Loan Modifications: What They Are and How They Can Help

Loan modifications can be an incredibly helpful tool for anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or other loan payments. They are a way of restructuring the terms of a loan, and in many cases, they can help borrowers get back on track with their payments and make them more manageable.

But what is a loan modification, exactly? Let's take a look.

What is a Loan Modification?

A loan modification is when the lender agrees to modify the terms of the loan in order to make it more affordable for the borrower. This could mean reducing the interest rate, extending the term of the loan, or both. 

It's important to note that not all lenders offer loan modifications—it's up to each individual lender's discretion whether or not they will work with you on this type of arrangement.

How Does It Work?

In order to qualify for a loan modification, you must demonstrate financial hardship and provide evidence that you are unable to make your current payments. 

If your request is approved by the lender, then they will modify your existing loan so that it better fits your budget and needs. The actual process for obtaining a loan modification varies depending on your lender. 

However, generally speaking, it involves submitting an application along with documentation outlining your financial situation and requesting specific changes to the terms of your existing loan.

What Are The Benefits of Loan Modifications?

The main benefit of taking out a loan modification is that it can provide much-needed relief from high monthly payments and reduce financial stress during difficult times. 

Additionally, if you are able to successfully obtain a lower interest rate as part of your modification agreement, you may even be able to save money over time! 

In some cases, lenders may also waive certain late fees or penalties associated with missed payments as part of a successful agreement.

Are There Any Downsides To Getting A Loan Modification?

One thing to keep in mind when getting a loan modification is that it will affect your credit score—both positively and negatively. 

On the one hand, if you successfully make all payments after modifying your loan agreement, then this will reflect positively on your credit score over time. 

However, if there is any delay or missed payment, then this could cause some issues down the line. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you do end up getting a positive outcome from getting a loan modification, it won’t happen overnight—it may take several months before you see results on your credit score report.

Overall, loan modifications can be an attractive option for borrowers who are struggling financially but still want to keep their home or other assets secure—however, it's important to remember that not all lenders offer this service and that there may be additional costs associated with getting one approved by yours. 

If you think this option might work for you, talk to your lender about what steps need to be taken in order for them to consider approving your request!

How Much Do Most Homeowners Insurance Plans Cost?

Owning a house is an expensive proposition. In addition to the monthly mortgage payments, you must pay for upkeep, repairs, and homeowners insurance.

Insuring your home is always a good idea to protect your investment and is required by mortgage companies until the loan is paid off. 

Here's a look at the cost of house insurance and some factors influencing it.

Homeowners Insurance Rates

You must pay nearly $1,400 a year for homeowners insurance on the average house valued at $250,000, according to Bankrate. 

Companies consider various factors when setting prices, and they all have different standards. Comparison shopping for homeowners insurance can save you hundreds each year, but costs are rising overall. 

The industry cites inflation, supply chain issues, and catastrophic losses from climate-related disasters for causing rates to rise.

Other Factors Involved

Other factors that companies consider when setting a house insurance rate include the age of the home, how much it would cost to rebuild it, what it's made of, and the fire rating of the location. 

Homes far from fire hydrants pay higher rates, and so do those made of especially expensive materials. Your claims history and the history of the location may also be considered. Your credit score is included in the calculation in most states.

Highest and Lowest

Hawaii, where prices for most goods and services are higher than average, usually has the lowest house insurance rates. Prices there could be less than half the average. 

The unlucky homeowners of Oklahoma pay the highest rates. They may pay nearly three times the average. Alabama and Arkansas are among other states where rates are high. 

No matter where a home is located, the factors in the previous section are involved in calculations.

How to Lower Your Cost

Shopping around is the easiest way to lower the cost of your house insurance. You can also save by choosing a higher deductible or asking for a discount if you have multiple policies with the company. 

Sometimes, a small investment in safety and security devices like doorbell cameras, fire alarms, and deadbolts can also reduce rates. 

Additionally, when you don't file a claim for three to five years, you may qualify for a reduced rate with some companies.

Homeowners insurance is expensive, but understanding where you stand compared to the average may ease your mind. If you're paying too much, you can often reduce your cost by shopping around and looking for discounts. 

House insurance isn't sexy or exciting, but you may find saving hundreds every year worth your time.

Tips for Financing a New Home

Financing a new home can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! There are plenty of options available for those with good credit scores and even for those with bad credit scores.

