Thursday, January 31, 2008

Debt Consolidation Loan And The Problem That Go With It

What is a Debt Consolidation Loan? A debt consolidation loan is basically a loan taken to pay off other debts. This allows you to have only one payment each month, and typically saves you a lot of money on interest. There are many types of debt consolidation loans, but the most popular are personal loans or home refinancing mortgages.

The Problem With Debt Consolidation Loan: Most often, those seeking this type of loans have horrible credit due to the debt they are trying to consolidate. Basically, it is a viscous circle: you have debt, you need to consolidate, you can not because your credit is bad, you can not clear up the credit because you have debt, so you need to consolidate, etc. Even if you can find someone to give you a consolidate debt loans, you may wind up paying so much in interest due to your bad credit score that you actually do not save any money by consolidating the debt.

So Why Get a Debt Consolidation Loan? Even though interest rates may be high and you may not save any money by getting a consolidation loan, you can still benefit from it. This is due to the way that credit scoring works. Items posted to your credit report as slow pays will remain on the report for up to seven years, even if you pay them. However, unpaid debt on your credit report severely lowers your credit score. Basically, even if you have slow pays on your credit report, you will have a better score if the item is paid off. Additionally, items renew the seven year mark each time you make a payment, so by paying the original creditor bit by bit, you are actually prolonging the amount of time that the slow pay will show on your credit report. Getting a debt consolidation loan to pay all of your current debts will raise your score a bit, and make it easier to clean up your credit faster.

Before You Get A Debt Consolidation Loan: Before taking on a debt consolidation loan, you need to take a close look at several factors. First, make a list of all of your current debt and the interest rates that you currently pay. Secondly, look at the types of debt consolidation loans you can qualify for, and make a list of all of the interest rates. Finally, total up the amount you will pay to clear the debt with and without the loan. This will help you determine if you will wind up paying more or less for your debt by consolidating. This is especially important if you have bad credit and are looking at very high interest rates.

A Consolidate Debt Loans Will Not Solve Everything: This is an important key to getting out of debt that many people ignore or do not understand. It is not enough to get a consolidation to clear up your debt. You have to examine how you got into debt in the first place. Typically, getting this far into debt is accomplished by spending more money than you make. In order to clear up your credit and stay out of debt after getting a consolidate debt loans, you need to take a close look at your expenses and income. Develop a budget and stick to it, using credit and credit cards as little as possible. This will help you to avoid having to get another debt consolidation loan within a year or two, as is common.

Your Tips and Information guide to Consolidate Debt Loans go to: http://www.lingwellness.com
and to ease the burden of Mortgage and School Loans:
http://www.lingwellness.com/mortgageloans.php
http://www.lingwellness.com/schoolconsolidationguide.php

Consolidate Debt Loans and Mortgage Refinance

For many Americans today, consolidate debt loans are the only way out of a mountain of unsecured debt. Unsecured debt is debt from services or monies that you obtained on credit without collateral, such as credit card debt. Secured debt is debt from services or monies that you obtained on credit with collateral, such as a mortgage or pawn. It is very hard to get out from under unsecured debt once it builds up, and consolidate debt loans are the only way to go for those who want to avoid bankruptcy. However, there are many types of consolidate debt loans, and you need to know what is available before making any decisions.

Refinance Mortgages: Home mortgages are the most common type of consolidate debt loans. These mortgages are typically a refinance of the original mortgage, which is a bit complicated but easy enough to understand. Basically, as you pay on your home, and as home values rise, you build equity in your home. When you get into debt, you can refinance your home for the remaining amount of the mortgage plus the amount of equity that you have in your home. You can use this additional financed amount from the equity to pay off your other debt, effectively consolidating all of your debt into your home mortgage.

Second Mortgages: Another type of home mortgage is a second mortgage. This is somewhat like a refinance, except that you are taking out a new loan in addition to the original mortgage. Again, you can only take out a second mortgage on your home if you have equity built up in the home, either through improvements, payments, or inflation. Refinancing is preferable as a general rule. However, if your first mortgage is at a fixed rate lower than the rate currently offered, you are better off getting a second mortgage so that you pay less interest overall.

Personal Loans: Personal loans are great for consolidate debt loans, if you can get them. The problem is that to get personal loans, which are of the nature of unsecured debts, you have to have a decent credit history and score. Most people do not have good credit if they are looking for consolidate debt loans, so this is not a viable option for most. However, if you have a lot of stuff on credit or through credit cards, and something happens to drastically lower your income unexpectedly, you can use personal loans. The key here is that you have to act quickly, and apply for the personal loans as soon as you see that it is necessary and before your credit score begins to drop. You can then use the personal loan to pay off all of your other debt, effectively consolidating the debt into one easy to make payment, which can often save you a ton of money in interest.

Consolidation Debt Loans Services: Many people think that consolidation debt loans services actually loan money. This type of consolidation debt loan is included here for this reason. However, the truth of the matter is that credit counseling services and debt consolidation services do not actually loan money in most cases. Instead, these services work out settlements with your creditors to lower the amount you have to pay to clear the debt. During negotiations, you make weekly, monthly, or quarterly payments to the service, and these funds are put into a type of escrow or savings account. When negotiations are complete, it is this money that is used to pay off the debt, and nothing else is owed. This is the most preferable way to take care of your debt.

Your Tips and Information guide to Consolidate Debt Loans go to: http://www.lingwellness.com
and to ease the burden of Mortgage and School Loans:
http://www.lingwellness.com/mortgageloans.php
http://www.lingwellness.com/schoolconsolidationguide.php

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

SME Finance For Small Business Loans

Commercial banks mainly have provided loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Most of these loans are given to enterprises that have a relatively solid bottom line and sufficient financial data.

On top to this, collateral (being most important) is required for these loans in principal. Therefore, this type of loan is only available to some of the higher-performing SMEs. Consequently, many are disillusioned by the name and definition when looking for help with a small business loan through SME.

There is another financial system, Microfinance. Microfinance is generally defined as micro loans for realizing poverty reduction. It targets low-income groups. Microfinance has such features as non-collateral loans and mutual guarantee.

Here you can see there is a financial gap that is not covered by the two financial systems. The enterprises, which belong to this gap, have a potential to grow their businesses and create employment and grow in size.

The economic and social importance of the Small and Medium Enterprise sector is well recognized in academic literature. It is also recognized that these actors in the economy are underserved, largely in terms of finance.

This has led to significant debate on methods to serve people and/or groups. Although there have been numerous schemes and programs in different economic environments, SME finance can be summarized by two main approaches here.

Collateral based lending is offered by traditional bank and finance companies, make up a combination of: asset-based finance, contribution based finance and factoring based finance using reliable debtor or contracts.

Also, information based lending: financial statement lending, credit scoring, relationship lending and viability based finance is offered by venture capital.

A substantial portion of the SME sector doesn't have sufficient collateral required for collateral based lending and does not have high enough returns to justify the risks taken by venture capitalists.

In addition to these regulatory issues, there is ample evidence that SMEs are significantly under financed. A study of other countries SME programs, report that only 3 to 18 percent could obtain financing from banks.

Finally, SMEs are considered to be at a greater risk of failure, partially because company directors may have less collective management experience of business expertise than larger companies.

Also, many investors often shy away from investing in emerging economy SMEs because of unfavorable investment climates and the uncertainty of sufficient returns. The result is that often they secure financing only by agreeing to a high amount of collateral and shorter payback periods while the rest must rely on their personal networks.

Court often writes home business opportunity reviews. You can read more of his work by visiting: http://whalehook.com.

Is A Cash Rebate Credit Card Right For You?

People often make decisions about which credit cards to carry based on the types of reward programs the are eligible for as cardholders.

Some credit card providers offer points toward merchandise or gift cards, airline miles, credit for fuel purchases, and other appealing bonus programs.

Cash rebate credit cards are the latest trend in consumer credit. Extra cash always comes in handy, and many consumers love the idea of earning cash back bonuses from their credit card charges.

While the idea of cash rebates is very appealing, it is important to be cautious any time you open a new credit card account.

Unfortunately, what seems to be a terrific bonus program can actually end up costing you money if you do not pay close attention to the fine print of the cardholder agreement. Before you sign up for the next cash rebate credit offer you come across, take the time to make sure you understand all the terms and conditions associated with the account.

Verify the Fine Print

Before you accept any credit card offer, make sure you understand all the fees associated with the account. Most credit card programs do not carry annual fees, but there are some that do. You definitely need to know about this before opening an account.

It is also important to verify the account grace period, interest rate, late fees, and charges for exceeding the credit limit. You should also find out how the card provider handles fraudulent charges, stolen credit cards, and cases of identity theft.

