Hi, I’m a digital marketer. But my journey didn’t start with fancy gadgets, Google Ads, or big clients.
I come from a poor family.
And when I say poor, I mean the kind of home where the TV was a luxury and education was a battle. No silver spoons, no family inheritance, just dreams, and the internet.
So if you’re someone like me trying to make it in the digital world and you’re wondering, “Should I take a personal loan to invest in my skills, laptop, ads, or just survive?”
How My Financial Background Shaped My Decisions
Growing up, money wasn’t something we discussed; it was something we feared. Every decision was about survival, not growth. Even when I explored digital marketing through free YouTube and online courses, I couldn’t afford a laptop. Instead, I used the government laptop provided on school days and borrowed a friend’s device to learn.
But learning only takes you so far.
Soon, I realized I needed tools, paid courses, software, and sometimes even paid ads to get results for clients. That's when the thought of a personal loan entered my mind.
Why Personal Loans Look Attractive to Digital Marketers
Here’s the reality: being a digital marketer often requires upfront investment. These are some common needs:
- A decent laptop (₹30,000 – ₹60,000)
- Internet connection (₹1,000/month)
- Paid tools (SEMRush, Canva Pro, Adobe, etc.)
- Online course subscriptions
- Paid Ads for testing (Facebook Meta Ads, Google Ads)
- Emergency cash when freelance payments are delayed
A personal loan looks like a shortcut to get all of this quickly.
When I Took My First Personal Loan
I took a personal loan of ₹1,15,000 at 17.04% interest to buy a laptop and pay for a course. At that time, I was working and earning around ₹25,000 a month. My EMI was ₹9,347.
I was confident.
But then came the slow months when payments got delayed, clients vanished, and my income dipped.
That’s when I realized: A loan feels empowering when cash is flowing, but feels like a burden when it stops.
When Should a Digital Marketer Consider a Personal Loan?
Here are the questions I wish I had asked myself:
Do I have a fixed income?
Is the loan for a clear growth purpose?
Can I repay without panic?
Have I explored other funding options?
Personal Loan EMI Calculator for Free
The Good Side of Taking a Loan
- Fast Track Learning: A ₹5,000 course can improve your skills and income.
- Better Tools = Better Results: A high-speed laptop or paid tool can save hours.
- Credibility Growth: You show up better to clients with the right gear and confidence.
- Credit Score Building: If you repay on time, your credit score improves.
The Risky Side of Taking a Loan
- EMI Pressure: Even ₹2,000/month feels heavy when income stops.
- Interest Pile-Up: You pay back more than you borrow.
- Delayed ROI: You might not see growth immediately.
- Mental Stress: Constant tension if you’re unable to pay on time.
Alternatives Before Taking a Loan
- Start with Free Tools (Canva Free, Google Docs, etc.)
- Freelance with What You Have (Do social media work from mobile)
- Barter Services (Offer your work in exchange for software or mentorship)
- EMI on Credit Cards or BNPL (Some platforms offer 0% interest)
- Peer-to-Peer Lending (Often lower interest than banks)
What I’d Tell My Younger Self
“A personal loan is not a bad thing. But it should be your backup, not your Plan A.”
Build up your skills first. Start earning something, even if it’s ₹5,000 a month. Then take a small loan, with a clear plan to multiply your income.
Final Thoughts
No, it’s not necessary. But it can be helpful if taken smartly.
Here’s my simple rule:
✅ If the loan helps you grow, not just survive, and you can repay without fear, it’s okay.❌ If it’s just to match others or because you're impatient, don’t take it.
You don’t need to be rich to start. You just need to be wise.
I still remember my ₹1,15,000 loan. It wasn’t the best decision, but it wasn’t the worst either. It taught me how to be financially smart as a freelancer and how to plan before I borrow.
So, what’s your plan?