Keeping Control of your Household Energy Bills Could Help you to Afford a Bigger Mortgage

The global financial crisis represented a watershed moment in consumer borrowing as it changed the way many of us look at borrowing and it changed the way lenders now think when it comes to granting new finance deals, especially mortgages.

Keeping control of your personal finances and avoiding over-stretching yourself has always been the right approach to take but now more than ever, the household bills you have and how much you pay have a big impact on your ability to buy your home with a mortgage.

Tighter lending criteria

The era of cheap and easy loans is over and mortgage lenders in particular are exercising a far greater level of caution when it comes to the amount that they agree to lend so that you can buy a property or move to bigger one.

Borrowers who already have a family to look after are now finding that mortgage lenders are sometimes penalizing couples with children and reducing the amount they are prepared to lend in these circumstances.

One of the questions on an application form has always been to ask how many dependants you have and depending on who the lender is, if you confirm that you have children it could trigger a reduction in what they offer you by as much as between 10% and 20%.

The key to getting the loan you want in today’s financial climate is to have as high a credit score as possible and to reduce the perceived financial impact of raising children by keeping a tight control of your household finances, so you can demonstrate financial prudence and lower outgoings.

Your credit rating

The Money Advice Service has a useful guide as to what affects your credit score and how it also affects the overall cost of borrowing and how much you are offered by a lender.

Credit scoring for a mortgage application works on a number of factors such as the information contained on your application form and also what your past payment performance and credit history looks like.

Paying your credit card, water and gas and electric bills on time is an important thing to do if you want to get the best possible rates and the maximum loan amount available for your income.

Household finances

A good way to get your financial house in order and keep your financial commitments as low as possible is to try and get the best possible deal for your energy bills, as these are a major expenditure in household budgets.

An energy comparison site like UK Power can help you to find the best possible deal so that you minimise the impact of rising prices on your finances and also your credit score.

If you can demonstrate stability it can boost your credit score, so make sure you are on the electoral register so that your residency can be confirmed and shop around to get the best deals on not just your energy bills but also other borrowing costs such as credit cards and personal loans.

Keeping good control of your household bills and finances can certainly help boost your chances of getting a bigger mortgage.

Scott Byrom is an experienced writer and often provides tips and advice to help consumers keep their finances in order and reduce their outgoings and bills.

You're Never Too Old to Earn!

Incredibly, there are still adults careening around financial aspects of their lives armed with only a debit card and crossed fingers. Our 90 day boot camp offers the entry into basic finance, leaving debt behind and entering the saving world. This application can save those users slower in financial maturity and provide easy financial basic education to begin pursuit of solvency. Just as incredibly, there are young capitalists of the future already watching their pennies and investing their quarters, well aware of current market trends. For both human ends of the financial totem, this app provides strong informative education and the resources to use it both now and tomorrow.

Professor Savings is the app for the century, able to equip anyone and everyone with financial skills and the ability to use them through their mobile phone. Even children are learning about their money needs and expenses with this application on their phone apps list.

The application is interactive and armed with fun tutorials. Customers can learn on the run as they enter their financial data throughout their busy days, submit questions and receive fast answers from their trusted mobile. Moving up the financial chain is easy through this app's mobile applications, and it is also entirely painless education for the user. From simple "I have/I want" agendas to the more categorized investment strategies and results, Professor Savings takes users smoothly through all steps of financial acumen. Moreover, this accumulated information and data remain private, confidential, secure and For Your Eyes Only!

This is the missing link of our education system which has never received the attention deserved. Students are busily conjugating verbs in ancient languages yet have been taught absolutely none of the basics in money management. The use of this application can remedy that oversight by educators and teach users how to take up their own reins for financial success. No matter the user's age or background in financial matters, this application can remedy any lack of understanding of money matters and enter a user into financial control. From that entrance level, it is rudimentary for the user to grow in financial management abilities by following the tutorials and video programming.

Control of finances is never taught in today's schools, leaving today's youth bare to the winds of poverty or chance. If the user is not in control of his/her funds and how and where they will be invested or spent, it is a certainty that someone in the future will use those funds in a way not wanted by the user. It is also a certainty that the end results will be losing ones for the user. Lessons in this application show users how to control and manage all funds, no matter the size or type. The resources used in this app are information packed tutorials, many keen witted and timely videos, plus interactive functions to hold the user's attention and enthusiasm.

About the Author:

George L. Hawkins, former CEO of one of Fortune 500's top producing fund families, brought his funds from near termination to success in five years of the worst market in history. Hawkins is an advocate of Professor Savings being utilized in early education for all public, parochial and private educational institutions. Hawkins is an advocate of Professor Savings being utilized in early education for all public, parochial and private educational institutions.

Can You Get a Car Loan If You Are Retired?

If you're a retiree and are wondering if you can borrow money for a car, this helpful guide will answer your questions. Though retirees are no longer working, you could have a leg up when choosing the right car loan.

Retirees own more assets and have less debt

Retirees are people that have worked all their life. They usually have high equity a home, or have completely paid off a mortgage. Having collateral like this means retirees can qualify for a loan and in some cases, lower interest rates.

A good credit history

Having a good credit history also increases your chances of not only securing a loan, but getting one at a lower interest rate. It makes sense to check your credit history to fix any mistakes.

Income beyond work

A lender usually asks prospective borrowers for their proof of income. This really means proof you have a stable job. Many retirees have alternative forms of income. They tend to have significant savings and/or superannuation packages. Some retirees have stock or property portfolios that provide a part of their income. This proves they have the funds necessary to pay back a loan.

Age can be a factor

Typically, five-year loan terms aren't a problem for financial institutions lending to retirees. They may offer 36 to 24 month loan terms if age is a factor. If you have significant savings, you can opt to put a larger deposit on the car, which reduces your monthly repayments further.