In addition to being sure that you know how much the credit card can potentially cost you, it is also important to find out exactly how cash back bonuses are calculated and paid out.

Some credit card providers automatically send your cash rebate when you earn a certain amount. Most companies, however, require you to request your bonus when you are ready for it. Points earned toward cash back bonuses typically expire if you do not redeem them within a certain window of opportunity.

How to Benefit From Cash Back Credit Cards

The best way to take advantage of a cash rebate credit card program is to use your credit card to pay for your everyday purchases, and then pay the bill in full at the end of every month.

This way, you enjoy the benefits of accumulating points toward cash rebates for your everyday purchases, but you are not purchasing things you do not need, or spending money on interest. If you have the self-discipline to use your cash back credit card in this manner, the rebate you receive really are a bonus.

What to Avoid With Cash Back Credit Cards

The worst way to use one of these cards is to spend money on unnecessary purchases, carrying balances from month to month because you do not have enough cash to pay your bill in full.

Many people rationalize such behavior, convincing themselves that their spending is justified because they are earning cash back on their purchases. However, the interest you will have to pay on your unpaid balance will greatly exceed any funds you receive in the form of a cash back rebate.

Responsibility is the Key

The key to benefiting from any type of credit card reward program is to make responsible use of the credit available to you.

Make sure you understand the terms, and be certain that the cash back program that seems to be so appealing is not going to end up costing you money in the long run. Credit card debt remains a sure way of ending up in the debt trap, if not controlled properly.

Zulika van Heerden provides valuable information on her site on how to live a debt free life.
To read more tips and techniques like the ones in this article go to: http://www.globalproperty.co.za

Important Information On Capital And Small Business Loans For Women

Some important tips for women in small business are to compare the routes between how men and women access capital, achieve revenue, and deal with company and employee growth.

By pointing out the many differences does not imply that one aspect or plan is superior over another. However, by looking and comparing the diverse ways may be helpful to each other.

The National Foundation for Business Owners conducted a survey among business owners, 602 women and 592 men. Only 39 percent of women who own fast-growth firms have a commercial bank loan compared to 52 percent of men.

One third, approximately 32 percent of the women owners use personal credit cards to finance their firms compared to only 21 percent of men who used credit cards for the same purpose.

The study observed the women's reliance on personal debt is holding women business owners back. Those women who understand how to leverage debt have a greater chance of becoming owners at a faster pace.

Business plans by women just don't get funded easily. Due to the many new organizations out there such as Count-Me-In, The Women's Funding Network, One Women's Finance, The Ladies Club 2000, The Ada Project for Women and so many others, the tide has begun to change.

Statistically, over 600 business plans presented by women owned businesses won venture capital last year, and thousands more business plans presented for SBA financing achieved it.

That sounds like a lot, and it is. However, it is less than ten percent of all business plans that were funded. With all of the advances we have made still today, women entrepreneurs are granted only about 7 percent of the venture capital money that is invested.

Little does it seem to matter that women are leading new ventures twice the rate of men. Women need to keep foremost in mind in the money hunt the following: demonstrate how well your plan will succeed, present yourself as a professional and create your own advisory board.

Also, where the geographical and marketing sectors women have had the most success: An early-state project, located in the West or Northeast, in computer hardware/software business, health care or communication sectors.

If you are looking for financial backing there are options out there, and keep looking and do not let discouragement beat you. No matter what the statistics say don't be hesitant to search because of what your dream or a business is or where it will take you.

Another important tip, gather information on the Law of Attraction. It is wonderful how our minds can control our destiny. Do not take 'no' for your answer from anyone, most of all from yourself.

Court helps people discover the best home based business opportunity for them. You can read more of his work by visiting: http://whalehook.com.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Fed Credit: Down The Tubes

On January 22nd, the Federal Reserve cut their most important interest rate for the fourth time in the past six months, in an attempt to stem the widespread sentiment that the US is in, or headed for recession. Their cut comes at a strange time, because they were rumored, nay, expected, to deliver the cut at their monthly rate-setting meeting next week. But after stock and commodity markets suffered their largest losses in one day since the September 11th attacks, it seemed as though no amount of scheduled economic treatment would be able to rally confidence to a more optimistic level, especially given that the so-called "economic stimulus package" introduced by the White House in recent days actually made the problem much worse.

Thus the Fed needed to act decisively, and so, for the first time since 1982, cut their most important rate by three-quarters of a percentage point, signifying how seriously they take the crisis. Yet markets, especially in the US, barely hiccuped upon the announcement: After a brief rally, Asian and European stock indexes closed down by several percentage points, and in the United States no change was seen. Might the Fed be able to wield the same power they used to over economic growth? It seems that an answer to that question is less than forthcoming, but certainly the Fed cut is a very good thing taking into account the historical role of interest rate cuts in similar times.

As recently as 2001, with the dot-com bubble rapidly deflating, the mere adjustment of rates to moderately lower values brought the recession down to a dull roar. The biggest difference between that scenario, or for that matter any other previous economic downturn, is that now governments worldwide stand to lose something in a US recession, whereas even in the early 2000's foreign investment had not accelerated to its current breakneck pace. Even in the event of further cuts, credit markets are not required to pass on the savings they make onto their customers, which means that we won't necessarily be able to ever feel the effects of the most recent cut unless, as individual consumers, are able to borrow money more easily, an unlikely possibility under current conditions because, as a whole, Americans spend more than they can save. Throughout history, Americans have saved around %5 of their income, a lofty amount by current standards. This has allowed the US to run a giant deficit with far more stability than it should, because individual liquidity helps to guard against smaller economic bumps that could spiral out of control.

A strong possibility is that the Federal Reserve never really had as much power as it would have us believe. As consumer confidence continues to crumble, it doesn't seem to make as big a difference to regular Americans that they can borrow more. They may not want to. And, even if this is an inevitable and beneficial adjustment, a lot of people will lose out in other countries who would normally be unaffected. Fortunately, the Fed isn't accountable to them quite as directly. As long as consumer spending slows, a Fed cut can only do a limited, and possibly impotent, amount of good for the larger economy.

Ki Gray lives and works in Austin Texas. Working as a realtor in the Austin Texas Real Estate market. Escapeso Austin Real Estate http://www.escapesomewhere.com/ is dedicated to providing its clients with honest and experienced advice when they are looking to purchase in the Austin market.

Brits Face 'Particular Pressure' On Spending

Britons are under more intense financial pressures, a new study has shown.

The latest Financial Reality report by the Alliance Trust Research Centre revealed that the country's economic wellbeing fell by ten percentage points between the third and fourth quarters of 2007. In the three-month period between July and September the index stood at 88.6 before falling to 79.7 in October to December. The score was indicated to be one of the lowest the institution has recorded since it first began its quarterly study some 11 years ago. In addition, this decrease was revealed to be the largest fall witnessed for 18 months.

According to the company, the nation is developing fiscal difficulties in the face of rising food and transport costs. In addition, it was put forward that people currently have to cope with a higher burden of debt than they had to in previous months. However, in spite of such concerns, consumer spending is still at higher-than-average levels.

Indeed, such figures could indicate that households are increasingly struggling to manage the various demands on their spending such as personal loans, mortgages, household bills and store and credit cards.

Shona Dobbie, head of Alliance Trust Research Centre, said: "Our latest Financial Reality report highlights how acute the consumer's predicament has become. Our measure of consumer wellbeing shows a worsening picture not only for household budgets but for consumers' net wealth and the economy as well. This is the first time since the end of 2004 that all these elements that make up consumer wellbeing have fallen at the same time. We are seeing particular pressure on budgets with higher food and fuel prices and heavy levels of debt and mortgage payments."

Ms Dobbie went on to claim that Britons may find that they are coming under more intense financial pressure in the month to come. She pointed towards a curbing in house price growth, the last three months being the "poorest quarter on the stock market in four years" and increasing levels of debt, which could include money owed via loans and plastic cards, as factors which are set to place further constrain on household spending.

The Alliance Trust chief stated that, following on from such strains on budgets, consumer expenditure is set to slow over the course of 2008, despite the fact that "current spending levels show people have yet to take full stock of their financial reality". She also reported that the study indicated many people have being spending beyond their means for the past two years, which has led to them facing "ever higher levels of debt".

Britons worried that the prospect of more financial pressures will place their capacity for money management into an untenable position could discover that a consolidation loan provides a solution to their problems. In taking out this type of low-rate loan, borrowers could alleviate the multiple strains that their spending is currently under.

