing more than necessary means you’re paying interest on money you didn’t actually use.
Quick tip: Run the numbers. A loan should fit comfortably in your monthly budget without crowding out essentials or savings.
4. Keep Track of Due Dates—Automate Where You Can
Missed payments don’t just trigger fees—they can hurt your credit score and make borrowing more expensive in the future.
Luckily, we make this part easy. With Community Choice e-Banking, you can:
- Set up auto-payments on loans to avoid missed due dates
- Use Bill Pay to manage payments all in one place
- Get alerts and reminders straight to your phone
Because life is busy—but your banking doesn’t have to be.
5. Avoid Stacking Debt
Borrowing responsibly means looking at your total financial picture. If you’re juggling multiple credit cards, loans, and balances, it might be time to consolidate or rework your repayment strategy.
It’s not always about saying “no” to a new loan—it’s about making sure you’re not taking on more than you can manage. Need help figuring it out? We’re here to walk through it with you.
6. Make Your Repayment Part of the Plan
One of the best habits of responsible borrowers? They treat repayment like a built-in expense. Just like groceries or your phone bill, your loan payment should be part of your regular budget.
Looking for ways to stay ahead?
- Our Targets savings account can help you build up funds for future payments
- Choice Map offers free, one-on-one guidance to help you build a full financial game plan
- And in e-Banking, you can easily monitor balances, make payments, or transfer funds from anywhere