The most important thing is to research the different ways to pay for a home, the costs that will be expected of you during the process, and which of your options will be the best for you. 

Below are a few things to consider when looking over your financing options.

Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most important factors in financing a new home. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. 

If you have a good credit score, you may be able to qualify for a conventional loan with a low down payment. However, if your credit score is low, you may need to look into other options, such as an FHA or VA loan.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This loan is a great option for first-time homebuyers or those with less-than-perfect credit. 

The down payment on an FHA loan can be as low as 3.5 percent of the purchase price of the home.

A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans are available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses. The down payment on a VA loan can be as low as 0 percent.

Home Loans

There are many different types of home loans available, and the type that you choose will depend on your financial situation. Some common types of loans are fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate loans, and jumbo loans. 

Fixed-rate loans have interest rates that stay the same for the life of the loan, while adjustable-rate loans have interest rates that can change over time. Jumbo loans are for borrowers who need to finance more than the conventional loan limit.

Down Payment

The amount of money that you put down on the house you’re looking to buy as a down payment will also affect your monthly payments. If you put down less money, your monthly payments will be higher. 

However, if you put down more money, your monthly payments will be lower. It's important to consider how much money you can afford to put down before you apply for a loan.

Closing Costs

Another factor to consider when financing a new home is closing costs. Closing costs are the fees associated with getting a mortgage and can vary depending on the lender you choose. 

Typical closing costs include private mortgage insurance (PMI), appraisal, and origination fees.

PMIs are insurance policies that protect the lender if you default on your loan. Appraisal fees are charged by the lender to have a professional appraiser assess the value of the home you're looking to purchase. 

Origination fees are charged by the lender for processing your loan application and can vary based on the type of loan you're applying for.

When you're ready to finance a new home, the process doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming. By doing your research and understanding all of your options, you can find the best option for you and start fresh in your new home. 

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions and get help from a professional if you need it. With a little preparation, financing your new home can be a smooth and stress-free process.

Need to Buy a New Car? Tips for Qualifying for an Auto Loan

Owning a vehicle is essential for many reasons, such as having transportation to work and ensuring your children have access to school and extracurricular activities, health appointments, and other commitments.

However, when it comes to purchasing a new car, there are some steps you have to overcome, especially if you are not paying with cash and seeking a loan. 

Lenders will consider different factors when approving loan applications, so knowing as much as possible about qualifying is essential.

Maintain Regular Employment

The number of months or years of employment to qualify for an auto loan varies, depending on the lender. In some cases, a few months of a stable income is acceptable, whereas other financial institutions might require at least one full year. 

In addition to current employment, most lenders ask for verification of stable work history, with no excessive gaps between jobs. It would be best to have regular employment before applying for a loan; however, other factors, such as good credit, could increase your odds even with minimal employment history.

Satisfactory Credit

Car loans are approved for all types of credit, from excellent to good, fair, bad, and no history. The score necessary will depend on the vehicle’s cost and the lender’s requirements. 

Your application will likely be approved if you have a satisfactory credit history. However, a bad credit score often shows that you aren’t as reliable with past credit approval, and the uncertainty from a lender may lead to a denial. 

The financial institution could grant your loan, but with stipulations, such as higher interest rates and other fees.

Have a Down Payment

Having a ten or twenty percent down payment could lead to lower borrowing amounts and more equity in the beginning. You could also encounter less interest and lower monthly payments. 

Trading in another vehicle could also increase your odds of approval. To determine the best options, it would be essential to speak with the dealership’s representatives beforehand. 

Professionals like those at On-Trac Auto Sales can help to make your application process as simple, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.

Identification

You should never apply for a loan without a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card. These documents are necessary to verify your identity. 

It is also best to apply for loans in your state. Some lenders may allow out-of-state applicants, especially those who have just moved to the state or co-applicants trying to boost the odds of a loved one’s application. 

Most lenders require a utility bill, home loan, lease, or rental document for proof of address.

Regardless of your credit history, do not assume you’re ineligible to buy a new car. These are helpful tips to increase your odds of qualifying for an auto loan and receiving the transportation you need for personal and professional commitments.

Need to Improve Your Credit Score? Knowing Where to Start

An excellent credit score can lead to more financial opportunities, such as buying a home or car, obtaining a job, taking vacations, starting a family, and more.

