Showing posts with label Credit score. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Credit score. Show all posts

Monday, April 26, 2021

Is Freedom Debt Relief a Reputable Company?



If you have a veritable boatload of outstanding debt, you may want to consider Freedom Debt Relief (FDR), which offers strategies for shedding your unsecured obligations. But is FDR a reputable company?

The short answer is yes, let’s take a look.

FDR At A Glance


Basically, the company requires a minimum debt of $7,500, and its typical customer has $25,000 in obligations. Fees range between 15% and 25% of the enrolled debt, although the amount varies depending on your state. 

The time it takes to eliminate debt is between two to four years, with the average debt resolved in three years, 10 months. Post-fees savings to consumers are between 15% and 35%.

How Does FDR Work?


Freedom Debt Relief has trained debt professionals who will work with you to put in place its debt relief and settlement programs.

Initially, a certified debt consultant will discuss your situation with you and evaluate potential remedies. If you sign on, the consultant will help you create a personalized repayment plan.

You then will usually cease paying your debts directly and instead deposit those monies into a dedicated account controlled by you. Once there are sufficient funds in that account, Freedom Debt Relief will open debt negotiations with your card issuers. 

This means that your creditors will be asked to accept a one-time payment in full for less than you owe. It’s important to know, however, that stopping payments on your current debt will, at least for the near term, damage your credit score.




If an agreement is reached with your card issuers, and you approve the amount, funds will be transferred to your creditors as debt payment.

Is FDR a Scam?


Hardly, although there are many unscrupulous agencies out there that are more interested in helping themselves than helping you. 

These firms often; charge fees before they settle your debt, “guarantee” to make your debt woes disappear, tell you to stop talking to your creditors, pledge that you’ll clear your debts for pennies on the dollar, say they can stop debt collection calls or lawsuits, offer a one-size-fits-all remedy that may not be right for you or use scare tactics to pressure you to enroll in their program.

Be leery of companies that do any of these things.

In contrast, Freedom Debt Relief is accredited by both the American Fair Credit Council and the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. Since 2002, more than 650,000 clients have been served by FDR, which has resolved more than $10 billion in debt. So, you can sign on knowing you’re getting legitimate credit relief.

Here’s what Freedom Debt Relief does, which sets it apart from bogus or unsavory agencies:

  • It never charges you until it negotiates a settlement
  • It helps you deal with creditors but doesn’t tell you to cease communications with them
  • It offers a subscription to the National Litigation Law Group service that provides certain legal representation if you need it
  • It provides you with a realistic estimate of when you can expect to become debt-free
  • It develops a bespoke relief plan for you that suits your needs and financial goals
  • It spends time understanding your unique needs to make sure it’s the best solution for you

Is Freedom Debt Relief a reputable company? Well, it didn’t become the largest debt settlement company in the nation by ripping folks off. While no debt relief company can guarantee that it can reduce a customer’s debt with a creditor, FDR’s long history of negotiations with so many top creditors is real and gives it a leg up over the competition.



Wednesday, October 21, 2020

5 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score and Save Money




A credit score refers to a vital number that moneylenders use to determine if they will grant you credit and the terms and interest of the loan or credit. If your score is low, then you have lower chances of your loans getting approved. If approved, you might have to repay higher interest. 

That is why you want to score very high if your plan is to get a car or personal loan, a credit card, or make a mortgage application to purchase a home. Discussed below are five ways you can use to increase your credit rating and save cash.

1. Manage Your Debt


Since the second most important factor in your credit rating is the total debt, it is significant to keep your loans under control. In case you presently have a substantial amount of unpaid debt, your main concern should be to avoid having another loan and work to reduce the figures.

This is not always easy; however, the only means to enhance your debt condition is to stop utilizing credit cards or borrowing and continue making well-timed payments that minimize your balance.

You must also consider the amount of available credit. For instance, if you have several credit cards that have reached the maximum or are close to the bounds, it will negatively affect your score. Dual credit cards, which have a limit of $5,000 and a balance of $1,000 each, look better than one card with a limit of $2,500 and a balance of $2,000.