Find out what's right for you

Remember; it pays to find out what's out there. Don't apply for too many loans, as it will reflect negatively on your credit history. Consult a financial professional to help choose the most manageable and affordable car loan for you.

Thinking of Improving Your Finances, Here are 5 Things you Need to Know

One of the most sensitive topics in the lives of most people is finances. Now more than ever, the majority of people are struggling to stay afloat. As a result, more and more people are coming out to get loans and they do this without taking any precautions. In the long run, they end up making costly mistakes. To avoid this, you should be better prepared by taking the following into account. 

Get to Know what is Available

Because of the ever increasing number of lenders, the process of applying for a loan has become complex. While it is possible to come across fair lenders, there are others who are out to take advantage of people in dire need of cash. There are different options to choose from and these include short term, same day and personal loans. Some of these are processed fast and don’t require credit checks. Additionally, they are calculated on the basis of how much one earns.

Lenders Credibility

With so many lenders to choose from, you need to check the credibility of your preferred lender. Use the internet to compare different kinds of lenders and pick one capable of meeting your needs. Read reviews about the lenders and if there are any negative comments or testimonials about them, countercheck and confirm their credibility. Carrying out a thorough background check on the lender will save you from making unavoidable mistakes.

Evaluate the Payment Terms

Some lenders tend to be slew in their dealings. Therefore, always countercheck their payment terms carefully. Do not make any rushed decisions. Rather, ensure you read the terms with a clear and relaxed mind. This will ensure you do not end up trapped in debt. Depending on the kind of loan you get, make payments in time and take into account the interest rate. 

Note that if you extend the terms or roll over to the following month, you will be expected to make higher payments. In the same manner, there are lenders who offer a higher amount than you need. Do not be tempted to accept this. Borrow what you need only.

Be on the Lookout for any Hidden Fees

Before signing any documents, make sure you read the agreement carefully. Pay special attention to the fine print since this is where the hidden fees are. For instance, there are lenders who don’t charge interest on the first payment installment, but charge high service fees to cushion this. Others will give you lower rates, but increase processing fees. Exercise caution and use your own judgment to decide which deal is better. Always compare terms and ensure you are fully aware of what you are getting.

Don’t Forget Penalties

One of the common mistakes people make when borrowing cash is overlooking penalties. This should be the first thing you look at taking into account that it is easy to default on payment. The reason you are borrowing is because you have a shortage of cash. Therefore, it is essential to be fully aware of the penalties that will come your way once you default. Penalties tend to be quite stiff and they are costly. They can keep you on track as far as making payments is concerned. Make sure you keep a list of your lenders penalties handy as they will help you make timely payments.

It is inevitable that at some point, you might have to borrow cash in order to keep going and meet your financial obligations. However, this does not mean you should go about the exercise blindly. By looking at all these aspects, it will be considerably easier to make an informed decision on which options are suitable for your needs.

Book an appointment with the financial lender and ask them questions about the offers they have. This way, you will be in a position to get loans that are suitable for your financial needs and which are easier to pay off.

5 Things to Consider Before Applying for a Car Title Loan

Car Title Loan Reflection (Photo credit: Jeremy Brooks)

While your car may not precisely be deemed an asset because of how quickly it loses value, it does have some amount of value as collateral, so long as it's in good, running condition. And this means you can use it to secure a car title loan, whereby you can get the money you need (or a portion of it, at least) based on the estimated value of your vehicle, amongst other criteria. 

Of course, you will have to hold your car title (as in, own it outright), you'll probably need full coverage insurance, you'll need to provide proof of employment, and you might even have to offer references (and deal with the embarrassment of having a car title lender calling your family and friends). 

But once you've filled out a mound of paperwork you're all set, supposing you pass the background checks. The thing is, unless you're really desperate for cash and you'll find yourself in dire straits without it, a car title loan may not be your best option due to the astronomical interest rates you'll end up paying and the fact that your car will be seized should you fail to pay in a timely manner. 

Here are just a few things you'll want to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Why you want the money. This is important. If you are so strapped for cash that you're going to, say, lose your home if you're unable to pay the mortgage, then virtually trading in your car for your house (at least temporarily) could allow you to stay in your home until your ship comes in. But if you're using the money to take a vacation, buy holiday gifts, or otherwise spend on things you simply don't need, you should check yourself and take a long, hard look at your choices. Living beyond your means is going to catch up to you eventually, and the result, if you get a car title loan for unnecessary expenditures, could be that you end up losing your car.

2. Your credit score. Car title loans are generally reserved for those who don't have the option of opening a home equity line, taking out a personal loan from the bank, or otherwise securing the funds they need. Unfortunately, the fact that you've exhausted other options doesn't mean you're going to get a car title loan without a decent credit rating. If you pose too great a risk where repayment is concerned, you're simply not going to qualify, even with your car as collateral.

3. The value of your car. If your car is more than a few years old, damaged, or undesirable in some way that has depreciated the value, your chances of getting a car title loan are probably pretty slim. The main thing required for this type of collateral is value, and this is generally based on the Kelley Blue Book estimate, as well as a visual inspection by the lender. And don't expect to get more than half the agreed-upon value of your car when you take out this type of loan (as it will continue to depreciate while you pay off the amount borrowed).

4. Alternative options. There are all kinds of alternatives to taking out a car title loan, such as borrowing from family members, opening a home equity line, selling valuables, or perhaps even applying for a personal loan. So before you put your car up as collateral and agree to pay an exorbitant interest rate, try absolutely every other avenue available to you.

5. Comparison shopping. If you've decided that a car title loan is the only feasible option for getting the money you desperately need, it's important to comparison shop in order to ensure you get the most money, the lowest interest rate, and the best terms overall. In case you didn't know, there are many lenders to choose from, and you can get a title loan online, as well. You're the one who will have to pay, so make sure you do your homework and find the best possible deal.

