If you're thinking about a signature loan for that vacation you've been wanting to take, or perhaps to do some minor home repairs around the house, there are some things you should keep in mind.

The first step in taking control of your financial situation is to do an assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Begin by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your "fixed" expenses - those that are the same each month - like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary - like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.

Before selecting a company to get your signature loan, it is best to compare different loan plans. Services and fees vary greatly, as do interest rates, so compare as many programs as you can.