Use notifications to inform you of fresh purchases with a debit or credit card to better track your balance and expenses. You may also establish a split alert to notify you when the credit card amount hits a certain value. Consider scheduling biweekly or weekly payments to the cards to lose some interest and lower your debt balance faster.

2. Pay Promptly


The most significant thing you should do to maintain or improve your credit score is to pay promptly. Disbursement history is the single most important factor used to calculate your credit rating. Payments past due one month or more will point up on the report and affect your credit rating negatively. These negative numbers typically stay on the report for around seven years.




Consider scheduling automatic overheads from your current account to make it easy to pay on time. If you are not at ease with payments automation, you may set up prompts with your billing agent or through the account to inform you when the due day is approaching.

3. Use Different Forms of Credit


A minor portion of your credit rating is according to the kinds of credits you are using at a given time. Moneylenders would like to perceive your responsibility for returning credit, that is, loans and credit cards. If you do not possess a credit card, consider having one. In case you do not have a loan on your report, you can apply for a small individual loan to build credit.

4. Keep Your Old Accounts Activated


Credit history length is another significant creditworthiness factor, so keeping old accounts open can be an advantage. While you need to keep all your accounts manageable, it can sometimes be harmful to your score if you close the old account. 

Locking the old account while you still have a balance may also affect your score, as it directly upsets your credit use. For instance, if you want to purchase a credit mortgage and have a low score, consider using a bad credit mortgage broker instead of closing your old account.

5. Be Cautious When Opening Fresh Accounts


Although fresh credit is not a significant feature in your credit rating, it is an essential concern. If you are looking for a credit card or new loan, make your purchases quickly. You do not want your credit report to display that you always look for credit.

Also, you do not want to apply credit accounts that you don't want to utilize. It can be luring to get the extra 10% off for opening a new loyalty card; however, the little cash you save can be negligible when several new accounts like this lower your score. 

Also, loyalty cards can regularly have a greater annual cost compared to the conventional credit card. If you fail to immediately reimburse the balance, the greater APR may offset the savings you get when you open the account.

Conclusion


Improving your credit rating can save you money. Use the above methods to build your score.




Sunday, February 9, 2020

5 Tips for Building a Great Credit Score


Building an excellent credit score is a hard task. Even if you miss one payment, it can take a drastic toll on your FICO. Here are five tips that can help you to ensure your credit score is in the prime category, and you can buy whatever you need.

Don’t Pull Too Many Inquiries


When shopping for a loan, it may seem reasonable to look around. However, be careful about pulling too many “hard-hits” on your credit. You can pull your own score and know where you stand before you head to the dealership or a lender. 

When you make an inquiry on your report it’s not as damaging as when a company does it. Both types of hits will stay on your credit for 12 months. So make sure to allow people to pull your credit wisely.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Percentage Low


When you have credit cards and equity lines of credit, it’s easy to overspend. Some people feel that when they have plastic to spend that they can be freer than they can with cash. 



However, if you have more than 30 percent of your credit spent, then you will get a knock on your credit report. If you have a credit card with a $1,000 limit, then you need to spend no more than $300 of that credit. The less you spend, the better.

Don’t Go Over Your Debt to Ratio


Your income is a guideline that is used to see how much credit you can be awarded. However, a bank will only allow you a certain percentage of borrowing power based on that income. If you are beyond the 33 percent threshold, then you will be denied for loans. Additionally, your credit score will take a hit.


Diversify Your Credit


Never put all your “eggs” in one basket? You want to make sure that you have a nice mix on your report. You don’t want 12 credit cards and no auto loans as it looks odd to lenders. They see these credit cards as a potential for you to get into trouble. So it’s best to diversify your spending power to enhance your report.


Never Miss a Payment


Life happens, and there may be times when you are unable to pay a bill. Always call the lender or credit card services and make arrangements so that the late payment doesn’t show up on your credit report. 

Most companies will work with you. If you get a ding for a late payment, it sends a big red flag to potential lenders that there is an issue making payments on time. Your payment history will make or break your credit score.

