text: Stay away from payday lenders at all costs.... or it will end up costing you a bundle.  It sounds like such a simple thing, and their ads make them sound like they're really there for you when you need them.  But don't be swayed.  They charge incredibly ridiculous rates of interest, and if you're not careful, you can wind up in a vicious cycle with them.  Here's how:  you borrow $100 till next payday.  Then your paycheck arrives, but you don't have an extra $100 to pay back the loan.  They offer to roll it over for you.  Then you decide to take out another $50 just to get you by till next payday.  Now you owe $150 plus a whole ton of interest.  Oh yeah, and fees too.  \n\nSo what's a person to do if you're tight on cash?  Talk to your credit union or bank.  See about alternatives they have to payday loans.  Even opening a credit card will charge you less interest than using a payday lender.  \n\nThen, take a good hard look in the mirror and figure out how to cut expenses so you aren't strapped for cash.  Perhaps you could get a 2nd job for awhile to bring in some additional money.