Small Business Stalled by Cash Flow Crisis

Almost half of small companies in the UK have been hit by a cash crisis – for 50% of the small businesses polled by Everline in 2013, money was not readily available to pay for essential financial obligations and expansion was put on the back burner. Regular access to cash flow is crucial. For example, small recruitment agencies set up to handle a specific need in the area are finding it hard to progress beyond making ends meet. If you run a small business, what solutions do you have to avoid cash flow problems and move forward?

Cash Flow Problems

In the survey, 29% of respondents said that a lack of cash flow was restricting their business expansion. An additional 23% of businesses had put marketing initiatives on hold, and 28% said they paid suppliers and other businesses late because of a lack of access to cash. These cash shortages occurred at least once a month, and the main problems happened when clients or customers paid late. 

Bank Loan Solutions?

It is all too easy to fall into the cash flow trap. You run your business efficiently, but if you have no access to cash when you need it, you quickly run into problems. It only takes a few suppliers to pay late or several customers to forget to pay, and you end up stalled, with no money to go forward. Sometimes the only solution seems to be a business loan, but it is increasingly difficult to access loans in the current financial climate, and debt in the form of bank loans can be difficult to sustain. Fortunately, there are other solutions to free up your cash flow and maintain a healthily functioning business. 

Look in a Different Direction

For example, outsourcing functions such as payroll can help streamline your business and make it easier to access cash when you need it. Outsourced payroll services are designed to take the payroll off your hands, so it is guaranteed to be paid. You can then use the cash to generate new business. This access to ready cash flow is vital for recruitment businesses and other companies that need to deliver payments regularly on time. In fact, when you think about how to set up a recruitment agency, one of the first things you need to consider is how you will make payroll.

Additional benefits of outsourcing payroll include no need for a payroll team and, therefore, a reduction in wage overheads. You also do away with other hidden costs such as postage, stationery, and printing. Once you have outsourced financial functions such as payroll, you can develop marketing and sales strategies and concentrate on how to grow the business rather than how you are going to find the cash to meet your regular payment commitments.

Outsourcing can have many benefits apart from not needing to house your payroll team in your office. You only have to pay for the service provided and not for additional expenses like sickness and holidays for team members. You can operate from a smaller office with less overhead for heating and light. You don’t have to provide office equipment and furniture. Perhaps the biggest benefit is that you gain from having a professional, knowledgeable team that specifically understand payroll. It is far better to have a specialist team that is up-to-date with the latest legislation than to have a ‘Jack-of-all-trades’ in your office who has to juggle many jobs at once. Outsourcing shouldn’t be viewed as a cheap option, rather a far better resource than you could otherwise provide.

Of course, this kind of service must be used responsibly, and it is important to know how you are going to ultimately pay your bills as well as the cost of the outsourcing. Outsourcing is no match for sound financial planning – when you prepare for the future, you increase the chances that you can cope with unexpected costs and obligations.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/10504363/SMEs-in-the-grip-of-cash-flow-crisis.html

Image attributed to FreeDigitalPhotos.net David Castillo Dominici

How to Get Money Loans for Emergencies

Everyone must have a bad moment when there is no money in the pocket while some bills, debts, and daily necessities are piling up. There will be many ways can be taken to support the financial trouble such as applying bank loan or looking for part time job but are those able to support your need in quick time? 

Applying bank loan needs some complicated procedure and the money will not be cashed out as soon as possible while looking for side job or part time job will waste your time moreover when the salary will be pain weekly or monthly. The most effective way to solve the urgent money problems that can be considered is by applying the online loans. The money loans for emergencies will help supporting the temporary money problem while waiting for other income. 

Some benefits of borrowing money from online loan service are:

The quick process of application

The online loan companies are designed to provide as simple as possible procedure and as fast as possible cashing out process. The application will be done in less than minutes and the money will be transferred soon to the bank account.

The simple requirements

As long as the borrower has the simple requirements such as has regular income, has reached over 18 years old and having valid bank account, those all are enough to get the loan in which certain requirements depend on the companies.

The all acceptance of any credit ratings

Any credit ratings will not be problem as long as the borrower is able to fulfill the requirements and rules. The main goal of online loan companies is to provide the money as soon as possible and help people solving the financial problem.

Instant cash out

After filling the application form and get approval in really quick time, money will be in the bank account within 1 hour or less so that the borrower can quickly pay the urgent bills or other expenses.

The security of the personal data

The personal data that are provided by the borrower are guaranteed to be safe and secure.

The online loans are very suitable to solve any urgent expenses and support the broken financial condition such as paying the bills, paying the monthly car insurance, having extra cash for the holiday, and supporting the daily needs before the next paycheck. However, the money management is needed for everyone but sometimes; the bad time will come unexpectedly and make all money planning in a mess condition in which makes someone get into trouble. 

Besides that, when someone has money problem, it will place them in a dilemma

situation whether borrowing money from friends, parents or family or applying bank loan with complicated requirements and the both ways will not have warranty that they can get the money fast or even they can have no result and their efforts will be in vain. Online loans is something which can help your financial problem and guarantee you in getting the money you need as long as the requirements fulfilled and your effort will not be in vain.

Is It Easy To Escape The Loopholes Of Short Term Financing?

Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

Short term financing today has emerged as one of the major means by which borrowers can turn to their immediate cash needs. In spite of the high rates of interests borrowers are found turning to it to meet urgent needs like paying off a car repair fee or else a medical bill. The fact that they are provided without lengthy credit checks has acted in their favor. For instance, if a borrower finds himself in a cash strapped situation while he has to pay off a huge hospital bill he would definitely look for availing alternate resources that would provide him with fast cash. 