Finally, building a great credit score isn’t going to happen overnight. It takes time and patience to get your FICO where it needs to be. Be careful when you spend money where your credit is concerned, and always pay your bills on time.


Saturday, January 18, 2020

Considering Refinancing? Here’s How to Know When You Should



Good financial management means more than just watching every penny. It also means taking an occasional step back and looking at the big picture in the context of the world around you. An area where many people find a way to save money is by refinancing their homes. 

Here are four ways to know that it’s time to look into refinancing.

Market Rates are Better


Interest rates are almost always in motion, headed either up or down most of the time. At the time of your last refinance or the initial purchase, you may have taken a rate that was pretty solid. Since then, though, rates may have dropped, and a refinance could save you thousands of dollars in interest.


Your Credit Has Improved


One of the most important factors in the interest rate you get is your credit score. Over time, you should be able to see that figure gets better and better. Once you’ve reached a significantly better credit score, you will probably qualify for a better rate, making it worth your while to refinance. 




A home buying loan service can review your situation and see if there may be options for you.

Your Situation Has Changed


Since you took out your current mortgage, you may have encountered many changes. You could have had a job change that resulted in a lower salary, making your mortgage a bit of a strain. You may have experienced marriage, divorce, or the arrival of children. Each of these events can change your financial needs and make it beneficial to investigate refinancing.


You Need Cash Out


Your home is not just your residence. It’s also an investment. The dollars you put into it can someday come out if needed, even if it’s for upgrading the house itself. During a refinance, you can cash out some of your equity to take care of other expenses, such as tuition for the kids, debt consolidation, or even just a great family vacation. Instead of racking up student loans or credit card debt, look into a refinance that will cover the expenses.

When you think about it, very few mortgages should ever go the full term without being refinanced at least once. Changing interest rates and personal needs are a given when you’re considering a time horizon of up to 30 years. Check your situation periodically and be prepared to refinance when the right circumstances develop. You could easily save yourself thousands of dollars in interest.


Friday, January 10, 2020

5 Factors That Can Influence Your Business Loan Approval



If you are heading a large business needing expansion of a particular section, or a small business owner wanting to scale, or a budding entrepreneur, your priority is to secure funds at the right time. We want to focus on the term ‘right time’ because if a financial institution is unable to disburse funds at the right time, you may lose out on a lucrative opportunity.

Now that you understand the significance of timely disbursal of loans, you need to ensure preparedness during the business loan application process. No one wants a loan application rejection as it will lead.

Let’s say that your organization is ready for new business loans, but you are unsure about the subsequent process, this article can get you covered. Here is a list of five factors that influence your business loan approval. Read this to know

Factors that Influence on Business Loan Approval:


A Healthy Credit Score/History:


The most basic and obvious factor for a successful loan application is a high credit score. Financial experts suggest that it is essential for a business owner to keep the personal credit score as high as possible. When it comes to small business loans, financial institutions take into consideration the personal credit score of the business owner. 





The borrowers with a credit score of 720 or higher get better interest rates. Alternate lenders or NBFCs try to fill in the void created by financial institutions by providing new business loans to borrowers with a credit score as low as 500. Hence, small business owners with low credit scores prefer private NBFCs for ease & speed of funding. 

However, good credit history is always a prerequisite for easing out the approval of new business loans. Timely payment of dues, transparent transactions, invoicing of every purchase with dealers are something that can help you build a good credit history.

Age of Business:


Occasionally, banks & NBFCs see the age of business, cash flow, statement of transactions, and other factors in approving your business loan. For small business owners, the APR or annual percentage rate is usually higher. 


Once your financial partners can see some traction in your business, they will follow up with better interest rates. However, many private lenders specifically provide small business loans. All you have to do is to gauge your requirements using a business loan calculator.

Collateral:


Financial institutions reduce lending risk by asking small business owners to use their assets as collateral to secure the business loan. Not being too rigid, lenders allow small businesses to use their stock, equipment, and similar business assets as collateral. Alternatively, institutions like NBFCs offer collateral-free small business loans as well.