This may be particularly helpful for people struggling with money in the wake of the Christmas season. A recent MoneyExpert study indicated that about 2.6 million consumers are looking to switch credit card debts after spending during the festive period. However, it was claimed that the 6.6 million Britons who are set to stay with their provider will face an average interest of 16.82 per cent attached to their borrowing. For such consumers, a cheap consolidation loan might prove to be of great assistance.

Mark Dawson writes for Loan-Arrangers .co.uk where visitors can compare secured loans online. Then apply for one of our consolidation loans or bad credit secured loans. Visit today http://www.loan-arrangers.co.uk

5 Essential Tips to Finding the Right Payday Lender

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the costs associated with cash advance or post dated check loans. Consumer advocates and community activists are quick to point out that the annual percentage rates (APR) associated with these types of loans reach into triple digit rates and that the loan may do more harm than good. A broad consensus of lenders and consumers recognize that the payday loan fees are a cheaper alternative to costly bounced check fees or overdraft protection charges that consumers would face without access to short-term credit. Regardless of one's opinion on short term loans there are several factors that potential borrowers should examine prior to getting a cash advance.

First, consumers should look to deal with companies who are members of the Community of Financial Services Association of America (CFSA). Companies that belong to CFSA agree to adhere to its consumer advocacy program and best practices policy. Borrowers who use a CFSA member company are given the assurance that they are dealing with a lender who is registered and licensed in the state where they operate, a lender who promises to limit the fees they charge, and provide a payment plan for consumers who find they cannot pay off their loan on the next payday. Borrowers who shop online should ask the lender if they are member of CFSA and know they are dealing with a reputable lender.

Second, borrowers should also look for the fee chart that clearly illustrates the cost associated with the cash advance loan. A typical fee for an online lender is between $17- and $30- per $100- borrowed. Borrowers should avoid cash advance lenders who charge administrative fees, loan insurance, or other add-on fees. A consumer will pay the fee or finance charge at the same time the amount borrowed is repaid. Loan terms should easy to find in a store or on a website and should be easy to understand.

Third, borrowers who need money longer than a single pay period should find out whether a lender will allow them to extend the loan longer than the initial term. Most lenders will allow borrowers to extend one to four times, but borrowers should make certain that the lender will not automatically extend their loan for them. Consumers should only deal with lenders who extend a loan when it is requested by the borrower. Some unregulated lenders will take advantage of borrowers by automatically extending a customer's loan and charging the customer an additional fee. Reputable lenders leave the choice to extend a loan in the borrower's hands.

Fourth, online borrowers should be able to call, write, or email a lender. If a lender does not post an email address, a contact telephone number, and a mailing address then the lender is probably not interested in resolving consumer concerns. Honest online lenders have different ways consumers can contact them to resolve questions and receive answers regarding the loan. Some unregulated lenders will avoid posting a telephone number or a mailing address to limit the amount of contact they have with their customers. A consumer's inability to contact a lender can lead to confusion on the part of the consumer. Reputable lenders want to discuss customer questions or concerns with their borrowers.

Lastly, borrowers should look for lenders who are well established. There are many lenders that are new to offering short-term loans. Sometimes these lenders can overlook important factors that are critical to a successful loan. Consumers should ask their lender how many years they have been around and how many loans they have serviced. If they have been established at least five or more years they are more likely to resolve any concern or question one may have because they have likely faced similar situations before. Experience in short-term lending does matter. Consumers who use established lenders are likely to have fewer problems.

Most lenders strive to satisfy their consumers' money needs. With increased scrutiny on the short-term lending industry most lenders are taking measures to ensure they offer their consumers additional safeguards and protections. Smart borrowers should review these common sense issues with their lender to ensure that they are not only dealing with a trustworthy lender, but they are also getting a great rate as well. Borrowers should always remember to use cash advances responsibly and remember that cash advance fees are less expensive than returned item fees and overdraft protection charges from other financial institutions.

Michael New Jr. is an authority in the financial industry and has written hundreds of articles relating to consumer services. He recommends (http://www.checkcity.com) for all your payday lending needs.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

No Room For Complacency When It Comes To Money

Consumers need to be proactive in managing their finances, an industry expert has suggested.

According to Cesarina Holm-Kander, financial columnist and television presenter on Channel 4, a significant number of Britons are "scared" when it comes to managing their money. However, she stated there is "absolutely" no reason for this and that in taking a practical approach to financial matters consumers could generate significant savings. The economic journalist went on to report that in opting for uncompetitive products and deals, the average household is currently wasting about 5,000 pounds every year.

With such an amount available to be saved by switching to more cost-effective providers and payment plans, a significant number of people could discover that they can service mortgage costs and utility bills with greater ease. It could also help consumers to meet demands for repayment on loans, store and credit cards, overdrafts and other forms of borrowing.

She said: "There are lots of calls for an interest rate cut, given what's happening in the markets. On the other hand, inflation is a bit of a concern and the monetary policy committee will be struggling with both of those. But I would say to anyone, regardless of whether there's an interest rate cut, don't be complacent. It doesn't matter where the market's sitting, there are always better deals to be had. It's a product - so look for the best one."

Ms Holm-Kander's comments come after research carried out by Your Money Matters and Tickbox shows that a number of Britons are expecting monetary pressures to increase over the course of 2008. An estimated 36 per cent of people are worried about the state of the pensions sector over the next 12 months, with this proportion rising to 54 per cent for those with concerned about savings. Meanwhile, 29 per cent believe that the value of the pound is due to fall. In addition, just over two-fifths (42 per cent) think that interest rates are set to rise this year.

Should the Bank of England's monetary policy committee choose to hike up the base rate it is possible that many homeowners will witness an increase in their monthly repayments. Not only could this impact upon their capacity to make mortgage payments but also on their ability to pay UK personal loans, credit cards and other types of borrowing.

However, by taking an active approach to finances those who are worried about their money management may find that they are able to access a cheap online loan to help supplement their spending and pay off numerous debts. Such a loan might be of particular help to older people, as a study carried out by Callcredit last year showed that the over-55s are increasingly struggling with various demands on their finances. According to the firm 16 per cent of Britons in this age group are monetarily "unaware" and cannot state exactly how much debt they are in. Findings from the company also indicated that a third of these people have carried out short-term debts for the past three months and are an average of 5,900 pounds in the red.

Steve Smith writes for 1 Stop Finance Shop. A one stop shop for all your poor credit loans, online debt consolidation and the best personal loans. Visit today http://www.1stopfinanceshopuk.biz/

Student Loan Consolidation Info - Things To Take Into Consideration Before Getting A Student Loan

Before getting a student loan, it is important to understand that you should only borrow for the cost of attendance including your tuition, lab fees, books, and any living expenses you will have throughout the year. Of course this amount should be lowered by any other financial assistance you will receive. If you have been awarded a grant or scholarship, you should be able to lower your loan amount by the amount that has been awarded to you.

Often, the school you want to attend figures the cost of attendance for a wide range of students and they don't take into consideration any grants or scholarships when publishing this dollar amount. You may not need to borrow as much as the school says you will due to your circumstances. Borrowing less money now lowers your financial obligations in the future when it's time to start paying back the loan.

If you find you need more money than your school allows to cover the cost of attendance, you can make an appeal to have it re-evaluated. However, the amount you are asking for cannot go over the amount that federal regulations has established as a maximum amount to be borrowed.

If you are completely financing your education with student loans, be sure to check into how much the borrowing restrictions are for your lender. The federal government places restrictions on borrowing amounts yearly and for the total amount you can borrow during your education. Make sure you evaluate the terms for each loan you will take on for the yearly and total restrictions.

Take a close look at the financial commitments you currently have and honestly assess your current financial status. Doing this before you enter school can let you have a better understanding of where you are at in your current finances. After school, you will be responsible for any of the student loans you have taken and any prior debt that you had as well.

Now take a moment to consider what your realistic future income will be. Do some job market research online for the areas you plan on living after you attain your degree. Your future income pays a big part in how much student loan debt you will be able to pay back after you leave school. Taking this into consideration before getting a student loan will help you to determine alternative payment plans to assist you with making your payments early in your career.

Ian Wilkie is a published expert author of many Student Loan Consolidation Informationis articles and owner of - http://www.mystudentloanconsolidationinformation.com your one-stop online resource for Student Loan Consolidation Info.

More Britons 'Looking For Help Managing Finances'

People are continuing to face financial pressure, new research indicates.

According to figures released by Chiltern, the typical annual income of a Briton looking for help in managing their debts, which may have been accrued through personal loans and plastic cards, has increased by about 3,000 pounds since last August. During this time, the average person seeking assistance with money management earned 20,540 pounds, this has now risen to 23,432 pounds. Meanwhile, the level of money owed has fallen to 26,344 pounds from 26,662 pounds.