Traditional loans would take a certain degree of time to be arranged whereas there is no assurance that friends and relatives will always turn helpful in these cases. Short term loans turn out to be very helpful and perhaps the only recourse during these times. Listed below are some of the advantages of payday loans alternately known as the cash advance, or fast cash or same day loans:

They can be secured very fast and involves very simple documentation process- once approved, he can get the money credited to his account within 24-48 hours.

It is very easy to qualify for these loans. The borrower just needs to fulfill the following requirements in order to qualify:

• He should at least be 18 years of age 
• He should have a savings or checking account in his bank 
• He should be able to prove that he has a good source of income so that he can pay off the debt on time.

The borrower gets a chance to rollover the debt in case he defaults

Most of the lenders conduct business online, so it gets easier for borrowers to browse through multiple lenders and zero in on a choice accordingly.

Being Careful Matters

The high rate of interest might discourage you to secure these loans, but a few measures on your end can ensure that you're avoiding all possible loopholes like debt trap and bogus lenders.

Educating yourself duly about short term loans remains crucial. There might be a number of changes brought about in payday legislation that you should be aware of. Know for a fact that there are a number of bogus lenders in the market who have perfectly authentic-looking websites. Providing sensitive details like your bank account number, monthly earning etc would be dangerous. As a result, take care of the fact that you're checking out the reviews of the site you are consulting properly. Additionally, weigh your needs and ability to repay properly before you're trying to get fast cash loans. There is simply no need to apply for them if you think that the need, for which you're considering the loan, is not that urgent. Make sure that you're duly aware of the repayment terms and conditions. Its not really advisable to opt for a rollover as that would lead to further escalation of rates of interest. Please think carefully whether you would be able to pay such high interest or not. 

The Top 5 Tips to Refinance Your Mortgage

In efforts to improve lending in the struggling U.S. economy, the government has begun to reduce the federal interest rate by buying bonds. This has created a lending environment which is very favorable towards the borrower. Since it has become less expensive to borrow money, lenders can provide great interest rates for home owners to refinance. In addition to taking advantage of the currently low rates, there are a few other things a homeowner can do to reduce their interest rates, reduce cost and fees, and save time overall.

Here are the top 5 ways to reduce your costs and expenses when refinancing: 

Reduce Closing Costs - there are a bevy of "fees and expenses" that can be tacked on when you apply for a mortgage or refinance. Closing costs usually amount to about 2 - 5% of the total cost of your home. These expenses include things like appraisals, title search fees, pest inspections, origination fees, broker fees, etc. In your GFE, or good faith estimate of fees (when you apply for your refinance), brokers or lenders will include an itemized list of these expenses. 

This list will include all the necessary fees as well as extra expense which pay the broker or lender. It is possible to reduce closing costs by negotiating with your mortgage broker or lender. Ask a lender to explain the fees and see if they can "waive" application fees, underwriting fees, and processing fees. Buyers may negotiate with the sellers to absorb some of the closing costs. You can also opt for a no closing cost refinance. Sometimes this type of mortgage does pass the costs and fees into the mortgage at a higher interest rate. 

Refi to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance - PMI or private mortgage insurance is required if you have lower than 20% equity in your home. PMI can be expensive and can cost in the range of $50 per every $100,000 borrowed. For many homeowners, this amount can mean the difference between buying and renting. If the expense of PMI is too large, a borrower can refinance in order to get rid of it. A lender can get rid of your PMI by re-appraising your home and determining whether or not you have 20% equity in it. If you believe that your home values have improved, and that your equity position is 20% or better, refinancing to get rid of PMI might be a good step to take. 

Improve Credit to get Better Interest Rates - having pristine credit will always improve your access to loans and cheap money. There are ways that you can actively improve your credit score. Ways you can improve your credit include pulling your own report and clearing any mistakes which may be pulling your credit number down. 

Experts estimate that over 30% of credit reports contain inaccurate data that could negatively affect a borrowers ability to get a loan. Since all U.S. citizens get access to 1 free credit report per year at annualcreditreport.com, it is very easy to pull this report and check for any bad data. If you see anything that look inaccurate, you can write a letter disputing the inaccurate information. 

If your report seems up to date and accurate, but your score still needs help you may need to take a more active role to improve your score. In this case, you may consider a "credit builder loan" from a credit union. This type of loan is a small easy to re-pay loan, designed specifically to improve a borrower credit score. It usually takes around 6 months to repay and can improve a borrowers credit a number of points. 

Shop Online For The Best Interest Rates - since the online marketplace for loans is one of the easiest ways to find rates, you can compare multiple lenders fairly easy. There will still be a fairly large difference in rates and expenses from lender to lender. Some lender costs ranges from $100's - $1000 for the fees that compensated to each broker or lender. By searching online, you can quickly determine which lenders are charging the most in fees. You should also contact multiple lenders to let them know you are working with other companies to get the best rates. This will give you some leverage and you may be able to negotiate to get the best rates possible. 

Reduce the Amortization Period (shorten loan term to save) - most mortgages come with a repayment (or amortization period) of 15 to 30 years. The simple fact is that, the longer the amortization period, the more money you will repay in interest. Even though a longer repayment term will come with a lower monthly payment, you will still end up paying more money in the long run. 

By reducing this repayment period, you will end up paying SIGNIFICANTLY less interest on your mortgage. The difference of 5 years on a $200,000 mortgage (at 4%) can amount to as high as $25,000 in total interest payments. You need to decide whether or not a lower monthly payment or less in the total amount of interest payments is better for you.