Type of Business:


The type of business plays an impending factor in your loan application. If your financial partner considers your kind of business to be riskier, then things may get slower, with financial institutions charging higher interest. Complete market research about the potential of your business can be used to convince your banking or NBFC partner to believe in your vision.


Business Plan:


If you are a new business owner who would like to get started or an existing business owner who wants to expand the organization, you need a plan in place to show to the banks or NBFCs. If the business plan is impressive enough, then the following process is typically faster. You need to explain the purpose of the loan, vision, and other factors to structure your business plan well.


Conclusion:


The above factors play an important role in making your loan application faster and more effective so you can focus on your business aspirations. Also before processing for the loan must check the business loan eligibility for easy approval. Having a thorough understanding of the lenders’ requirements can make things more comfortable during the loan application process.



Thursday, October 24, 2019

From a Building to a Home—Staying Financially on Track While Buying a House



Becoming a homeowner is an exciting yet daunting undertaking. However, great rewards invariably accompany great risks. If you’re gearing up to purchase a home and are looking for insight on how to remain financially stable, consider these expert tips.

Monitor Your Credit Score


Nothing will prove more stressful than watching your credit score decline while affairs are underway. What’s more, you’re likely to get hit with a higher interest rate if your finances aren’t in good standing. With that said, make it a point to track your credit score. 


Obtaining this information is exceedingly simple, and in this instance, ignorance certainly isn’t bliss. Most importantly, it’s crucial to go over your credit report with a fine-tooth comb; that way, you’ll be able to pinpoint any inaccuracies.

Consult with a Lender


You’ll want to forge an intimate relationship with your lender. In addition to offering sound financial advice, they also oversee your monthly payments. Should you have questions or concerns, they’ll be able to address them. 




Mortgage programs are inherently complex, but with assistance from a professional, all information will be rendered into layman’s terms.

Save


While this pointer may seem obvious, the importance of saving can’t be stressed enough. If you fail to save, you’ll inevitably wind up in a sticky situation. Unexpected fees are a part of the process, and in order to be financially prepared, saving is vital. 


Moreover, if you’re looking to lower your monthly payments, a larger down payment is required. In short, having a fair amount of money to lean on bodes well for a stress-free experience.

Pay Your Bills on Time


Nothing will compound your anxiety quicker than having charges pile up. You’ll also sully your reputation with your lender if you fall behind on payments. In essence, you need to account for any recurring charges. 


Lenders can be rather unforgiving, so if you drop the ball even once, it can be difficult to get back on track. If you don’t consider yourself a financial expert, enlist the help of a trusted advisor. There’s no shame in seeking guidance, and you’ll gain both knowledge and peace of mind by doing so.

It’s not uncommon for budding homeowners to wonder if their finances will soon hang in the balance. If you resonate with this notion, avail yourself of the above advice. As a result, you’ll maintain financial security while buying a home.


Monday, September 30, 2019

Keep Your Credit in Check: 4 Common Credit Killers to Watch Out For



A plummeting credit score could end up costing you thousands in the coming years, and you could have blemishes on your record without even realizing it. If you are tired of struggling with a low credit score, then you might want to keep an eye out for these common issues that will drive that number into the ground.

Constant Credit Checks


You should always ask potential creditor what kind of credit check they are going to carry out before you hand them an application. A soft inquiry won’t impact your credit, but a hard check could drop your score by multiple points. 


In order to carry out a hard check, the third-party must have your consent, and that usually occurs when you apply for a new job or a home loan. If you are shopping for a loan, then all inquiries within 45 days will be counted as one hard check.

Unpaid Tickets


Many people don’t realize that an unpaid ticket could actually impact their credit score. Getting a ticket won’t necessarily show up on your credit report, but it could end up dropping your score if the bill is eventually sent to a collections agency. 




That is why if you feel that you won’t be able to pay a traffic ticket, you must immediately reach out to a traffic ticket lawyer to have it disputed before it can damage your credit score in a severe way.

Loan Increases


When an organization is determining your credit score, they are going to compare your income to your total debt. If your debt increases and your income remains the same, then your credit score might drop by a few points. That being said, paying off your loans will gradually increase your credit score over time.