However, the company claimed that consumers are still experiencing money management difficulties, as the proportion of men looking for help from professionals with handling their debts has gone up by one percentage point to 43 per cent. In addition, the typical age of a debtor has increased to 44 years. And, despite an increase in salary since the August study, those on a debt management plan will still take them more than 12 years to be free from debt. In addition, such consumers have a monthly disposable income of 228 pounds and owe money to an average of eight creditors. It was also suggested that impact of the credit crunch has reduced the availability of cheap loans and other forms of competitively-priced borrowing, particularly for those who have a "tarnished" financial profile.

Joanne Gill, spokesperson for Chiltern, said: "Our figures show that over the last six months the average yearly income of our clients has risen by over 14 per cent while the average debt has fallen by 1.2 per cent. This suggests people who earn more and owe less are being forced into seeking help to manage their finances because of a number of conspiring factors."

Citing figures from MoneyExpert, Ms Gill added: "Nearly half a million people have missed a mortgage payment within the last six months and with the reduced level of available credit for people with imperfect histories, household finances are taking a battering." She went on to claim that those consumers who are struggling making repayments towards a number of debts need to "be open to different ways of managing their budget".

The firm highlighted that household bills and other types of "priority payments" have increased "significantly" over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, gas and electricity bills have risen by 16.2 per cent, costing an average of 1,055 pounds 76 pence per annum, up from 908 pounds 49 pence recorded this time last year. Research from Chiltern also indicated that the cost of food shopping has surged by 12 per cent, while later this year council tax is to increase by four per cent to 1,373 pounds for the average band D property.

Following from increases in various living costs, it is also possible that people could find pressure on other demands on their finances increasing. Such consumers may develop more problems in paying off loans and plastic cards, as well as finding that they have less money to put into savings accounts and pensions schemes.

Britons worried about making repayments to various creditors and managing rising living costs might wish to consider getting a UK consolidation loan. In doing so, consumers can merge a number of debts into a single low-cost monthly repayment. This may be helpful for a significant number of consumers as a recent Combined Insurance study revealed that two-thirds of people witnessed an increase in the cost of their utility bills during 2006. Meanwhile, the cost of running a car and mortgage repayments have gone up by 12 and ten per cent respectively.

Mark Dawson writes for Loan-Arrangers .co.uk where visitors can compare loans online. Then apply for the best rate secured loans and bad credit loans available. Visit our site http://www.loan-arrangers.co.uk

Credit Report 'Can Help With Getting Loans And Managing Finances'

Thousands of Britons are to looking to borrow money in an attempt to supplement their spending in the first few weeks of the new year, it has been suggested.

Pointing to research by the Motley Fool, Callcredit reports that an estimated 500,000 people will take out a personal loan in the first month of 2008 to help with money management. It was suggested that the majority of workers will come under financial strain due to a combination of having to face up to heavy spending over the festive period and waiting around five weeks for their first paycheck which is due to arrive tomorrow (January 25th).

Owen Roberts, head of Callcredit Consumer, said: "Credit reports are important in all our lives but a lot of myths have built up over time. Your credit report is an essential tool in managing your finances - the better you understand it the more in control you will be."

Additionally, the company put forward that getting a copy of their financial history could be advisable for prospective borrowers before they apply for a loan. It was suggested that this could be particularly helpful as the country's debt difficulties deepen and the tightening credit crunch impacts upon the availability of cheap loans and other competitively-priced financial products. Despite some people believing that checking their credit report may be nerve-wracking, complex or expensive to do, the company stated that it is part of a "healthy financial lifestyle".

Callcredit suggested that regularly reviewing their financial history can be a crucial stepping stone in getting to grips with their money management and securing cost-effective monetary offers. It was pointed out that a credit report is one of the tools which loan lenders use to determine whether or not to grant requests to borrow money from consumers and what rate of interest they charge.

The firm went on to dispel a number of myths surrounding consumers checking their credit report. Dismissing the falsehood that using a price comparison website will have an impact upon a person's financial rating, Callcredit pointed out that as these sites do not inspect such records visiting them will not affect whether or not people will be able to get a loan. It went on to state that one's financial history is only looked into by a loan lender once an application to borrow has been made.

In addition, the company stated unless they are financially connected, perhaps through a mortgage, joint account or loan, a relative with a poor credit score will not impact upon an applicant's capacity to borrow. It was also claimed that the idea that a property can be blacklisted as having a bad credit history is untrue. The firm stated that lenders only carry out credit checks on people, not specific addresses.

For those worried about managing their finances over the rest of 2008, applying for a cheap UK loan could prove to be of assistance. Earlier this month, Moneyfacts reported that taking out a loan for the purposes of consolidating debts might be an "ideal solution" for people concerned about their capacity to manage various demands on their spending. The firm claimed that by having to make a fixed monthly repayment getting a cheap personal loan could give those people who are "less disciplined" with their money an incentive to repay their debts "within a given time".

Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans where visitors can apply online for cheap UK loans. We also specialise in poor credit loans, and cheap consolidation loans. Visit today http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk/

How To Choose For A Credit Counselor Wisely

In 2005, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act was passed and announced to the public. This act requires consumers first take credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy. A consumer credit counseling agency aims to help those people who have debt problems with their repayment obligations and teach them how to manage their finances more effectively. Many people have trouble with proper budgeting and usually their filing for bankruptcy is a result of uncontrolled spending. Although there are cases where uncontrolled events such as divorce, sickness, or loss of job is the main reason for bankruptcy, ineffective financial management cannot be denied as one reason that contributed to this sad situation.

Why Be Wise In Choosing
Credit counselors should primarily look after their client's financial improvement. However, the reality is not all credit counseling agencies live up to this obligation. With the emergence of thousands of different credit counseling companies, a huge portion of these are only after their own benefit. In fact, even so-called non-profit organizations may be after their profit after all. Thus, it is important to be wise in choosing your credit counselor.

How to Choose the Right Counselor
How will you be able to tell genuine credit counselors from fake ones? It is crucial that you do your own research with regards to the agency's background and reputation. Don't accept a credit counseling agency's offer once without comparing it to other agencies. One way to do this is to check from the Better Business Bureau if there are any complaints against the company. If you see unresolved cases filed against the agency you're considering, better back off right away. Take your business somewhere else.

Be especially careful with credit counselors who only advise you or even oblige you to enroll to debt consolidation program right away without even studying your situation. A real credit counselor would take the time to look at your current financial state, and try to provide possible solutions outside debt consolidation. For instance, he may work with you with a budget plan on your monthly expenses or guide you through some steps on saving your money.

In most cases, those who force a client to consolidate their debts get a commission from each person they successfully enroll in the program. Although debt consolidation can help, it should be done only if other steps have already been taken. Some agencies would try to profit from their debt consolidation programs.

Watch out for credit counseling agencies that ask for an upfront fee. A credit counseling agency should not be asking for any advance payment, especially non-profit counseling agencies. If there is a payment, this should be after the service has been rendered and after the individual has gained stability on his finances. Furthermore, the service fee should not be unreasonably expensive.

To be sure, choose a credit counseling agency that is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.

Liz Roberts is a freelance writer and loan consultant. The website http://wwwbadcreditresources.com offers resources that specialize in providing bad credit loans and bad credit cards to people with bad credit.

Lenders Will Consider Those With Bad Credit

Did you attempt to get a loan 20 years ago with bad credit only to be laughed out of the bank because you thought it was possible? This is no longer the case. Now many lenders are willing to lend to those with bad credit because they believe that many people deserve a second chance.

Lenders realize that there are simply a lot of people out there who made mistakes when they were younger and they would like to make a change. The only way to make that change is to start somewhere.

Getting a Loan with Bad Credit

You can get a loan with bad credit; you simply need to know what steps to take. First, you should be aware of what your credit score is. When you know about what your credit score is you will be able to tell lenders up front what your score is so they can tell you right off if they will be able to help you.

When you do this you may be saving everyone a bit of time and if the lender cannot help you, you can move on and spend your time working with people and lenders that can help you.

The next thing you should do is come prepared with all of your financial information. When you are able to give a lender all of your paperwork right away they will be able to process your information quickly, hopefully getting you a loan that you want and need. When you are getting together all of your financial paperwork you will also want to work on putting together a few different letters of credit. Letters of credit are statements from creditors that you have worked with in the past.

You want to get letters from lenders that you have had a good experience with. Most of the time credit card companies, utilities, and other lenders will be willing to write you a letter of credit. You will want to compile as many of these as possible as the lender will use them to pad your currently pad credit rating.

