Q. I owe approximately $21,000 on a truck and would like to purchase a home that is selling for $20,000. Is there a loan that will put these into one loan with one monthly payment?

A.We don't know of any loans that routinely wrap money for a home and a vehicle together. If you really wanted to pay for both with a single loan, you could probably get a personal loan for $41,000, pay off the truck and the home, and then have one payment to the bank or finance company.

But here's why we don't think that's a good idea:

We don't know how much interest you are paying on your truck loan, but hopefully it isn't more than 9% or 10%. It could be less. And as far as the home goes, current mortgage rates are in the 6% range with good credit.

Reputable (and I stress the word "reputable") finance companies, such as Beneficial and American General would be able to give you a personal loan for $41,000, assuming your credit is good enough to qualify. But that could cost you 18%, 25%, or more in annual interest. Some banks offer a personal line of credit, which might cost you in the 16% range (depending on your credit score), but we couldn't find an unsecured line of credit for more than $20,000.

We would suggest that you shop for personal loans and that you shop for a mortgage. When you find the best deals available, have the lender figure out your costs: what would be your monthly payment on your personal loan that would require only one check; or what would your monthly payment on a mortgage loan be plus what you pay on your truck?

There will likely be a substantial difference between the two.