Canceling Lines of Credit


It is an unfortunate fact that determining an individual’s credit is a relatively complicated process, and many different variables are taken into consideration. That includes how many lines of credit you have open and how long those lines have been active. 


Whenever you cancel a line of credit, your score will most likely dip for at least a month or two. After that time, your score should slowly climb back up.

Once you have your credit score at a decent level, you need to make sure that you check on it at least once every few months. Identity theft is a growing problem, and you must catch that type of crime right away if you want to avoid long-term problems with your credit score.


Friday, July 19, 2019

5 Ways to Get Personal Loan Even with Bad CIBIL Score



Personal loans are easy to avail when you meet all related eligibility criteria. One of the most important factors when considering creditworthiness is your CIBIL score, which is your credit rating. Generally, poor credit scores disqualify you from availing loans. However, there are certain tricks that makes personal loans for bad credit possible.

If you need a personal loan with bad CIBIL score, you can try these workarounds to get the financial help.


Take the loan jointly


When it comes to personal loans for bad credit, the best alternative is to opt for the loan together with another friend or family member. Ensure that the other member’s CIBIL score is at least 750. In this manner, you can bypass your poor credit rating and receive the loan amount from the lender.

Check for errors on CIBIL rating


In some cases, the CIBIL score may fail to show your actual creditworthiness. This generally happens due to a mistake during the CIBIL score calculation. Ensure such faulty scores do not hamper your chances of availing a personal loan. Double-check all the details you provide on CIBIL, such as the PAN number and credit history information.


Enquire about associations between lender and employer


Salaried employees working for reputed companies or organization can check whether their employer has a tie-up with the NBFC in question. You can exploit this connection to avail a low CIBIL personal loan. Financing companies often prefer lending money to employees of such esteemed companies.


Look for other lenders


The eligible credit score for availing a personal loan varies between different lenders. Some NBFCs may offer such loans on lower credit scores as well. Therefore, you should look at all available options. 




You may find a lender whose eligibility criteria you can match. Personal loan eligibility calculators will help you determine whether you can avail a loan or not.

Reinforce your application with a collateral


In general, personal loans are unsecured financial products. You cannot pledge an asset against the money you borrow. However, some financing companies may allow you to do so if you are looking for personal loans for bad credit. Check whether your lender has such provisions in place.

However, improving your credit score is the best way to ensure a fast and hassle-free personal loan approval.


Methods to improve CIBIL rating



  • While using credit cards, keep in mind that you should spend only as much as you can repay within the billing date for the card. Unpaid credit card bills hamper your credit rating.
  • If you are already repaying a loan, ensure you make EMI payments on time every month. Late payments or defaults will adversely affect your CIBIL score.
  • In some cases, the credit score on your CIBIL account does not reflect your credit rating but that of someone else’s. This may happen due to an error on your part while entering your details or due to other reasons. Rectify these mistakes as soon as you notice them to improve your credit rating.
  • Rather than looking for a personal loan for bad credit, you can try to improve your CIBIL score by increasing the credit limit on your credit card. High credit limit results in a better first impression about you on lenders.

NBFCs provides pre-approved offers, which makes the loan availing process simpler and faster. These offers are available across both secured loans, such as home loans, and unsecured loans, namely, business loans and personal loans.

So, do not stop looking for a personal loan for bad credit. You will either find a way to avail such a loan with poor CIBIL score or improve your credit rating in the process.



Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Building A Good Credit Score




It’s a happy occasion when you’re securing a mortgage! Maybe it’s your first home, or maybe you’re moving to a better location. It’s all smiles until the topic of credit score comes up. Your credit score is a numeric representation of your creditworthiness. 

If you pay your bills on time, avoid opening too many credit cards at once and maintain your old accounts, your credit score should be in the “good” to “excellent” range. Events like bankruptcy, or having chronic debt will negatively affect your credit score. 

A good credit score puts you in an advantageous position when negotiating loans, approval for a new residence or securing auto insurance. Read on to find out how to get the best possible credit score.