When accepting credit lines from banking and other financial institutions, the debt could be challenging to manage; however, credit management is necessary to avoid lowering your credit score. 

It is best to know where to start when you want to stay in good financial shape and keep your credit history stable.

Monitor Your Reports

Knowing what’s on your credit report allows you to verify what is accurate and untrue. If you notice suspicious charges, report these to your financial institution immediately. 

Your account information may be incorrect, or your identity could be stolen. You can watch out for any harmful activity and seek immediate assistance by monitoring your credit reports regularly.

Make On-Time Payments

One of the top reasons that credit scores decrease is missed payments. Therefore, it would be best to make your payments on time. It could help if you considered setting up automatic payments with your bank to avoid paying a mandatory charge. 

Doing so can ensure the bills are paid, and you don’t acquire additional fees or lower your credit score. You can also speak with your banking institution to learn more about scheduling monthly payments and ways to pay off debt; this includes professional companies like the Credit Union of Denver.

Do Not Apply for New Accounts

Most credit applications require you to agree to a hard inquiry that can lower your credit score. The query is often temporary because it stays on your record for potentially two years, and leaves an impact on your credit score for at least a year, maybe longer. 

If you wish to apply for new accounts, it would be best to try those that don’t require a credit check. In addition to pre-approval credit options, choosing applications that take up a soft query generally doesn’t hurt your credit score compared to the hard inquiry.

Pay Off Debt

Paying amounts larger than your monthly requirement could help lift your credit score, often quickly, depending on the creditor. Your incoming salary could also allow you to pay off debt faster. 

Do not overspend on monthly payments without proper planning and knowledge. Paying a more significant amount on your bills could cause you to spend money ahead of time and run into issues that impact your credit score. 

Another tip to consider when paying off debt is to avoid using your credit card after making the payments. This can boost your credit by eliminating debt instead of adding to it.

These tips can help you on the journey to improve your credit score. Ultimately, your choices will impact the score the most, so make monthly payments on time while budgeting and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

How a Loan Can Get Your Business Off the Ground

If you need a bit of financing to start your business, a loan can be a great option. A business loan is one of the quickest ways that you can help an entrepreneur like yourself get the upfront cash to start operating a business while it’s still in the initial stages. The right business loan for you can help your startup company differently.

A Quick Cash Source

As soon as you’re approved for a loan, you’ll have access to money that can be used to pay for different business expenses. Most loans have short turnaround times for approval, and securing one of these loans can be especially helpful if you need fast cash to pay vendors, inspectors, or other individuals who are trying to help you launch your business. 

You can also use the money that you receive from your loan to pay for office supplies and other important items that are essential to running your company. 

Whether you need a few hundred or several thousand dollars to get your business going, you can apply for as much cash as needed and get the entire amount upon approval.

Helps You Establish Credit

Even though you likely already have personal credit that’s in good standing, you’ll still want to establish credit for your business that’s separate from your own financial history. 

A business loan can help you establish credit for your company so that you’ll have an easier time getting approved for future business loans if needed. Business loans that are paid off in full without any outstanding balances left over can help companies like you earn even higher credit scores.

No Immediate Need to Repay

In most cases, you won’t be required to pay off an entire business loan right away, and you can carry a balance and make only the required minimum payments until your company becomes more financially stable. 

Even though it’s best to pay off the entire loan quickly to avoid finance charges, you’ll have more time to repay the loan and ease some of your financial burdens if you cannot acquire all the money to pay off the entire loan amount immediately.

Starting a business often involves some major financial investments, and you’ll have an easier time paying the expected and unexpected expenses that come with getting a new business off the ground if you can get a business loan for financing. 

A lender can offer you one of these loans and explain the financing terms so that you’ll have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities with the loan.

Is It Better to Get a Home Loan From the Bank or a Lender?

When you are ready to buy your home, there will be plenty of choices. The two most common options to finance your home are non-bank lenders or large banking institutions. However, each of them has some differences, and your choice could depend on what's important to you. Learn more about how they differ below.

What is the Difference Between a Bank or Mortgage Lender?

Either a bank or a lender can help you get the funding to secure your new home. The applications will depend on credit, income, and debt qualifications. However, there are some critical differences between the two.

