Homeowners who want to borrow money want to feel safe. They want a deal that isn't going to offer up surprises and they want to be able to plan for the future with the debt in mind. If you are one of those homeowners, you will need secured loans. Secured loans are the only small loan that is wholly secure - backed by the equity in your home so you can sleep at night. And the industry has been developed for decades, so you can be sure that the right secured loans lender is experienced and good at offering fair deals.

With unsecured, personal loans there is always risk. The loan's only fall back is you - with secured loans, if the worst happens at least your house can be used to pay back the debts. But with unsecured debt, if you cannot meet repayments you could face further fines and eventually arrest. And because they are unsecured, the rates for these loans are wholly uncompetitive, so it is much easier to slip into default. Not with secured loans - along with the security of the bricks and mortar, lenders will be around to help guide you through any arrears problems you may have.

Credit cards are not much better - anyone can be eligible for a credit card, and banks are happy to offer them out, but that just means anyone is in line for credit problems. Because credit cards are so easy to use, their rates are some of the most uncompetitive in the credit sector. And like personal loans, the only fall back is you. Secured loans have lower rates, more flexibility and more options if things go wrong. And when it comes to dealing with debt, flexibility is essential. Credit cards might be great to use in the shops but when it comes to bigger decisions, you need secured loans.

Also, with secured loans you can be secure in the knowledge that you know what you will be paying back each month, because you can decide the rate type. If you want security, you can choose fixed rate secured loans. You can also decide on the length of the debt and how much you want to pay back, and when. Security comes from you calling the shots, and with secured loans that is definitely the case.

Talk to an adviser about a secure loan, they will be able to point you towards a reputable lender. Although there are no legal ramifications with secured loans, the best lenders promise self-regulation within their own associations. So make sure to ask your adviser whether the secured loans lender is a part of an affiliated group, for extra security.

It's always prudent to remember that the more secure the debt, the more chance you have of keeping a clean bill of financial health. Arrears on credit cards and personal loans are rife in the UK as the national debt tips the £1.4 trillion mark* - so stick with secured loans to be sure of a good credit rating, and financial security in the future.

*Debt Charity CreditAction.co.uk