Get Quick Cash with Getcashnow.net

Is it your salary enough to fulfill your daily needs? Is it holding out until the end of the month? Sometimes, people stand in this occasion when there is no enough money from salary until the end of the month to fulfill their needs. Now, if you are in this condition, you don’t need to confused and give up. You can try to visit this website Getcashnow.net. What is that? It is the place that gives you the solution when you have no money. They will help you to get quick cash, that you can use it to fulfill your other needs. They are so recommended because loan money becomes easier nowadays. You have to know what advantages that you can get if you trust them as your helper.

• With them, loan money is not the difficult thing to do. You just need to visit their website and fulfill the requirements. First requirement is you have to fill the form that contents about your basic personal information.
• Then, you can choose and fill the loan amount. You can loan start from one-hundred dollars up to one-thousand dollars. Make sure you are not reckless to decide your loan amount. You have to choose that is appropriate with your dismissal.
• After that, the other advantage that you will see is they will send your loan money directly into your bank account.
• Besides those easy steps, the advantage in use their service is your personal information will be secured. They keep it carefully; in order other people cannot know all the things about you.
• To loan money to them, you just need around two until three minutes to cover all the requirements. So, for you who are confused to find the loan money, you have to recognize this one recommended money lender.
• All of applications are welcome, so you don’t need to worry when you fill your basic personal information there. Whatever your work, they are ready to serve you.

After you see all of the advantages that you can get when you use their service, are you interested? If yes, you better find the further information about them through their website. There you also can get information about based knowledge of money lend. Besides lend you money, they also can help you how to save your money. And with the quick process, it helps you to not wait for a long time, because they know you need that money immediately. So, what are you waiting for? You better prepare to save your money or take this chance to lend money with an easy steps than you have no money when you must cover all of your needs in that time. You have time within 30 days after they send you the loan to pay back that money. It is enough for you to wait your next salary to pay back your loan. Nowadays, money loan can be your best friend that is always standing for you when you need.

3 No Credit Check Loans That You Must See

Are you desperately in need of a new loan? Do you believe that your credit rating will be a problem? If so, do not panic, there are a number of options out there for you, all of which tick the full range of financial boxes.

Finding the Best Option For You

With so many options currently available and opinions on some of these no credit check loans varying wildly, it can still be a confusing time for borrowers. Finding the best and most affordable option for you is crucial and below we have identified 3 of the most popular to give you a little insight into the facts that you need to know.

Guarantor Loans

Although the concept of the guarantor loan has been around for a very long time, it is only recently that their popularity has begun to increase.

Guarantor loan lenders are prepared to look past the credit rating of the loan applicant but only on the proviso that the applicant identifies a third party (the guarantor) who will co-sign the loan agreement, guaranteeing that they will pick up the repayments should the applicant fall behind.

There are obviously some criteria which the potential guarantor must satisfy in order to be eligible for the role, age, residency, income etc but if they tick all of the boxes, there is every chance the loan application will be granted.

Popular choices for guarantors include family members and close friends, but whoever is asked, must understand the agreement into which they are entering.

Because guarantor loans are unsecured personal loans, they can be used for whatever (legal) purpose the borrowers deems fit. Often used as a method of debt consolidation, they can just as easily be used to buy a new car or pay for a holiday.

Payday Loans

Payday loans have had a rough ride in the press recently, and if used irresponsibly, the bad press is not without reason.

A payday loan is a short-term advance designed to tide you over financially until payday, with a strong emphasis being placed on the phrase ‘short term’.

If used as intended, they can be the perfect short term fix for anyone who cannot turn to a high street lender. It is only when they begin to be used over longer terms that they begin to be very expensive and potentially dangerous.

Payday loans are typically paid directly into your bank account and nearly always within 1 day of your application being approved. The payday loan repayment, plus interest, will then be deducted directly from your account on the due date.

It is always worth remembering that a typical charge for a payday loan will be approximately £25 per month for every £100 borrowed. Advertised interest rates (APRs) are generally around 1,750%.

Logbook Loans

Logbook loans are a different type of no credit check loan because the lender will insist on a form of security.

Falling between guarantor loans and payday loans in regards to the level of APR which is charged, lenders are prepared to look beyond the credit rating of the borrower if they are prepared to offer the logbook of their vehicle as security against the balance of the loan.

If the loan is repaid in full and on time, the logbook will be returned at the end of the loan period. If however this is not the case, the lender will be quite within their rights to sell the vehicle to recoup their losses. It is even possible that if the losses do not cover the outstanding balance, the borrower will still be liable to make any further outstanding payments.

As with all financial matters, it is crucial that you do the appropriate homework to ensure that you enter into the agreement with an open mind and your eyes open. This will help you to make the best decision for your individual circumstances.

5 Secrets to Getting Your Business Loan Approved

English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Applying for and obtaining a business loan can feel like an overbearing process. Every year, thousands of people apply for loans for their business, be it a new business or a credited one, and do not get approved. Here are some facts and tips to make sure you can secure the funds you need.

1. Be able to articulate the future

Borrowers need to have an updated business plan. Show the lenders how the business is expected to grow in every aspect. Have a detailed report of how you believe you will profit from the loan. More and more lenders and starting to dig deeper into the plans of businesses. You should talk about all aspects of your business from employees, to management, to cash flow. Lenders will feel much more confident in loaning their money if they feel good about your plans and know exactly what the money is going towards.

2. Know Your Business History

When it comes to getting a business loan, your past history definitely becomes a major supporting factor in the decision of whether you are acceptable for a business loan. Lenders will review past business earnings as well as business history to help decide if your request warrants an approval. New businesses can still get a loan without any history by having a well-organized and situated business plan.

3. Be smart in other financial aspects of your life

When applying for a business loan, lenders will examine all aspects of your financial life including your personal credit. Personal credit can play a huge role in deciding if you are granted approval for your loan request. To the lenders, how you manage your personal expenses are most likely how you are going to handle your business expenses.