Mortgage lenders have several loan options, while banks have fewer options. Also, banks will usually have tighter credit requirements. It's common for mortgage lenders to sell your loan to another lender after closing. Home loans can be secured with either option, but you should consider how they differ.

No matter who you choose, having a decent credit score can only help in your effort to secure a loan, whether it be through a lender or a bank. 

If you’re unsure of your credit score or how it would perform, you’ll want to focus on increasing your score to at least 700 or higher. In fact, if you were able to get a score of over 800, you could likely get yourself a better interest rate.

How to Know Which Is Right For Me?

There are some pros and cons to each option. Let's start with banks. Banks generally have lower interest rates and will continue to service your loan after closing. Also, they may offer special rates if you already have other financings through them. Banks typically try to promote better loan terms and products to maximize their revenue.

Some cons to bank lending include having stricter lending standards, more fees, and longer closing times. One of the more challenging pieces of a bank loan is getting approval. It's generally more difficult to qualify for a bank loan, and the process takes much longer.

Mortgage lenders have many pros, including more options, quicker loan closing, and may be more willing to negotiate the terms. However, some cons include the servicer selling your loan to another lender after closing, meaning you can expect changes to how you’d pay your loan to the new lender.

Lenders and banks both have their advantages and disadvantages to offering loan services. Thus, it's best to shop around and determine which option is best for you. You can get quotes from several different lenders and banks and compare rates, terms, and closing costs from each. Ask lots of questions to understand your agreement.

How to Decrease Your Loan Interest Rate

Taking out loans is useful for a variety of purposes. You might want to consolidate credit card debt or take care of necessary repairs on the house.

Paying back the loan can start to feel stressful after some time, especially when you look at the interest rates. Fortunately, you can use some strategies to try to get the interest lowered.

Negotiate a Lower Rate

One possible solution is to simply ask for a lower rate. Call the loan provider to find out what options are available. If you have consistently made regular payments or even extra payments, use this information as evidence as to why you might be entitled to a lower interest rate. 

Remember that the loan provider might deny your request, but at least trying this strategy is important.

Refinance Your Loan

Another way for borrowers to get loan modifications is through a refinance. Due to an improvement in your credit score or lower interest rates in the market, a refinance may be available. Depending upon the type of loan you're refinancing, you may be able to get a cash-out option as well. 

For example, when people refinance their mortgages, they sometimes do so with the cash-out option. You can put that extra money toward other home modifications or debt while still getting a lower interest rate.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the elements on which your interest rate is based. Improving your credit score can, therefore, assist with getting a better interest rate. Take a look at your credit report to find out what factors are hurting your score the most.

Having too much debt without enough available credit seriously influences your score. Try paying off as much debt as possible before asking for a lower interest rate.

Try Again

If you've asked for a lower score and were rejected, you should try again in the future. Interest rates themselves can change, and so can your financial situation. 

In the event that the lender denies your request for a lower interest rate, ask what the determining factors were in the decision. By doing so, you will know what you have to work on before submitting another application for a reduced interest rate.

Don't feel as though interest rates are destroying your financial situation. In many cases, you are not permanently locked into your current interest rate. Explore some possibilities for getting a lower rate either now or in the future.

5 Consequences that You Have to Face for Defaulting a Personal Loan

A personal loan is one of the most beneficial financial products that can help align finances effectively. Choosing a personal loan can help meet urgent financial obligations without any worries.

Borrowers can choose the repay their loan amount as per the repayment capacity through EMIs. Every personal loan comes with a financial commitment to repay the outstanding amount.

Borrowers must comply with the terms and conditions of the loan to avoid default. Choosing the best personal loan rates and the right EMI amount is crucial after assessing factors such as projected income, expenses, existing loan obligations, etc. 

Defaulting on loan repayment can have grave legal and financial repercussions. Read on to learn more about defaulting on personal loan default and its consequences.

Understanding a Personal Loan Default

In the financial world, the term default is used for situations where borrowers fail to comply with the legal obligations of a loan. Failing to make the repayment through EMIs is a case of default. 

Defaulting on the repayment of a personal loan for over 60-90 days is a serious concern for lenders. After a period of 90 days, the financial institution can issue a notice and take legal action against the defaulter. 

It is also crucial to note that defaulting on a personal loan for such an extended period can damage a person’s creditworthiness and reduce the credit score significantly.

