Bad budgeting isn’t the only reason why someone might need financial aid. If you’re self-employed or rely on government assistance, then you’re all too susceptible to the vagaries of your monthly income. When unforeseen expenses come a long, you may find yourself underprepared and overwhelmed by your sudden financial obligations. When your savings account isn’t as padded as you’d like, a line of a credit can be a financially responsible way to cover your needs.

A line of credit can act as a safety net in your time of need. While they are not recommended to purchase something as large as a car or a home, they can help you with those small unavoidable items or services that your monthly income can’t cover. Typically larger than small dollar loans, they have a higher limit that allows you to pay for more expensive charges.

Its repayment is dependent on how much you use against the total. Interest is calculated according to the portion of the funds that you use rather than the total amount available. Only a minimum payment is required once you start to use your advance. This particular feature makes it an ideal alternative if you wish to keep your credit, untouched, until an emergency requires it, or if you plan on using it to pay off several smaller expenses over a longer period of time than a short-term loan can provide.

Regardless of how it functions, a line of credit must be reasonable for your current financial situation. There is no such thing as free money, so you will have to repay all of the funds that you’re given. It’s imperative to determine if you can reasonably repay your line of credit before you sign any contract. Before you even apply, learn about its fees, minimum payment schedules, and all related costs.

These will differ from state to state, as each local government is responsible for setting out the legal limitations of lines of credit. Speak to a loan expert at MoneyKey if you live in these three states: Kansas, Maryland, or Missouri. As a state licensed lender, they offer products in accordance with local laws. Check out the personal line of credit loan from MoneyKey to learn about their rates and terms. With this information in mind, you can decide if you can budget for its minimum payments.

As a flexible alternative to short-term loans, a personal line of credit could be exactly what you need to cover surprising and stressful expenses. Take the time to find out if it fits your financial situation. If you can afford to take on its minimum payments, it’s a practical solution to your money problems.