After you have compiled all of your financial information and have everything in order you will want to consider how much of a down payment you will be willing to make. When you make a down payment you are showing the lender that you are serious about the financial obligation that is a loan.

When the lender sees that you are into the loan, even a small amount, financially they will assume that you are serious about improving your credit and will be more willing to extend you the credit that you need.

If you have bad credit you may also want to consider having someone co-sign on the loan with you. The co-signer will effectively boost your credit score or help even out your bad credit with their good credit. This will allow the lender to lend with confidence as well as offer you a better interest rate, which will make your monthly payments more affordable.

One thing to remember, if you default on your loan you will not just be negatively impacting your credit you will also be negatively impacting the credit of your co-signer.

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Saturday, January 26, 2008

General Procedure of Availing a Car Loan

Getting an auto loan is very easy nowadays. A great number of people are discovering that it is very easy to afford their dream cars and they need not save money for their entire lifetime to buy one. Although there are huge price tags attached to modern cars, their affordability has become much easier with several auto loan providers in the market today.

People generally wear a very worried look at the time of financing their first car. The basic reason behind their apprehension is the lack of knowledge about auto loans. The process of getting an auto loan is normally quite simple and if you partner with the right dealership and lending agency, you can drive home your dream car the very same day you go test driving in it. The basic purpose of providing an auto loan is that they must be the easiest option available for the people without ready cash.

Prior to meeting up with the lending agency, you must determine the type of car you wish to buy. The auto loan providers usually ask for details about the make and model of the car you have in mind. They use this data to determine if the car you are planning to purchase is worth their financial assistance. In other words, will it be a financially viable option for them to give you that loan amount.

Along with the car details, you may also be asked for your personal information like name, phone number, mailing address, e-mail id, date of birth, financial statements, your SSN number/tax payer id number etc. Once you have provided all these details to the lending agency, they do a comprehensive credit check with your details. You stand great chance of availing attractive interest rates if your credit history is impeccable.

In case your credit history is not worth bragging about and it is marred by quite a few defaults, don't worry since it's not the end of the auto loan world. There are several auto loan providers in the market who can readily provide you with bad credit (yeah, we know the term doesn't sound good, but that's what it is) loans, although at little high interest rates.

Regardless of the issues with your credit rating, you'll definitely hear back from the auto loan provider and they'll let you know the exact approved loan amount, the rate of interest, the down payment required, the loan duration and the other terms and conditions.

Car loans are usually paid back via the method of equated monthly installments (EMIs). Each EMI comprises of the principal and the interest component. Even though people feel great reluctance while taking a car loan, with the passage of time they realize that it was a wise decision they took. It is usually easy to pay little money every month rather than saving for your dream car until the time you turn 80 and a new car might no longer be your idea of excitement. With so many options around, don't delay your car purchase. Realize your car dreams now!

Mark Robinson writes for http://auto-loans.guidefin.com

January Is 'Right Time' For People To Organise Finances

Now is the time when people should be looking to get to grips with their finances, an industry expert has declared.

According to Donald Macleod, head of cards at "Sainsbury's Bank, the new year provides the ideal opportunity for consumers to sort out their money management and clear debts which they accrued over the festive period. Pointing to recent research from the firm, he stated that about two-thirds of Britons expect to have cleared off their seasonal debt by the end of this month, while the majority of people will be "quite comfortable" in getting back into the black by the time next Christmas rolls around. However, Mr Macleod reported that the estimated one out of 100 who believe it will take them more than a year to get their finances back on track could face more difficulties.

And although this is a minority proportion, as 438,000 people think that a period of at least 12 months is what they need to get their spending sorted, a significant number of borrowers may be on track to experience financial problems as 2008 progresses. Research from the financial services firm showed that 25.63 million look to be debt-free by the end of January. An estimated 6.32 million are aiming to achieve such status within three months' time, with 2.86 million wanting to get at this stage in six months. However, 4.84 million report that they do not know how long getting out of the red will take them.

For those people who find that they are experiencing particular trouble in getting to grips with their money management, applying for a UK consolidation loan could prove to be of assistance.

Mr Macleod said: "Now is the time of year to sit down and look at your finances. You've got all your Christmas spend out of the way, so you know what you've spent - your credit card bill will be coming in now. Appraise where you are and see if there's a better way of handling that debt; look at loans, look at restructuring, the zero per cent interest rates out there."

The Sainsbury's representative stated that although people should enjoy the festive period, it is important people make it "a new year's resolution to say what your ingoings and outgoings are and sort your finances out". Mr Macleod went on to report that those taking steps to get to grips with their finances during this time of year will find that "there are a lot of great deals out at this point and you can get a deal that really suits your circumstances".

For those worried that becoming debt-free will take them longer than expected a consolidation loan might be of assistance. Applying for such a loan could allow consumers to pay off a number of demands on their spending, such as utility bills and credit cards, quickly and more effectively. And although it presents another form of borrowing, those taking out a cheap consolidation loan may find that they have more disposable income at the end of each month. Such a UK loan could be helpful for a significant number of people, as a recent moneysupermarket study indicated that 5.5 million Britons were unable to meet a demand for payment during the last 12 months.

Steve Smith writes for 1 Stop Finance Shop, a one stop, Personal UK Loans Shop, with information on adverse credit loans and cheap debt consolidation available on site. Visit today http://www.1stopfinanceshopuk.biz/

Friday, January 25, 2008

People Need To Take 'Serious Attention' Towards Spending

Consumers need to take steps to get to grips with their finances, it has been suggested.

Research carried out by uSwitch has indicated that Britons are increasingly struggling with their money management as about a third of people have no cash left in their bank account by the end of month. Meanwhile, some 4.8 million people spend more money than they earn, as some nine million just about break even. Overall, the average consumer has 157 pounds remaining in their account.

According to the price comparison website, Britain has a "work hard, play hard" lifestyle as people look to use credit to finance a lifestyle of luxury. Between 1997 and 2007, spending on non-essential items went up at 2.5 times the rate of inflation. The study also indicated that debt repayments have gone up by some 104 per cent during this period of time as about six million consumers look to borrow, which could include through loans and credit cards, each month to help supplement their spending.

Not including mortgages, those living in Yorkshire and the Humberside region have the highest level of debt, owing some 7,484 pounds. They are followed by households in the east of England and the south-east who are an average of 7,364 pounds and 7,266 pounds in the red respectively.
On the other hand residents in Northern Ireland seem to be the most adept at managing their money as they owe just 4,941 pounds.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch, said: "Britain is suffering from a bad case of 'affluenza'. We are caught in the grip of a spiral of conspicuous consumption where it's no longer enough to keep up with the Joneses, but instead we want to live like our favourite celebrities. But it's clear that our salaries can't keep up with our 'Hello' lifestyles. The shock reports from the high street are the first signal that this trend is changing and, with the credit crunch beginning to bite, consumers need to start paying serious attention to their spending habits."

Findings from the price comparison website also showed that mortgage costs have "contributed significantly" to rising debt levels. Since 1997, monthly payments on this area have surged by 71 per cent from 122 pounds to stand at 209 pounds in 2007. Also unsecured loan payments have gone up by 73 per cent over the last ten years, while some 2.5 million are relying on their overdrafts to help them meet the gap in between their earnings and their expenditure.

Pointing to figures showing low sales on the high street in December, Ms Robinson added that an increasing number of people are looking to rein in their spending. She stated: "But the shock reports barely scratch the surface of the struggle facing consumers this year. Now is the time for a financial makeover and for everyone to take a long hard look at their budget."

Those concerned about handling their finances over the coming months may wish to consider getting a debt consolidation loan. In getting such a loan, borrowers could find that they are able to meet numerous demands on their spending at once, leaving them with more disposable income in their bank account each month. A cheap consolidation loan might be of particular use to people from Norwich after the city's Citizens Advice branch recently reported that the numbers of people coming to it for help on monetary matters has increased by 65 per cent over the last year. It was also revealed that seven per cent of people in Norfolk looking for assistance with their spending owe over 100,000 pounds via unsecured loans and credit cards.

Tom Dawson writes for Essentially Home Loans. Our visitors can apply online for secured personal loans and debt consolidation loans at the lowest interest rates. Visit today http://www.essentiallyhomeloans.co.uk

Consolidate Debts Loans, Bankruptcy And Credit Counseling?

Consolidate debt loans? Many people find themselves in debt and it will be very hard not to feel the pinch and stress of dealing with it. It always reverberates in their minds on how they will ever get back on their feet again. It seems very hard to find what the answers to their debt problems are. But in actual fact there are options available that can be easily obtain. For instance, consolidate debt loans, bankruptcy refinancing, credit counseling, debt management counseling and the like.