5 Consequences of Defaulting on a Personal Loan

The lending institution which has offered the personal loan can take various actions against the defaulters. The extent of financial and legal damage depends on the terms and conditions of the loan. 

Let’s take a quick look into some significant consequences of defaulting on a personal loan.

A major dip in the credit score

Defaulting on a personal loan for an extended period can seriously damage the borrower’s credit score. A credit score is a 3-digit number that can range between 0 to 900, depending on the person’s credit history. 

It is a quantitative measure used to compute a person’s creditworthiness. A higher credit score indicates better creditworthiness. Multiple factors are considered before calculating the credit score. 

Repayment of the borrowed credit has the maximum weightage. Therefore, defaulting on a personal loan can seriously dip the credit score.

Reduces the future borrowing capacity

Defaulting on a personal loan will lead to a decrease in the credit score. Your credit report will also show that you have defaulted on a loan. This will limit the borrowing capacity of defaulters in the future. 

Lenders will perceive borrowers who have defaulted on a loan in the past as high-risk candidates. Therefore, they can limit the loan amount for past defaulters. Lenders can also increase the interest rate on these loans to hedge their risks. 

In short, your borrowing capacity will be pretty limited in the near future. Also, you won’t be eligible for great loan offers and the best personal loan rates. In some cases, defaulters are unable to get any amount of loan, given their poor track record.

Debt accumulation

Not repaying the borrowed amount punctually as per the agreed terms and conditions of the loan can lead to a massive debt pile. This can also lead borrowers into a debt trap. 

Defaulting a loan obligation means adding more burden on the next payment cycle. You will have to pay additional interest charges and late fees (if any) for defaulting along with the last outstanding amount. 

If you keep on defaulting for a more extended period, the debt will amplify, and this will put more strain on your finances.

Legal consequences

In case of default, the lender can issue a legal notice to borrowers and take matters to court. The lending institutions have several legal ways to recover the borrowed amount. 

However, they don’t take such extreme actions in the first 2 to 3 months to maintain a healthy relationship with the borrowers. 

However, after a duration of 90 days, they might exercise their legal rights to recover the loan amount. It is vital to avoid these legal hassles and repay the outstanding balances timely.

Confiscation of collateral

Some lenders might ask prospective borrowers to pledge collateral for issuing a personal loan. In this case, there is an added risk for borrowers. 

It is important to note that defaulting on a personal loan for an extended period can lead to confiscation of the security/collateral offered. Therefore, you must not default on secured loans at all.

However, new-age lending institutions offer collateral-free personal loans that reduce the risk to some extent. However, you must always repay the loan amount timely. A personal loan EMI calculator can help you find a suitable EMI amount.

4 Financial Facets of Owning a Car You Must Attend To

Owning a car is a huge financial responsibility. When you are buying a car, there are many things to think about. Not only do you have to decide on the make and model of the car, but you also have to think about the financial aspects of owning it.

There are many things you need to attend to keep your car running properly and protect your investment.

Car Insurance

The first thing you need to do is find a good car insurance company. You want to find a company with a good reputation that offers coverage that is right for you. 

There are many different types of coverage, so make sure you understand what each one covers before you choose.

You will also need an insurance company that offers good insurance rates. The last thing you want is to overpay for your coverage.

Financing Options

The next thing you need to think about is how you will finance your car. If you are going to buy it outright, you will need to have the cash available. If you are going to finance it, you need to find a good interest rate and make sure you can afford the monthly payments.

It is important to compare rates from your bank to other lenders before you make a decision. You want to make sure you are getting the best interest rate possible.

Your Credit Score

Your credit score is another important factor when you are financing a car. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. If you have a good credit score, you may even get 100% financing.

If you have bad credit, you may still be able to get a loan, but it will likely have a higher interest rate, negatively impacting your future finances. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and keeping your balances low.

Your Income

Your income is the most significant factor you need to consider when financing a car. You need to make sure you can afford the monthly payments. If your income is low, you may want to look into a used car or a car with a lower interest rate.

You also need to think about how much money you will be spending on gas. If you have a long commute, you will want to choose a car that gets good gas mileage.

Furthermore, be keen to set aside a budget for routine maintenance and repairs.

Lastly, owning a car is a big financial responsibility, but if you take the time to attend to all facets, it can be very rewarding. Make sure you do your research and make smart decisions about buying and financing your car.

