Other than those lucky enough to have a stash of cash put away somewhere, most of us are reliant on some form of finance to help us get the things we want in life, whether it is a new home or a new car or whether we want to treat ourselves to a luxury holiday.

Luckily, there are a number of loan options available to suit different needs and circumstances these days, and you will find that different loan deals can suit different needs. Below are some of the popular options available to those in need of a loan:

Mortgage/remortgage: These are loans that are offered to those wishing to purchase a property or those that already have a mortgage but want to switch to a better deal. You will need to meet lenders' eligibility criteria in terms of employment status, financial status, etc. in order to qualify, and the amount that you can borrow will vary. These loans are secured in nature, and therefore it is vital that you are able to keep up with repayments in order to avoid risking your home.

Secured loans: These loans are ideal for homeowners that wish to raise finance for one of a range of purposes, from consolidating debts to carrying out home improvements. You will find that the amount that you can borrow is dependant upon meeting lenders' criteria as well as on the level of equity in your home. Borrowing levels and repayment periods are higher and longer than with unsecured finance. These loans are secured against the home, and therefore you should ensure that you can keep up with repayments. These loans are also usually available to those with bad credit as well as those with good credit.

Unsecured loans: These loans are available to those that do not own their own home, as well as to homeowners that do not want to risk a secured loan. You can take out an unsecured loan for a range of purposes, such as consolidation of debts, holidays, to pay for a wedding, and more. The amount that you can borrow will depend on your income, financial and employment status, and circumstances. The repayment periods are shorter than with secured loans, and the borrowing levels are lower. You will need to have a good credit rating to take out an unsecured loan, and there is no risk of losing your home if you default on repayments.

Car loans: If you wish to purchase a new or used car you will find that going through the dealership can prove expensive. Car loans are available from a number of lenders, and are designed to enable you to purchase the car you want and spread the repayments over a set period.

Payday loans: A payday loans is basically a cash advance. These are short term loans designed for those that need extra cash for a short period until payday comes around. You can get a payday loan even with bad credit, as generally no credit checks are carried out. However, you will need to prove your income through wage slips and bank statements. Fees can be high due to the APR on these loans, but they are an effective way to get your hands on emergency money until you get paid.

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Reno Charlton, award-winning writer, shares her financial expertise as a contributing columnist for www.credit-card-comparison-online.co.uk and www.personal-loan-comparison-online.co.uk.