Your credit score can be a thorn in your side, or it can be your secret weapon. Your credit score speaks volumes about your financial history, but it can always be improved! Pay credit card balances in full and try not to carry any debt. A good to excellent credit score is powerful proof that you are financially responsible. 

That makes you an ideal candidate when negotiating a loan, mortgage, insurance rate or new residence. Keeping your credit score high is a matter of paying all your bills on time, not initiating too many credit cards at once, and keeping your oldest accounts open. 

You’ll be in great financial shape, and have a solid credit score to help you out in your travels! Having a high credit score will make you an ideal candidate when it comes to securing a mortgage, loan or insurance policy.



Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Five Simple Steps to Finding the Right Loan



Submitting a loan application isn’t something to be taken lightly. Whether you are looking to borrow £1,000 or £100,000, it’s important to know you’re getting a deal that suits your requirements and budgets.

These days, there’s no shortage of options to explore. If anything, you’re more likely to find yourself wondering where to start.

So with this in mind, what follows is a brief overview of the five simple steps that stand between you and your perfect loan:


1. Consider if you really need a loan


Before going any further, it’s worth considering whether or not you actually need a loan. The reason being that it’s never a good idea to take on additional debt for frivolous reasons.

In addition, you may also be able to cover the expense using your existing credit facilities. A credit card with a low APR, an interest free overdraft or perhaps the savings you’ve got stashed away in the bank. If there’s a way of getting things done without taking on additional debt, it’s an option to consider.


2. Check your credit score


These days, having an imperfect credit score doesn’t mean exclusion from financial support. Nevertheless, it could mean higher overall borrowing costs, or exclusion from certain lenders.





If your credit report is only slightly blemished, your application will probably be considered by most lenders. If your credit report is in a sorry state, you might want to target lenders who specifically cater to poor-credit applicants.

Always remember that denial of your application could inflict further damage on your credit report.


3. Evaluate your financial position


When applying for a loan, you need to consider your financial position beyond today. You may be able to cover the repayments right now, but what if things take a turn for the worse a few months down the line? Are you absolutely sure that no matter what happens, you won’t slip into arrears?

Taking chances is never a good idea. Unless you’re 100% confident in your capacity to repay the loan, you may wish to delay your application.


4. Compare the market in full


Comparing the market in full means looking beyond the High Street. Up and down the UK, there are dozens of specialist lenders who routinely offer secured and unsecured loans at rates that outperform those of major lenders.

Working with a specialist loan comparison website or independent broker is therefore advisable. Particularly for anyone with poor credit, who’s unlikely to be fairly considered by a major High Street bank.


5. Consider overall borrowing costs


Last but not least, the vast majority of loan products attach costs that go far beyond monthly and annual interest rates. Arrangement fees, administration fees, final settlement fees, late payment fees and so on – all stand to significantly increase the overall cost of the loan.

When carrying out your market comparison therefore, be sure to factor all borrowing costs into the equation. Once again, this is where an independent broker can help you compare the best deals on the market from specialist lenders across the UK.



Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Credit Score in the Dumps? How to Uncover it’s True Potential



A less than ideal credit score can limit your ability to make larger purchases. There are things that you can do now that will help to improve your credit rating. Here are some of the steps that you’ll want to take in order to uncover the true potential of your credit score.

Schedule Your Payments


Late payments work against your credit score. One solution that will help you to avoid having late payments is to schedule your payments. There are online tools that will help you to achieve this goal. 


The caution with automatic payments is that you’ll need to ensure that you have enough money in your account to cover your expenses. Missed or delinquent payments are just as detrimental to your credit score as late payments.

Stop Revolving Debt


You may have heard the term revolving debt used and wondered what it meant in relation to your situation. This is more commonly seen with the type of debt that you collect by using credit cards. The balance that you carry on these cards adds to your debt load.




If you have too much debt, you’re considered higher risk and this can lower your credit score. Paying off your high interest loans and limiting your use of credit will help to get your credit score back on track.

Learn the Tricks


As with anything, there are tricks that you can learn that will help to improve your credit score. Work with a fast credit repair company so that you can learn these tricks a little faster. 