How a Credit Union Account Can Help You With Your Money

Once you have made the wise decision of choosing a credit union over a bank, you can start making other decisions that can put you on the right path to your financial journey.

It is up to you to check out what your credit union has to offer and how it can help you achieve specific financial goals. Let's take a look at some of the personal-finance options generally offered by credit unions and how they can work in your favor:

Personal Deposit and Checking Accounts

Your money is safe when it is deposited in a credit union account. Similar to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration has the backing of the United States government to guarantee the safety of your funds up to $250,000. 

This will protect you even if the credit union goes insolvent or falls prey to a major cyber heist, and it is definitely safer than keeping all that cash at home.

Using Credit Union ATM Networks

By virtue of being organized as non-profit financial institutions, credit unions are more likely to offer low-cost access to automated teller machine networks. 

In some cases, credit union ATMs can be used for free; however, you have to check how much the ATM operator will charge you for the transaction, and this is often disclosed upfront.

Improving Your Credit Score

Not all credit unions offer this service, but quite a few of them have been expanding their offerings to include it. In essence, a credit union, for example, one like Credit Union of Denver, may extend you a friendly loan that features a small balance and a very comfortable interest rate. 

When this loan is linked to automatic debit from your account for a term of six months, the reporting made to the national credit bureaus will show that you made timely payments without interruption or tardiness, thus resulting in a nice boost of your personal credit score and history.

Compound Interest Savings Accounts

Putting your credit union money to work can be as easy as opening a high-yield savings account that pays compound interest on a daily basis. 

The interest growth on these accounts turns exponential over time as long as you make regular contributions in the form of deposits. Since credit unions are not looking to profit from their members, these savings accounts generally carry low fees and few penalties.

The personal finance options listed above only scratch the surface of what modern credit unions offer. Be sure to check with your credit union representative about loans and other financial products that can boost your personal worth.

4 Helpful Steps to Getting Better Credit

It's often stated that cash is king. While cash is important, nothing beats an excellent credit score, especially when credit can get you so much farther these days. With an excellent credit score, you’re able to open so many wealth-building doors. 

You can leverage an excellent credit score to get amazing interest rates, points, and loans. Not only that, but it makes big purchases, like houses or cars, much easier since the people you’re working with know they can trust you. 

If you don't have a great credit score, there's no time like the present to begin the rebuilding process. Consider the four helpful steps in order to achieve better credit.

Pay on Time

While there are certain tricks of paying at a time when the credit bureaus track everything, start by focusing on making payments by your assigned due dates. Also, it's important to note that many creditors require you to pay by a specific time of the day. 

If your credit card payment is due on July 27th, don't think that you can pay anytime before midnight. In fact, many creditors require you to pay no later than 5 PM PST or 8 PM PST. If you pay even a minute later, it's considered late.

Get a Consultation

In order to leverage your credit moves, consider a consultation with a financial professional. Talking with professionals who know how to navigate financial management and credit scores, professionals at establishments such as Luckie Seven Solutions Inc, means it should be easier to get a better understanding of how long it can take to improve your credit, practical steps, and credit goals. 

They can even help you come up with a financial plan to improve your score and keep you on track to maintaining it.

Pay the Balance Each Month

When you're able to pay the full balance each month, this may open up more perks from your creditors such as grace periods and points. Be intentional about planning your spending on your credit cards. 

If you can focus on purchasing the necessities with your card, pay it off at the end of each month. You should already have the money to cover the necessities so it won't be difficult to develop a strategic system with your credit card usage.

Use No More than 30%

If you're not the most disciplined person, don't use the entire balance if you don't need it. If you have access to a $1,000 credit limit, try not to use more than $300. 

Unless you know that you can pay the balance every single month, try not to use more than 30% of your available credit. It doesn't look good when you have a habit of maxing out all of your credit cards without paying the balance down completely.

While there are financial advisors who preach the "debt-free" gospel, it's only practical if you don't know how to manage credit wisely. In fact, it's best to learn how to manage credit wisely in order to leverage it and build wealth. 

Plus, when you have excellent credit, you'll be able to recognize how much access you truly have because creditors trust you to manage their resources well.

How to Decide if It's Time to Refinance Your Home Mortgage

Some homeowners decide to refinance their mortgages for various reasons. Since you already own the property, it is easy to refinance it when possible. However, it'd be best to determine the right time to refinance the mortgage. Here are reasons to refinance your mortgage.