4. Present yourself well

Bankers do not want to give their money out to people they do not believe can pay it back. First impression makes a huge difference when meeting with a loan advisory board. You should come into the meeting with a detailed business plan extremely confident, without appearing needy or helpless. Dress professional, be clean-shaven, shake hands, look the lenders in the eye and be stern. If you present yourself well and provide a great business plan, it gives the lenders confidence in you, they will feel better about lending their money to you.

5. Build a board of advisers

Building a board of advisers will put you over the top in your loan seeking process. If possible, put together your team of accountants, management, legal experts, marketing advisors etc. Some small businesses simply cannot compile advisers, however. Contracting your business with an agency, such as the CPA who understands the world of business and can work on tax returns, looks just as good in the eyes of the lenders. This compiled with the rest of the steps stated above will show lenders how organized and thought out your business plan is. The more detailed your overall plans are, the better bankers will feel about lending you money.

By following these 5 simple tips, you’ll give yourself the best chance of getting the business loan you need.

Author Bio: – Jason Bengert is a professional blogger and works at Park Place Equity. He is a fun loving person and his areas of interest are finance and technology. You can connect with him at Google+.

4 Advantages to Homeowner Loans You Need to Know

Are you looking to take out a loan? Homeowner loans might seem daunting and risky because you’re borrowing generally a large sum of money against the asset (your home). What this means is that if you can’t afford to pay the monthly amount, your home will be reclaimed to make the payments. 

This concept is challenging to deal with and intimidates a lot of people, but it needn’t. Homeowner loans are much more than a way to lose your home, and they can be a very sensible investment, when taken out for the right reasons, so to help you decide, here are 4 benefits to homeowner loans that you really ought to know.

4 – Borrow Huge Sums

When you take out a homeowner loan, the stakes are higher because your house is on the line. As a result of this, however, you are able to borrow a larger amount of money than you’d be able to with an unsecure loan, so whether you’re looking to extend your home or go on that once in a lifetime holiday, money doesn’t have to limit you with a homeowner loan. 

3 – Attractive Interest Rates

Because there’s more at stake, the interest rates on homeowner loans are likely to be significantly lower than with unsecured loans. From a lender’s perspective, this is a less risky investment because they know you have a lot on the line. So if you know that you’re not going to have a problem paying your monthly repayments, a homeowner might be a good idea because you’re not going to have to bother with high interest rates.

2 – Consolidating Debt

Are you struggling to pay your debts off? If you think you might benefit from consolidating your debts into one easy monthly repayment, one of the best options available to you is a homeowner loan. Using a secure loan, you could pay off a large number of debts – all with their own individual interest rates, and transfer the debt into a single payment with a low interest rate. This makes debt-management less stressful, and could be well worth the effort of setting up the loan and transferring your existing debt.

1 – Afford Something Special

You have worked hard to get into a position where you own your own home, so by taking out a homeowner loan, you don’t have to limit yourself to investing the money into consolidating debt. Spend the money on something you’ve been trying to save up for. Do you want to help your children through university? What about renewing your wedding vows? Maybe you just want to take time out in your timeshare? Whatever it is you want to do, you can use a secure loan for it.

All you need to do to find out more about secure homeowner loans is speak to the experts at a place like 1st Stop Home loans, with a little bit of guidance, you could find the perfect loan for you.

Money Lending Options for Small Businesses

Finding finance for small business is a question of timing, skill and money. The timing needs to be right in order to attract the customers your business needs. You need to have the skills required not only to set up a business but to maintain it successfully. Unfortunately, in many cases, money is a vital part of turning your business idea into a reality. Here, we examine where to get small business loans, in order to help you determine what the best course of action is in terms of securing the finance for your business. 

Option One: Money Advances

Taking a money advance involves being lent money according to your business turnover. By analyzing your sales, a loan fee is calculated and added to the advance. Repayments are then deducted from each card sale transaction processed by your business.

Pros: Repayments are made in proportion to the sales your company makes. So taking a money advance makes paying back the loan extremely manageable, particularly for new businesses that may be unsure as to precisely how much of a monthly repayment they can afford. You will also avoid the temptation of borrowing beyond what you can afford to pay back.

Cons: Interest fees may be higher than with other types of loans, so do your research before committing. This may not always be the case, however.

Credit Card Borrowing

Credit card borrowing is the process of either paying for items using a credit card, or transferring money from a credit card to a bank account.

Pros: Credit card borrowing is a quick and straightforward way to borrow money. If a business owner already has a credit card, he will be able to borrow instantly. If not, many credit cards can be applied for online within a matter of minutes.

Cons: Credit cards are usually accompanied by high interest rates. As such, penalties can quickly be incurred for not paying the full amount outstanding within one month of the purchase. New business owners may soon find themselves faced with both a large credit card bill and a hefty indent in their bank balance – hardly conducive to establishing a positive cash flow.

Bank Loan

Business owners can sometimes apply for and receive a loan from a bank.

Pros: The loan is available for the entire period of the loan, as it is not repayable on demand. You may be able to negotiate a repayment break and the loan can be linked to the lifetime of the assets or other equipment you are borrowing to pay for. Interest rates are fixed, so there will be no nasty surprises when inflation rates go up or down.

Cons: You may have to give the bank manager information appertaining to your business on a quarterly basis, which can prove an administrative burden. Bank loans tend not to be flexible so you may end up paying interest on funds you are not using. In addition, if your customers are late with their payments, you may struggle to repay your loan on a monthly basis. Possibly the most serious disadvantage to having a bank loan is that loans may be secured against personal assets, for instance your home. You may also have to pay a fee if you wish to repay the loan sooner than the end of the term.

Using Other Lenders

In 2013 there are many other options available to those wishing to borrow money for setting up a business. A variety of reputable and legitimate lenders exist on the Internet high street, offering deals on lending certain amounts of money.