For example, overextending yourself can lead to you having trouble paying your debt down. You may find yourself making minimum payments and accumulating more debt in order to eliminate your other debts. Over time, this can cause your credit score to drop.

Apply Judiciously


Every time that you apply for credit, it counts against your credit score. This may not seem like such a big deal until you want to apply for something that really matters. Applying for credit judiciously will help you to get the things that you really want. 


It will also serve to improve your credit score if you can show that you can handle your financial situation without having to take out more credit to get it done.

A good credit rating can quickly be lost and take a lot of time to rebuild. Consider these tips if you want to get your credit score back in shape.


Sunday, March 25, 2018

5 Common Credit Score Myths to Consider



When it comes to credit scores and credit reports, the so-called “conventional wisdom” is full of common myths and flat-out inaccuracies. The fact is, some of the most common misconceptions can actually hurt your score. With that said, here are five common credit score myths to consider.

Myth: Improve Your Score by Closing Unused Credit Cards


Many consumers believe their credit scores will improve if they close unused credit cards. The truth is, closing an unused account could hurt your score. Credit scoring models place a big emphasis on your credit utilization ratio. 


This is the ratio between the amount of available credit to you and the total credit you actually use. If you have a low credit utilization ratio, you will have a higher score. 




If you close an unused credit card, that reduces a portion of your available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio and lower your credit score.

Myth: There’s Only One Universal Credit Score


The truth is, there is a wide array of credit scoring models that issue countless credit scores. However, the most recognized credit score is the one issued by FICO. For example, most mortgage lenders will use your FICO score to determine your creditworthiness. 


By contrast, if you are looking for a bad credit auto loan, a lender might use the VantageScore 3.0 credit scoring model. The point is, there is not one score that applies to every consumer.

Myth: Income Determines Credit Scores


Your income has nothing to do with your credit score. Most credit scoring models do not consider your income when issuing a credit score. What does impact your score is your payment history, credit utilization ratio, age of credit and credit inquiries. 


However, if you earn plenty of income, a credit score may not matter much in terms of your buying power.

Myth: The Federal Government Runs Credit Bureaus


Although there are laws that regulate how the three major reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax report credit, the federal government has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the reporting agencies. 
FICO is also an independent company that has no ties to the government.

Myth: The Credit Bureaus Report Good and Bad Credit


This myth really confuses many consumers. In truth, the credit bureaus make no determination that your credit is either good or bad. The bureaus merely compile credit information provided to them by lending institutions. From there, other lenders will use the information in your credit report to determine your level of creditworthiness.

There are many other common misconceptions in the world of credit reports, so it is vital that you do your homework before applying for your next loan or credit card. Arm yourself with the facts, and do not believe everything you hear or see about credit scores and credit reports.


Thursday, August 24, 2017

Getting Medical Bills Under Control With Freedom Financial Asset Management



Sudden medical bills or expenses can be forced on us without any option for getting the best value. You can’t simply shop around for the best deal when you’re having a heart attack in the emergency room.

The truth is that you receive the bill in your mailbox some time later and must deal with it after the fact. Unlike comparison shopping on different websites, the amount you have to pay has already been determined. The next couple of steps look like this:
  • Try to negotiate down the amount or establish some type of payment plan
  • Figure out how you’re going to pay it

Don’t pass up the opportunity to call the hospital or your doctor’s office and try to negotiate down the total bill. Let them know you fully intend to pay. There isn’t a 100% guarantee they will reduce your bill, but if you don’t ask you might be leaving money on the table.


Once you have some type of payment plan in place through discussions with the hospital or doctor’s office, you’ll need to start making regular payments.

These payments are usually made using a credit card with a high interest rate. In fact, a 2015 Federal Reserve report found that 38% of Americans use their credit cards to pay off medical debt.

This is not a situation you want to find yourself in. Freedom Financial Asset Management could help by providing more affordable options for managing debt expenses.


A More Affordable Method For Paying Medical Bills


The same Federal Reserve study found that 46% of Americans would be in a bind if they were hit with an unexpected $400 expense. They would have to borrow or sell something to pay for it.