Get a Better Interest Rate

Every homeowner wishes to get a lower interest rate on a mortgage. Refinancing home mortgages is an excellent way to get a better interest rate each month and over the loan term. 

It is possible to get a potentially lower interest rate when you refinance your mortgage. This can save you more money in the long run as you clear the loan because it reduces the monthly payment. 

However, it is worth noting that the refinance interest rate depends on various factors such as creditworthiness and your debt-to-income ratio. So, it'd be best to analyze your current situation to help you make informed decisions before refinancing your mortgage.

A Good Credit Score Rating

If you have a good credit score, you can decide you refinance your mortgage because you stand a chance of getting better interest rates. This is a sound basis that determines whether you get the mortgage or not. 

The lender will analyze your borrowing history and decide whether to give you the loan or not. Even if you didn't have a good credit score when borrowing the loan initially, there are high chances that your score increases with time, meaning you qualify for a mortgage refinancing. 

You will be better positioned to get reasonable rates that reduce your monthly payment over the loan term.

Changes in the Loan Terms

When getting a loan, you either get a short or long-term repayment period. This depends on various factors. But the good news is that you can go for a mortgage refinancing and change the loan terms. 

For instance, you can refinance and get a shorter term from 30 years to 15 years. However, it increases the monthly payment and also saves you money in the long run. 

Clearing your loan sooner will also help you build home equity. So, if you can refinance your mortgage for a shorter term, go ahead and do so because it has excellent benefits.

Following the tips above can help you decide when to go for a mortgage refinancing. Doing it at the appropriate time can save you money and many hustles in the long run. Do due diligence by researching the appropriate information before you apply for the mortgage.

What are the Steps to Maintain a Good Credit Score?

Consumer credit scores are difficult to comprehend, but if you own or want to own a company, you'll need to take in even more detail. Much like companies receive a credit rating dependent on their individual creditworthiness, they also have a credit rating to show their overall credit health. 

credit scores are used in the same way as personal credit scores are. So, for example, if you apply for a business credit card or choose to deal with a credit-extending vendor, your Creditsafe business credit report will be used to assess your creditworthiness, as well as your interest rate and loan terms.

Like personal loan ratings, higher business loan scores are often better to achieve the best business loan rates and conditions.

How to verify the credit value of your business

You should know if you are wondering how you can verify your business credit that many third-party companies allow you to access an online business credit report. 

Every provider can view a version of Creditsafe business credit report, and some provide many packages that allow you to access more credit functions and details.

Maintaining a good business credit score in 6 easy steps.

#1: pay your bills on time if you own a company.

To improve your personal credit score, you must pay your loan EMIs and credit card bills on time. The same can be said for a company's credit score. 

Late payments hurt your credit score, making it difficult to get a business loan, line of credit, or credit card.




Paying your bills on time is one of the most effective ways to increase your credit score. Defaults, late EMI fees, and bounced checks all lower your credit score. 

Paying your bills on time not only boosts your credit score but also lets you keep good relationships with suppliers and other creditors.

#2: attempt to keep your credit card balances as low as possible.

A strict rule of thumb is to keep the company's credit utilization ratio under 30%. For example, let's say you have an Rs. 10 lakh overdraft from your deposit. Ideally, you should not use more than 30% of your usable credit (Rs. 3 lakhs). 

For example, if you drew Rs. 3 lakhs from your available OD cap, it's a good idea to repay the sum borrowed before making any more withdrawals.

When your credit utilization ratio exceeds 30%, your credit score begins to decline. However, even if you have to withdraw a greater sum, your credit score will improve if you repay the loan on time.

#3: maintain a low level of business debt.

Liabilities on your credit report include credit card balances, term loans, and other credit lines. The more loans you take out, the worse your company credit score will be. 

Lenders are hesitant to give loans to companies that have a lot of unpaid debt. So try to repay older loans as soon as possible to boost your credit score.

#4: take time for short-term EMI loan & repay.

This might seem to be counterintuitive but bear with us. Taking out a short-term business loan and repaying it on time shows the credit bureau that you can responsibly manage credit. 

This will help you improve a bad credit score. However, before implementing this tip, make sure you repay older loans.

#5: do not cancel old cards.

In deciding your loan score, your credit history plays a key role. An older credit card/other credit account is continuity and represents the confidentiality of your company suppliers and sellers.