The most popular and most used way of dealing with their debts and debt problems is to consolidate debt loans or a consumer credit counseling program to consolidate credit card debts. These types of solutions will be largely based on your own personal financial situation. Debt consolidation loans, credit counseling, bankruptcy are types of tools you can use in dealing with your debt problems. But always be mindful though and aware of the pitfalls that these types of programs can bring about.

While debt consolidation, bankruptcy, and credit counseling can all lower your monthly debt payments and gives some needed relief, they can also have some negative consequences. Through debt management agencies, you can find a responsible course of action which is credit counseling. This is the most morally right way to deal with your debt problems. This way you will learn how to manage your finances better and more efficiently. Although it may be the responsible way of doing things, it may not be your best option.

If you choose credit counseling, there are some online companies who offer free consultation. Even consolidate debt loans, you can also find free quotes online thereby giving you an idea on how to go about debt consolidation loans. Always educate yourself and learn more about these programs before getting into one. The more you know the better informed you are thus making the best decision in dealing with your debt problems.

Bankruptcy will be your last option. In the US, and in particular President Bush signed a bankruptcy reform bill that will require credit counseling before you individuals can file for personal bankruptcy. Congress in 2005 passes the bankruptcy reform bill which makes it mandatory to get credit counseling before you can file for personal bankruptcy. In effect make credit card companies raise their monthly minimum payments and further squeezed the consumers.

Consolidate debt loans is good option for your debt problems. It will help you avoid filing for bankruptcy and credit counseling too. It will also eliminate the harassment you will be getting from your creditors and/or collection agencies. It will also lower your monthly payment by as much as fifty percent. Before making any decision on what to do with your financial woes, be responsible and educate yourself on what is your best option so you will not regret your decision. But the best thing is you will be paying one single monthly bill payment after you consolidate debt loans.

Whatever your decision is, always get as much information as you can so that when you ultimately make the inevitable decision, you are prepared and will make that right decision.

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Personal Loan 'Can Help Fund Holidays'

Britons are spending billions of pounds on holidays, a new study shows.

According to figures by Alliance & Leicester Personal Loans, holidaymakers spend a total of 34.4 billion pounds on holidays every year. It was also revealed that some 23.3 billion pounds is splashed out while tourists are overseas. When broken down to individual costs, the financial services firm showed that the typical vacation costs 514 pounds per person - accounting for 2,056 pounds for a family of four. Over the course of a person's life, it was claimed that breaks make up a "whopping" 41,634 pounds.

For those looking for an effective way to finance a break, taking out a low-rate personal loan may be advisable.

Research from the firm also indicated Iceland is the destination where tourists will splash out the most, spending an average of 118 pounds each day during the average six-day break. Estonia came second with an average expenditure of 102 pounds per day over a five-day period. Barbados, Canada, Latvia, the United States and Finland were among those countries deemed to have the highest spend per day. And with six out of ten highest-spending holiday locations in Europe, the firm claimed that removing short breaks on the continent "may actually be more costly than they appear".

Richard Al-Dabbagh, personal loans manager for Alliance & Leicester, reported that although financing the holiday of a lifetime can be a "daunting" prospect, taking out a low-rate loan could be advisable. In applying for this type of loan, it was suggested that travellers will be able to make repayments in "manageable monthly sums" and will avoid having to face high levels of interest on their borrowing.

He said: "Holidays are meant to be a time of enjoyment but often the cost of going abroad, especially for a family, can be quite substantial. Rather than worry about how to finance a holiday or shelving plans for a well-earned break, British holidaymakers can opt for a personal loan that allows them the convenience of paying in manageable monthly repayments. This can easily be budgeted for over a time period to suit and there's the comfort of knowing that whatever happens to interest rates, the payments won't change."

Indeed taking out a low-rate loan could be helpful for Britons who struggle with their finances after a holiday. An earlier study by Alliance & Leicester indicated that more then a quarter (27 per cent) of tourists state that they spent more money while abroad then they had originally intended to, with about one million people going over budget by more than 500 pounds. Findings from the firm also revealed that 4.2 million holidaymakers are currently choosing where they are to go away next, despite the fact that they still owe money from their previous break. In addition, an estimated 44 per cent of people - some 19.4 million consumers - do not save the total amount of money they need to go abroad but still jet off regardless. For these consumers in particular, a cheap personal loan might prove to be of assistance to fund a break.

Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans where visitors can apply for UK loans online and also focuses on UK personal loans, and secured UK loans for UK residents. Visit Today: http://www.allaboutloans.co.uk

Thursday, January 24, 2008

What Is A Home Equity Line Of Credit?

When seeking to understand what an equity line of credit is, it is important to first understand what home equity is.

It is basically how much of your home you have actually owned. It is calculated by looking at the current market value of your house minus your outstanding mortgage balance.

If you have a house that has been appraised for $100,000 and you own 50,000 on your mortgage, you have $50,000 in equity. If you no longer owe anything on your mortgage and your mortgage is paid off, then you have 100% equity in your home.

So what is a equity loan?

This is a loan that is borrowed against what you already own in your home. Though just because you own 50% equity, it doesn't mean that you'll be given that much. Your debt, income and credit history will also be evaluated. These loans offer tax savings due, because the interest paid on the loan is tax-deductible. They're often used to consolidate debt, to finance college educations, large vacations, home repairs or even a second home. The most common option is to make regular payments toward both the interest and the principal. Many of us are looking for the best company that offers great deal in terms of mortgage loan.

There are two basic types of equity loans.

Traditional, AKA a second mortgage, gives borrowers a lump sum of money that must be repaid over a designated period of time.

The second type is an equity line of credit. This provides borrowers with a credit card or checkbook to use to borrow funds. With this, if you have $20,000 in equity you can use the credit card or write checks up to that $20,000 amount. It's kind of like a secured credit card. The benefits of this type of loan are that you don't begin accruing interest until you make a purchase with your line of credit.

Most home equity lines of credit are only available for a certain time period, 10 years for example. There will also be limitations on how you use your credit. Some plans may require you to borrow a minimum amount each time you borrow and they may require you to keep a minimum amount outstanding. some lenders refer to a second mortgage as a loan used for purposes of adding value to your home.Some plans may also require that you take an initial advance when the line is set up.

Learn what a home equity line of credit is.Eddie Lamb owns http://www.LiveMortgageFree.com a website devoted to helping homeowners, first time buyers or tenants to Live Mortgage Free.

The Auto Secured Loan is Tied Directly To Title

For most people, cars are usually the second-largest asset people will purchase during their lifetime. And from most of them, they will purchase a car with an auto secured loan. The reason why it is called a secured loan is because the amount you are borrowing to purchase the vehicle is secured by the title of the vehicle. In other words, the title maybe in your name, depending on the source of your auto secured loan, but the lender is listed as the lien holder on the title. The car cannot be sold while you still owe money on the loan.

Your credit history will determine not only the interest rate that you will be charged on the loan, but also how much security the lender will require from you before you get the car. As an example, a person with a perfect credit history may be able to obtain an auto secured loan for the price of the vehicle and the lender will not to consider the depreciation on the vehicle once you have driven it off the car lot.

A person with borderline credit, not bad but not great, will usually have to provide some sort of a down payment to reduce the amount of the auto secured loan to level that will be lower than what the car will be worth as soon as it leaves the lot. On average, this is typically about 70 or 80 percent of the value of the car.

Lenders Will Protect Their Financial Interests

If a borrower should default on the loan, the lender has the right, under the law, to recoup their losses. Normally, if the vehicle is taken back by the lender after a certain amount of time, which will vary from state to state, they can sell the vehicle and any difference between what you owe on the loan, plus reasonable expenses for recovering the vehicle, selling it, along with legal fees and what the vehicles sold for will be your responsibility.

It is a good idea for you to take the time to check the company with which you will be doing business with before you take out an auto secured loan. The Better Business Bureau in your area can give you information about a particular company. If this company has complaints concerning predatory lending practices, perhaps you should look to another lender. A good lender will follow the agreement they made with the customer at the start of the deal.

Unless you're paying cash for the vehicle, chances are you will be like most people, who purchase their car with an auto secured loan. Proceeding with caution is highly advised in making sure that the lending company is legitimate and ethical in its business dealings.

Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Secured Loan TIps Blog. For more great helpful information about secured loans visit http://www.securedloantips.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Solving a Crisis with an Unsecured Personal Loan

If you have recently found yourself in financial trouble because of an unexpected event or problem and you aren't sure how you are going to pay the bills or get the problem taken care of you might want to consider taking out an unsecured personal loan. This is a great way to protect your assets and solve the problem sooner rather than later. This is not something that you want to do for just any reason, if you can help it, but a personal loan can really help you out in a pinch.

Staying out of Trouble with Unsecured Personal Loans

Personal loans come in really handy in a pinch because you don't have to wait weeks at a time for an approval process. These loans are made for those that need to pay off other debts or paying off a onetime expense that you hadn't planned for. Many people use these loans when unexpected medical bills come up or when they have to travel for a family emergency, buy a new car, or repair a vehicle.

Unsecured personal loans are preferable because you can receive the entire amount of the loan up front, you don't have limits as to what you can use and when. In addition to getting the full amount of the loan right away, if you need it, the funds that you are approved for will be paid to you by check or even by direct deposit into your checking account so they are available for immediate use. You can be approved for a personal loan in as little as a couple hours and you can receive the money in as little as 24 hours. You simply cannot beat timing like this.

Personal loans provide consumers with the ability to pay off bills and other expenses to help prevent a financial crisis, but then they continue to be affordable. Most of the time personal loans have interest rates and principal so you don't have to worry about fluctuating interest rates. In addition you will usually have monthly payments and you can usually pay more towards the principal at any time and there is typically not a pre-payment penalty. So, if you take out the loan and you are able to pay it off sooner than you thought, you won't be penalized for it.

Most banks will offer unsecured personal loans for as little as $1,000 to as much as $250,000 though these amounts may vary slightly. The term of the loan will generally be up to five years, though this may depend on the state that you live in, your credit, as well as the amount of money that you are borrowing. Fees associated with the loan will vary depending on your bank as well as where you live.

Unsecured personal loans have the ability to get you out of very sticky situations very quickly. If you have had something come up and you just cannot pay it off consider what an unsecured personal loan can do for you. In just a few days time you may be able to take care of those finances that are leaving you stressed out and tossing and turning at night.

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About Loans of the Payday Kind

Are you currently in a financial crunch and you are not sure how you are going to see your way out of it. There are times where you just have to wait out the financial problems and dig out one day at a time. This is something that most of us go through at some point or another, but if you have a short term need than you may find some help through a payday loan. A payday loan is a loan that is meant for short-term use only and will help you get through financially until your next payday, hence the name.

What You Need to Know

When you are considering a payday loan you should be aware that this type of loan is only meant to be used for a week to two weeks. The reason for this is that you are writing a check to the payday loan provider that will be cashed on your next payday. While you may only borrow $500 at a time you will probably be paying close to another $100 in interest. As you can see, this is a steep interest rate. When you are really in a crunch this can help you out in a big way but it comes at a price.

Payday loans are for serious emergencies such as car problems, medical problems, and bills that absolutely have to be paid or your utilities will be turned off. This is the type of stuff that warrants taking out a loan that carries this type of interest with it. If you simply need some money to go out with friends or on a vacation this is not the best choice, in that case you may want to look for a personal loan that will offer you the same amount of money for a lot better interest rate.

When you apply for a payday loan you will find that they may not even do a background check. Many times the company will simply have you provide them with a current bank statement and then you will write them a check and provide them with proof of your address. The check that you write will be for the amount that you are borrowing in addition to the interest amount.

The check will be cashed on the date that you get paid, because it is assumed that you only needed the cash until you got paid. This is a very convenient way to borrow money if you need it because you have to go into the office just once and then the loan is paid off within a one to two week period and you are done.

Occasionally people find that after they borrow the payday loan once they need it again. If you are in this position you should tell yourself that you will only take out the loan a second time and then you will be done with it. It is never easy to have a big, unexpected expense and to get back on top you may have to live simply for a couple weeks, but that is better than continuing to pay $100 every couple of weeks to borrow a couple hundred dollars. No one can afford those interest rates for the long term, so make sure you pay off your payday loan as soon as is possible.

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Personal Loans Are Not Secured Loans

Would you like to obtain a loan that is truly hassle free? Many loans today require that you secure them with something and if you don't own a home you may not have anything to secure a loan with. Personal loans are the hassle free loans, that is, they are not secured loans. You can simply apply for the loan, provide your personal information, and either be approved or not. No need to bring your home into the process.

Securing a Loan without a Home

If you need a loan but you haven't applied for one because you assume that you need a home to get one, you are wrong. In fact, there are personal loans out there that are perfect for those that do not own a home. Many people who do have homes never consider personal loans because there are many loans that they can take advantage of because they do own. When you do not have anything that you can secure a loan with that doesn't mean you are out of luck, it just means that you need to look at personal loans.

Personal loans are not secured loans; they are general use loans that anyone can apply for. When you apply for these loans you will need to provide information such as your social security or taxpayer identification number, your home address, your bank account information, pay stubs, and any information on other debts that you have.

Your bank or lender will use this information to run a credit check and look at your debt to income ratio. Basically, the lender wants to make sure that you can afford the loan and that you have the means to pay it back. In addition, they want to make sure that you have a history of repaying your debts.

Because a personal loan is not secured you should know that they are not handed out to everyone who applies. You should have decent credit if you apply for one of these loans and expect to be approved. You will also want to have a stable job and be willing to pay a bit more in interest than you might if you sought out a secured loan such as a home equity loan.

The interest rate is usually not much higher, but you may find that they are a couple points higher and this is just the way the lender balances the risk. Remember, this is business for the lender and they need to make sure that they are going to get their money back.

Personal loans are a great option if you need money to consolidate debt, pay for medical bills, pay for car repair, repair the home, go on a vacation, or even go to school. Again, these are general use loans that come in handy in a multitude of situations. The great thing is that these loans can often be funded in as little as 24 hours, so you will be ready to go shortly after applying for the loan.

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The Basics of Responsible Credit Card Use

Credit cards can be beneficial for individuals who understand and practice the basics of responsible use of credit. However, people who don't use this kind credit wisely can find themselves deeply in debt very quickly. Everyone who uses credit needs to understand how to use it in an intelligent manner.

Do Not Accept Every Offer That You Get

If you have good credit, you probably receive a number of offers in the mail every week encouraging you to incur more debt. The fact that a lender is offering you an opportunity to get another credit card does not mean that you actually need one. If you have too many credit cards, you may find yourself running up balances on multiple cards, which can be very dangerous to your financial well being.

Most people should not have more than two credit cards. Many people get one card for day-to-day purchases, and have a second card that they use strictly for emergencies. Individuals who own companies or who make up-front payments for job-related travel sometimes need a third card so they can easily keep track of which purchases are business and which are personal.

Do Not Purchase Things You Cannot Afford

If you are spending more money than you earn each month with the help of your credit cards, you are on your way to financial problems. It is okay to use credit for convenience, but you need to be certain that you can pay your balance in full each month, or within a reasonable period of time. If you are buying luxury items that you cannot pay off within a few months, you are not using your credit wisely.

Always pay more than the minimum payment on your credit accounts. If not, you will find that the quickly accruing interest on revolving credit accounts adds up very quickly, often putting you in serious financial jeopardy. Individuals who pay only the minimum payment each month quickly finds themselves much further in debt than they expected.

Be Diligent In Checking Your Credit Report

Part of being a responsible credit card user is checking your credit report at least once each year. There is, unfortunately, a very real risk of identity theft. If someone is using your identity to open credit accounts, you will find out when you look at your credit report. Many times people discover that incorrect information on their credit reports is pulling down their credit scores. Such problems can be appealed and corrected when you become aware of them.

Another reason that checking your credit report frequently is so important is that you are able to see how your current debt and payment habits are impacting your credit history. This can be a real eye-opener regarding the importance of paying all bills in a timely manner.

Recognize The Need For Help

Another aspect of responsibility is the maturity to recognize when help is needed. If your spending is out of control, ignoring the problem will not make it go away. Seek assistance from a trustworthy credit counsellor who can help you come up with workable solutions to your credit problems. If you are having credit troubles, the sooner you seek help, the faster you can be on the road to rebuilding your credit.

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The Many Different Types of Borrowings

When you are thinking about taking out a loan you will find that there is truly a whole world of loans out there for you to take advantage of. Of course, you will not qualify for all of the loans out there and others would not be of interest to you, but if you need to borrow some money and you have decent credit chances are that there are many different loan programs that will help you out in one way or another.

The important thing to remember when you are shopping for loans is that all loans are not created equal so you should shop carefully.

The World of Loans

With all of the loans out there to choose from it is hard to know where to start so we will start with the most general type of loan, which is the personal loan. A personal loan is a general use loan that will allow you to apply for the amount of money that you need for any use. When you apply for this type of loan you will find that you need to give all of the standard financial information as well as debt information for the lender to consider.