Pros: Using an independent money lender gives you more flexibility. Money lenders will be able to offer you a selection of options when borrowing money. For instance, you can choose between fixed monthly repayments, a money advance repaid as a proportion of your sales, or the option to pay interest-only on the loan for a fixed period of time. By using an independent lender, you can quickly solve your cash flow needs without having to go through any long drawn-out processes.

Cons: Although most lenders are legitimate, there will always be the odd one or two who are out to scam. Make sure the company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and go through all the paperwork, contracts and lending agreements in detail. 

Bank Overdraft

Many business owners will have business accounts with an overdraft facility. If the bank balance goes below zero, the account is overdrawn and interest is charged at a pre-agreed rate. Having a bank overdraft means a person is able to spend more money than they actually have, in return for paying certain fees.

Pros: A pre-arranged bank overdraft is easy to access and can be reassuring to have ‘just in case’. Provided you stay within the agreed limits of the loan, your interest rates are stable, although they may change year to year. The interest charged may also be lower than in the case of credit card borrowing or a loan from elsewhere.

Cons: If the overdraft is not arranged in advance, a charge is likely to be incurred for using the overdraft facility without prior approval. In addition, if the negative balance is beyond the amount agreed, then the bank may charge additional fees. At the same time, higher interest rates may apply. It can be harder to keep track of borrowing using an overdraft, rather than borrowing a set amount and paying it back over a period of time.

Overall, the choice of money lending options is wide when we consider business loan finance. Out of all of those listed here, a money advance seems the most appropriate choice for a new business, as you can pay the money back gradually as your business becomes more and more profitable. Alternatively, finding an independent lender might give you more flexibility, compared to the rigid terms and conditions imposed by big banks or credit card companies. For instance, you can choose from a fixed repayment scheme, an interest-only scheme or a pay as you earn money advance borrowing plan – whatever suits your individual needs best.

Author Bio

Alisa is a finance blogger specializing in SMEs and new business start ups, she also works closely with Merchant Money - http://www.merchantmoney.co.uk/ who offer affordable business loans and flexible funding.

Finance for People Over 50: Using Payday Loans

If you are currently retired, you know that money can be scarce especially if an unexpected expense comes along. In this case, you may be tempted by the many payday loan ads around the place offering quick money straight to your bank account. Before you sign a contract though, you should be aware of a few qualities of these credit options and how they affect you as someone who’s over 50.

Know When Payday Loans Are Useful

In general, these types of loans are given for short periods of time at comparatively higher interest rates. Since you’re only borrowing money for a few weeks though, the added fees or charges may seem affordable and easy to pay back. This doesn’t mean that they should be used for any expense though, especially for senior citizens who have a limited income in the first place.

Instead, you should only get in touch with a payday lender if you have a one-off, absolutely critical situation that you really can’t cover using any other method. If you keep in mind that payday loans are only suitable for emergency situations, you’ll then have a better chance of reducing the risk while still covering your expenses. This is vitally important for retirees who may not have much spare cash to play with.

Determine Whether You Can Afford It

Payday loans work by your lender automatically withdrawing money from your bank account on a pre-specified date. This means you should always make sure you’ll have the necessary capital and thus avoid bounced checks or further financial difficulties. Before borrowing money, consider the following:

• How much of your next pension payment do you need to spend?
• How much do you thus have available to pay off your loan?
• Do the loan conditions fit in with this future financial situation?

Sit down and create a budget (or get your children to help) and you can then get a better grip on your monetary future. In this way, you can safely choose whether you can then afford that payday loan or not.

Compare Several Different Lenders

If you’ve decided the situation is an emergency and that this credit option is the only solution, you should then do your research on a number of firms prior to signing a contract. You can compare plenty of short term loans here on the internet, an easy option for those over 50 who may not want to leave the home. If you’re unsure of how to use this technology, get your son or daughter to help you. When browsing over the details, don’t forget to look at the following important factors:

• The APR of each payday loan
• The charges you have to pay
• The length of the credit term

Remember that you’ll still need to control your finances as tightly as possible despite the fact that you want to borrow money in this manner. Thus, always take things slowly and compare what’s on offer so you can make a smarter financial decision.

Make Sure You Understand the Contract

When poring over the conditions that the lender provides, never settle for them unless you’re completely sure about what you’re agreeing to. This means you should be fully aware of the loan terms including interest rates and repayment periods. If you have any doubts, always ask the lender to clarify their requests. You might even be able to negotiate the conditions if there’s anything that you don’t like. If you understand everything that’s written, you’ll have a better chance of adjusting the contract so you get a better deal. Remember that your lender will be legally obligated to ensure complete clarity. If they talk about their payday loans in obtuse terms and refuse to answer in simple English, it may be time to move to another financer who is more honest and reliable.

This advice should help anyone over 50 make a decision about payday loans and then seek out a lender who actually offers a great deal. If you experience financial difficulty and your pension doesn’t cover the costs, you now know exactly who to contact when it comes to taking out one of these short term, personal credit options without being lumped with excessively high rates, fees and charges.

Loan Tips For People Over 50 In Financial Trouble

By the age of 50, most people hope their financial situation will no longer be a concern, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case due to either a lack of adequate preparation or issues brought about by unforeseen situations. Even so, worrying about money at this time in your life isn’t ideal and could well cause a lot of unwarranted stress, which is why you’ll need some good, impartial loan advice, right? Well, luckily for you I’ve been doing some research over the last few days and am now confident I have some information that really could make a big difference to your quality of life.

So, spend the next few minutes reading through the paragraphs below and assess exactly how the information could be applied to the situation you currently find yourself in. Having trouble with paying bills and keeping up with other financial commitments on the run-up to Christmas is never going to be particularly enjoyable, and this is why it’s important for you to make the right moves at the optimum time to keep your family secure. 