The older a loan account, the higher its effect on your loan value. If an old credit card is canceled, the corresponding credit record is erased. Therefore, when determining the credit score, this background cannot be used.

It's always advisable to close the new credit cards if you have more than one company and want to cancel a few to minimize their effect on your credit score.

#6: periodically check your credit report and report for any errors

You have to correct this surveillance if you are one of the thousands of company owners who don't routinely track their companies' credit rates. 

At Creditsafe, you can check your business credit score. Provide some simple business information, and in a few minutes, you can obtain your new credit value and credit report.

You should check your business credit report regularly as a business owner. Check for errors or inaccuracies. Even a minor error like a wrong mobile number in the credit report will affect your company's ranking. If you find any errors/inaccuracies in your credit report, report it and correct it as soon as possible to the credit office.

Finally, maintain intact your credit value.

If you have a new company or a proven company, most lenders often examine your personal credit before granting loans. Make it easier to handle the company's cash flow and keep your business and personal finance apart. Get your company credit card and not use it for household/personal expenses to pay your regular costs.

Keeping a decent Creditsafe business credit report increases the chances of achieving the best possible price for business finance.

Choosing the Best Lender for an FHA Streamline Refinance

Finding the ideal FHA mortgage lender is not as effortless as it sounds. First off, you need to narrow down your choices to come up with an approved list of lenders from the Federal Housing Administration because not every lender offers these kinds of loans. Also, check their current fha streamline rates and the amount of money you stand to save by opting for an FHA Streamline refinance.

In this post, we discuss a few tips that will help you search for the ideal FHA mortgage lender.

1. Know your credit score

It is crucial to note that FHA seeks borrowers with a credit score of at least 500. However, if you desire to get an FHA loan but have a down payment of 3.5%, you will require a credit score of 580 and above.

For FHA Streamline Refinance, appraisals are unnecessary. Your Loan-to-Value-Ratio is calculated based on the last appraised value when you received the current loan.

In some instances, an appraisal, however, may be required.

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Also, to assess the prevailing mortgage rates, you need to request the most current rate quote by completing a rate quote request from the lender. Interestingly, you will discover that they have the same rates or even lower compared to other FHA programs.

2. Shop around for more than one FHA lender

FHA mortgage rates may be all over the place, and for this reason, you need to do thorough research to ensure that you settle or the best mortgage rates. Some lenders may offer lenient terms compared to others. Or may qualify you for an FHA mortgage loan faster compared to others.

Remember, lenders often price their mortgage loans vis-à-vis the prevailing marketing conditions. And also mark up their interest rates as a result of profit targets and business costs.

Figure out the difference between lender fees and FHA mortgage insurance premiums

To cater to the loan default costs, FHA-backed loans need mortgage insurance. FHA mortgage insurance is similar. You will be required to pay uniform premiums at lender one as you will at credit union two. Lender fees are dissimilar from lender to lender. That makes it effortless to compare the fees and terms on offer for each lender.

3. Look out for the APR

Another way to figure out how much fees is required is to compare the annual percentage rates of varying lenders. They will always make money by charging you different fees such as application fees, processing, and origination fees. And or through building their profits into the interest rates you pay.

That is why you need to factor in your payment interest rates plus the fees included APR. You may use the calculator provided on various lender sites to help you assess the difference between annual percentage rates and interest rates.

4. Customer service

When choosing the best lender for an FHA streamline refinance, you want to ensure that they exhibit exceptional customer service. Choose a lender who responds to phone calls, messages, emails, and other communication channels on time or reaches out to you as soon as they can.

You want to ensure that the staff are polite and show concern for their clients.

5. Stellar reviews

Before settling for a lender for an FHA streamline refinance, you need to ensure that they have a good name. You can find out how clients perceive their services by checking their comments on social media platforms, the company's website, Google, and other equally helpful avenues.

The ideal FHA streamline refinance lender offers exceptional services to their clients, alongside reasonable interest rates. You want to steer away from FHA streamlines that have an unpleasant history. And those with bad reviews on their platforms.

You may also consider recommendations from trusted family members, relatives, and friends of FHA streamline refinance lenders they have worked with before. And would vouch for their services.

You also want to ensure that you are working with award-winning experts whose primary aim is to provide their customers with the best rate quotes.