Fifty-three percent of respondents said they were at least somewhat concerned about covering an emergency expense, according to a survey of more than 7,000 consumers conducted earlier this year by PYMNTS Intelligence and Splitit, a payment platform that enables installment plans. Key Takeaways More than half of Americans say they worry about their ability to pay emergency expenses that could pop up this year, according to a recent survey. Related Stories How Much Holiday Debt Do You Expect This Year? Survey ...

Investopedia / Photo Illustration by Alice Morgan / Getty Images KEY TAKEAWAYS The percentage of employees in 2024 who took out a hardship withdrawal from the retirement account more than doubled compared to 2018. The costs of emergencies also continue to rise, from unexpected car repairs and hospital stays to an increased number and severity of natural disasters. It is becoming increasingly difficult for many Americans to accumulate sufficient savings, and many struggle to afford emergency expenses ...

Core Insights - Personal loans are utilized for various reasons, including debt consolidation, home improvements, and emergency expenses, providing flexible financial support when needed most [1][2]. Debt Consolidation - Debt consolidation remains the primary reason for taking personal loans, allowing borrowers to combine multiple high-interest debts into a single lower-rate obligation, potentially saving thousands in interest [3]. - Clients often consolidate credit card debts with interest rates ranging from 24% to 29% into personal loans with rates between 8% to 15%, significantly reducing monthly payments and overall interest costs [4]. Major Home Improvements - Many homeowners opt for personal loans for urgent home repairs, such as roof replacements or HVAC system repairs, especially when they lack sufficient home equity [5]. - Personal loans provide a quicker approval process and fewer hurdles compared to home equity loans, making them a practical choice for urgent financial needs [6]. Emergency Expenses - Personal loans are frequently used to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or temporary income loss, as many Americans struggle to afford a $1,000 emergency expense [7].