Asking Your Bank For Money

As long as your credit score isn’t unsightly, you should have no trouble convincing a high street bank to lend you some funds. For the most part, they are usually one of the cheapest options, with interest rates as low as 4%, which is perfect if you’re looking to make repayments over a long period. The person you speak to at the bank is likely to consider the income you have and run a quick credit check before making an offer, still, you might be surprised by the amount you’re entitled to, so don’t overlook them when seeking capital. 

Enquiring About Private Funds

Just as the bank might lend you money, there are also many private companies who offer the same basic service so they will be your next port of call, should the previous option produce less than encouraging results. You will inevitably have to pay more interest of this type of loan, but often the repayments can be made over a longer term, so it’s swings and roundabouts really. 

Getting In Touch With Short-term or Payday Lenders

Although some people are less than enthusiastic about this type of lending, so long as you read all the small print and always make your repayments on time, the services these companies offer are actually pretty useful. It’s certainly true that interest rates can be considerably higher than you might find with the options listed above, but at the end of the day you’re agreeing to a short-term loan, so why should 3000% APR bother you? You should have the money paid back in a couple of weeks at most. Still not convinced? Well, Ferratum's blog has some handy articles about this kind of lending and the wider loan market, so perhaps you should take a look.

Anyway, now you know about the solutions available on the market today, I hope you feel less stressed and a little more optimistic about what the future could hold. You have to remember that no financial situation is ever as bad as it seems and that there’s always a way out if you just do some research.

See you soon!

How Car Financing Works

When financing a car you will most definitely need the cash to do so! However, there are a lot of people who don’t have the cash needed in hand to finance a car. With that being said, you will need to apply for a loan so that you will have the money to put down on the car. Now, there are various different car loans that are available to apply for. The car loan that you choose or that you are able to get approved for will depend upon your personal situation. 

How the finance process works

The applications for car loan financing are typically the same with few differences depending on the institute that you apply with.

You will first need to fill out the application. In most cases nowadays, people do this online. You will need to add some details about your finances, such as your monthly income, rent/mortgage payments, etc. All of this is needed to determine whether you qualify for the finance loan. Some documents will also be required of you in order for you to be considered for the loan. You will need to provide a driver’s license that is valid and up to date, bank statements, and proof of where you reside at will also be required to present to the institute.

After you have provided all that is needed you will need to wait a couple of days in order for the application to process so that you will know whether or not you have been approved.

Options for financing

The bank is who most people go through when they want to finance a vehicle. You don’t have to go directly to the bank, there is also the option of having the dealership do all of the financing for you.

The repo rate that is posted for the vehicle that you buy will determine what your interest rate will be. Your credit score and how long you will be paying on the loan will also have a lot to do in determining the interest rate that you will be paying. The interest is basically the percentage that the bank adds to your monthly repo rate so that they will earn revenue off of your payments for the car. Good credit will allow you to have the benefit of getting a prime or minus prime. All banks have their own personal interest rates and loan periods, so it is would be wise to choose the bank that you know will be cheapest and most convenient for you with financing.

Leasing instead of financing

Another option that you can go with if you decide that you want an easier route of obtaining a vehicle is leasing one. Even though you would own your vehicle through financing it, it would be much easier and cheaper with monthly payments to lease a vehicle. If you want to learn more about vehicle leasing you can check out some options here at this link by clicking here. Compare the low leasing rates to how much you’d pay to financing a vehicle.

5 Ways to Destroy your Credit Rating

Loans (Photo credit: zingbot)

A credit rating is a tool used by banks to determine whether to loan money to you or not. Your credit rating is calculated based on your credit history, which is contained on your credit file. Your will have a credit file if you have applied for anything involving credit in the past such as: credit cards, mobile phone or internet plans, personal loans, mortgages or interest-free store loans. In order to keep your credit rating high, to increase the likelihood of loans you should avoid these five things.

Credit Defaults

Credit defaults occur when payments for loaned money are not payed back on time or at all. The most commonly credit defaults are: missed mobile phone bills, missed credit card payments, and missed personal loan payments. All missed payments are listed as defaults on your credit file and result in a lower credit rating.

Self-Employment

Unfortunately, people who are self-employed can have a hard time winning favour with banks and other money lending organisations. This is due to the fact self-employment is viewed by these organisations as unstable and risky. If you are self-employed it is important that you keep track of your tax returns and profit-and-loss statements, so when the time comes you can prove that you have sufficient income to make payments.

Discharged Bankruptcy

Discharged bankruptcy is the term used to describe an individual after they have paid off, otherwise settled, all previous debt. After settlement has been agreed upon, the bankrupt individual should then apply for a discharge certificate ordained by the court to prove their freedom from bankruptcy. Technically, a person who is classified as having a discharged bankruptcy, is allowed to take out loans again, very few institutions will take the risk for several years after the bankruptcy.

Being on a Debt Agreement

A debt agreement is legally binding agreement between a debtor (the loaner) and their creditors. In this agreement, creditors will accept a sum of money, which the debtor can afford in order to make up for an unmanageable debt. Proposing a debt agreement is considered an act of bankruptcy and will severely lower your credit rating.

Getting Declined by Banks and Other Creditors

Often an institutions willingness to give loans is influenced by past creditors opinions if the individual in question. If past creditors have deemed the individual to be reliable, then they are more likely to agree to a loan. Alternatively, if past creditors view you as a credit risk, then you are less likely to get a loan in the future, so it’s best to leave a good impression from the start.

Although it is important to avoid doing damage to your credit rating, sometimes it is inevitable. Getting a car loan while you are struggling with a bad credit rating can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Nowadays there are many options for those searching for bad credit car loans.