Think about this: You’re staring at your phone, sweat beading. It’s time to pay rent. The bills in your email are glaring at you. Your child needs a new pair of sneakers. You could be thinking, “Where’s a fairy with money when you need one?” In loan money Singapore, you have choices, but you have to know where to search.

First, lenders who follow the law. Don’t make deals in dark alleys with unscrupulous people. The moneylending industry in Singapore is very regulated. You can only work with licensed moneylenders, and you may check their official status online. There are no meetings in the car boot or envelopes slipped under tables. Some terms, including processing costs, late fees, and repayment periods, nonetheless go by rather quickly. Read all of the fine print. Every syllable, really.

Loans for people? You can use it for a lot of things, but watch out for hidden interest rates. You’ll see flashy commercials that promise instant income. When you’re planning to have ramen for supper, it sounds good. Look around. Look at their terms side by side. Talk to a friend who has done this before. Some lenders are like friendly neighbors, while others are tighter.

Have you ever heard of payday loans? Beasts with high interest rates for a short time. Good for emergencies, but don’t do them all the time. You can easily get stuck in a rinse-and-repeat cycle, and then, poof—your whole paycheck is gone in an instant. Think of it as a life raft, not a fancy vacation ship.

There are also peer-to-peer lending sites, which let you borrow money from people you don’t know on the internet, but only within the law. These approaches may give people warmth, but you should always make sure they are real. A lot of scams get individuals to sign up by promising quick approvals. It’s likely not true if it sounds too wonderful to be true. The government of Singapore takes fraud very seriously, although there are still scammers around.

Banks are the more “traditional” way to go, but not everyone can do it. Not good credit? That could slam the door in your face. But don’t give up hope. People who need money but can’t get it from a bank often go to licensed moneylenders. Just remember that interest rates can be very painful at times.

Write down your plan for how you will pay back the money you borrow. Get a piece of paper or open a spreadsheet. How much do you spend each month? How long till you’re free and clear? It’s easier than you think to lose track of things, especially if you have a lot of debts. Late fines crop up like uninvited intruders.

Let’s not forget about legal protection. The regulations in Singapore limit what lenders can do. There are still nasty eggs, though. Never give your NRIC or personal information to “lenders” who aren’t licensed. If someone asks you to sign blank paperwork or give them your property as collateral, turn around and walk away.

Everyone understands the language of money stress. People who are friends understand. The loan officer probably understands it, too. Talk to someone you trust about your options if you’re worried. The best loan is sometimes the one you don’t take.

Be smart about borrowing, pay on time, and remember that money may be a wild horse. With good reins, you’ll get through tough periods and even enjoy the wind again.