Borrowing & Loans
Use debt — don't let it use you
Interest, APR, and amortization in plain English. Good debt vs bad debt, your debt-to-income ratio, and how to spot a predatory loan before you sign.
3 lessons · about 26 minutes total · 100% free
Saved on this device only — no account needed.
1. Interest, APR & amortization — what a loan really costs
Principal, interest rate, APR, amortization — the four words that decide what you actually pay. Follow one $20,000 car loan from signature to final payment.
9 min read
2. Good debt, bad debt & your debt-to-income ratio
Debt is a tool — sometimes a ladder, sometimes a trap. Learn the difference, calculate the DTI number lenders judge you by, and pick a payoff strategy that works.
8 min read
3. How to read a loan offer — and spot predatory lending
Five numbers tell you everything about a loan. Learn where to find them, the red flags that scream 'predatory,' and the cheaper alternatives that exist for almost every emergency.
9 min read