 TITLE: Step-By-Step Checklist to Getting a Personal Loan CONTENT: Review Offers and Accept the Loan\n---------------------------------\n*   **Decide whether to accept or decline the offer.** If you're approved for multiple loans, compare terms to find the best one.\n*   **Accept the offer you want and get your money.**\n    *   You may receive a check, cash or direct deposit to your bank account.\n    *   For a debt consolidation loan, the lender may send the money directly to your creditors.\n*   **Make payments on your loan.**\n    *   Note your payment due date (usually within 30 days of loan approval).\n    *   Set up automatic payments and be sure your bank account always has enough money to cover the payment.\n    *   Build the payment into your budget.\n    *   Use the loan for its intended purpose.\n    *   If you got a debt consolidation loan, create a budget so you don't rack up new debt. END