Not having a plan for how you’ll pay sudden medical expenses can you leave you scrambling. Often, you end up with some of the worst options. There are much better alternatives to pay these sudden expenses.

Freedom Financial Asset Management provides APRs that range from 4.99% to 29.99%. Unlike interest rate alone, APR is the full loan cost. Terms on these loans range from 2 - 5 years, giving you plenty of time to pay off the loan.

There may be an origination fee, which can range from 0% to 5% of the loan value. There’s also no prepayment penalty. Meaning, you can pay off the loan at any time without incurring an additional fee.

This type of loan can be a great option compared to other alternatives such as a high rate credit cards for paying down medical expenses.

If the above sounds a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Freedom Financial Asset Management offers great customer service (they have a Better Business Bureau A+ rating) and will make sure you get the best financing possible for your situation.


Medical Bills And Your Credit Score


Overdue medical bills that are reported to the credit bureaus can have a large negative impact on your credit score. How credit scores are used is in fluctuation right now, but you count on unpaid medical bills having a negative impact.

Even worse than an unpaid medical bill is when a debt goes into collections. This is one of the worst cases and should be avoided.

Another drawback of using a credit card to pay expenses is that it is no longer categorized as a medical expense. This means you’ll lose medical bill protection in the latest iteration of credit scoring (specifically FICO credit scoring).

Freedom Financial Asset Management is not a credit card company and does not have the same draw back when it comes to FICO credit scoring medical protection.


Saturday, May 20, 2017

4 Factors that Affect Personal Loan Interest Rate



A Personal Loan is one of the quickest forms of credit you can get. It doesn’t need security, and the documentation for it is very minimal. 

Although all of this makes it seem like Personal Loans are easy, there is a catch, the interest rates. Personal Loan interest rate can be pretty high, ranging from 14% and 27%.

The high interest rate is because Personal Loans are unsecured loans. To cover any loss in the event of a possible default, lenders tend to charge heavy interest. 


This risk factor attached to a borrower, is what decides the rate of interest a Personal Loan. Your income, credit score, and relationship with the bank have a role to play in determining the interest rate on Personal Loan



Salaried employees and self-employed professionals are eligible for Personal Loan. But the terms of the loan, which include the interest rate, varies. Here are some factors that impact the interest rate at which you can get a Personal Loan.



1. Your Income—How Much You Earn


How much you earn has a direct bearing on the interest you pay on the Personal Loan. If your monthly income is more than Rs.50000, you can get a loan at interest rates varying between 16% and 20%. 


If you earn more than a lakh, you can negotiate with the lender to offer you a loan for 12%. To sum up, the higher your income level, the more you can negotiate your interest rate. 


2. Your Credit Score


The other factor that affects the interest rate is your credit score. The credit score is a reflection of your credit history. This score is compiled by the CIBIL authority. They have a variety of criteria. 


This includes repayment of current and past loans and credit card bill payments. A solid credit history can help you get loans at lower interest rates. The higher your credit score (750+), the more easily you can get a Personal Loan. 

In fact, getting a Personal Loan with bad credit score is little bit difficult. So, if you decide to get a loan, make sure your credit score is high.

If you have a low credit score, you can work to increase the credit score by maintaining financial discipline. 


Paying off your bills on time, repay your loans and service your EMIs before the due date. You can also lower the percentage of credit utilisation on your credit card. All of this helps ensure that your credit rating goes back up. 


3. Where You Work—Employer Profile


The standing of the organisation you work for plays a crucial role in determining interest rate. Borrowers working for reputed companies are perceived to have a stable career and steady income. 




This is trust that they’ll repay loans on time. This security is what drives lenders to offer Personal Loans at a lower interest rate.


4. Your Relationship With The Bank


A long standing customer of a bank can get a low interest rate Personal Loan. That’s because the bank has knowledge of the customer’s history based on past dealings. So, they’d be more than willing to give you a low interest rate to a loyal customer. 

When you need a Personal Loan, take these factors into account. Even if you don’t earn a 6 figure salary, you can still get a Personal Loan at a low rate of interest. Make sure that you have a high credit score and good relation with your banker.



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