You will then be given the full amount of the loan up front and you will be required to make monthly payments over the term of the loan which can be as short as a year in duration or as long as five or more years.

Next there are mortgage loans. Mortgage loans come in many different varieties themselves. These loans are used to help people buy homes. The loan is secured with the home, which means that if you do not pay on the loan the bank can then take action against the home.

For this reason, consumers should be certain to obtain the mortgage that works best for their needs and is something that they are sure that they can afford. There are many different mortgage loan programs out there for consumers to choose from, so it is important that you shop carefully.

There are also car loans. These loans are not unlike mortgages because they help the average consumer buy a vehicle. Cars are expensive, in some cases as expensive as some homes! Most consumers cannot afford to buy a vehicle straight out so they go to a lender who is willing to extend them financing, with interest of course. These loans are usually five to six years in length and will be paid for monthly.

School is something that is also very hard to afford and that is why there are student loans. There are many different types of student loans out there to choose from, some of which need to be paid for as you are educated and others that do not need to be paid off until you graduate from school. Each student will need to choose the type of loan that works best for them and their circumstances, but for many people this is the only way they get through school.

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Auto Loans - How to Avail the Best Ones Online?

You must have definitely seen numerous websites offering attractive auto loans. But have you ever tried availing an online auto loan? No we're not trying to scare you, but are re-asserting their convenience. The best part about choosing an online auto loan package is that you can get the best possible deal in the whole nation. Therefore, if you stay in an up-market locality and want not to be taken for a ride by your local bankers and credit unions, head online and you could lay your hands on unimaginable auto loan rates.

Many people feel little skeptical about providing their personal information online. However, if you deal with big financial institutions who have their address and contact details specified on their website, you can speak to an actual person and avail a quick instant approval by providing the information on phone. But please rest assured that security systems of all such big establishments are built on very healthy foundations and are managed by thorough professionals.

Let us discuss some of the best methods you can employ to get the best auto loan quotes for yourself. To begin with, you must be well aware of your credit history. This aspect will play an important role in determination of your final loan rate and amount. If you possess a decent credit history, the complete loan process will become a smooth sailing experience. You can also better your rating by paying via credit card and making a down payment of 20% of the vehicle cost. In case you fall in bad credit bracket, there is still hope with sub-prime lenders. However, with a bad credit rating you might have to pay a rate little higher than the rate for normal auto loans.

Don't put all your eggs in one single basket. Invite quotes from various lending institutions and then do a comparative analysis to pick the best option. You'll discover that in some cases a difference of around $20 per month will save you hundreds of dollars on a standard type of 60-month auto loan. You can also rope in an auto loan brokerage firm to help you do a side-by-side comparison of various auto loan offers. If time is not a constraint with you, it'll be in your best interest to conduct little research on the final short-listed auto loan providers.

There may be both long-term and short-term auto loan options available to you. While a short-term auto loan will provide you with lower interest rates, a long-term auto loan offer will reduce your monthly EMIs considerably, however, at a slightly higher interest rate. To settle down on the best option, you must weigh your budgeted constraints with the cost of auto loan. Try making the final contract as short as feasible, to decrease the chances of getting rid of your vehicle before the complete repayment of the availed auto loan.

Once you have decided your auto loan provider, obtain a pre-approval to better your chances of negotiation while transacting with car dealer. The lender will provide you with a blank check that can help you earn good rebates with the dealership.

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Using Personal Loans in a Responsible Fashion

Personal loans can come in really handy when you are in a financial pinch, but they should be used as responsibly as possible. Many people make the mistake of getting one personal loan after another. The problem is that if you have decent credit personal loans are quite simple to get and it begins to seem like free money to a lot of people.

While one personal loan is not a bad idea if you need funds up front to pay for something, it should not be something that you do over and over again.

Personal Loans Should Be Used in Moderation

Personal loans are a great option when you have a one-time expense to pay for. Many people seek out personal loans when they need to make repairs to their home, when they want to upgrade their home, pay for medical bills, deal with legal issues, or even consolidate debt. This is a great idea but personal loans should not be abused.

You want to take out a personal loan, use it exactly as intended and then pay it off. This is not free money; in fact you are probably paying a nice premium for the funds in the way of interest. You should try to avoid taking out a loan unless absolutely necessary because you do have to pay interest.

Many people will take out one personal loan, pay for what they need, like the way it felt to pay for things so they will take out another. Then, because they are unable to comfortably repay the first two personal loans they will need to take out another to pay for those and then another to pay for the three that they have out.

You can see how this could get out of hand quite easily. Those that continue to take out personal loans one right after the other will find themselves in a really bad cycle that is hard to stop.

Many people forget that because personal loans are simple to get they are in fact loans. With loans comes interest, which means that you are paying to get the money. If you do not have enough money to buy the things that you need, which is why you need a loan, it is smart not to pay for the money unless you really need it.

Of course, there are those situations when a personal loan really is called for, and in these cases you should definitely take advantage of the service and make it work for you. Just remember as you are paying off the loan that it is a loan and it is something that you should take seriously.

If you are constantly taking out loans you may find that lenders are less willing to extend them to you. Loans are there when you absolutely need them and you do not want to compromise your credit score or your ability to get loans when you need them by taking them out when you do not need them. Remember to use personal loans in moderation at all times to best protect your financial future.

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Auto Loans - The Reasons to Have One and the Places to Get One

Personal automobiles such as cars, bikes etc. are the segment that generate the maximum revenue for the automobile industry. This segment has seen exponential growth in the past one decade as personal vehicles are no longer considered the domain of only the upper strata of society.

Personal vehicles are a necessity nowadays and with big companies competing with each other to introduce the most efficient and trendy vehicles in the market, the common man is spoilt for choices.

In spite of the flexibility shown by the auto loan lenders, several borrowers find the whole process pretty taxing. In order to make the whole process of auto loan approval easier and customer friendly, the providers have launched a method called instant auto loan approval. This process takes all the difficulties away and makes it easier for people to find out the best-suited auto loans for themselves. Some of the common requirements of people wanting to avail auto loans are:

- A large number of people avail auto loans for their domestic use vehicles that can be used for their day-to-day commuting.

- Surprisingly, a great multitude of people who opt for auto loans belong to the upper class segment. They avail these loans just to buy new flashy cars and trucks for themselves, to keep them in sync with times. This new trend is the primary reason behind the surge in auto loan segment in recent times.

- A major share of auto loan segment belongs to transport companies who wish to avail easy credit terms for their purchase of business assets. They usually opt for auto loans either at the time of starting the business or to further expand their operations. Quite obviously, no business likes to dig into their own finances and auto loans are the best way out at the time of expansion.

People desiring to avail auto loans can either approach the offline lending institutions or can head online to get the best deals. However, the online method is gaining gradual popularity due to the following reasons:

- The instant approval auto loans are available with both secured and unsecured options, thus making it widely acceptable by all.

- The online auto loans portals are a great boon for people who are good at negotiation skills. If approached tactically, one can easily get very low interest rates and low EMIs on any loan amount one desires.

- This method provides the fastest way of loan approval

- Some online auto loan providers also provide qualified assistance from seasoned professionals via phone, chat or e-mail method. They can be an excellent source of expert advise related to auto loan procedures and can help you find the best offer suiting your requirements.

- Some online auto loan companies have credit facilities also available for people with bad credit ratings. Even they can avail of certain instant approval auto loans, however, at a slightly higher interest rate.

- The online loan approval method helps the borrowers to get all details regarding new and used cars in a matter of few clicks.

So if you have been waiting for that perfect auto loan provider who can make your dream car dreams come true, head online and start scouting now. It may be just a few clicks away!

Mark Robinson writes for http://auto-loans.guidefin.com

Financing Your Vehicle on a Reasonable Budget

Do you want to be able to finance your vehicle affordably? Many people are looking for a cheap car financing deal and there are ways to go about the process that will allow you to finance a vehicle on your budget. Many people go into a car dealership and they know that they can only spend a certain amount but when they leave they end up paying much more per month than they knew they could afford.

Don't let this happen to you because a car loan is something that you need to take seriously as it will be a source of transportation for you, and if you don't pay your loan as required you will damage your credit.

Financing a Vehicle Cheaply

The first thing you should do when you want to finance a vehicle is do some homework. How much can you afford each month, what sort of car do you need, what does your credit look like. When you have all of this information you will be able to approach the situation with a lot more knowledge of where you stand so you can counteract any problems that may come your way from lenders, pushy sales people, etc.

You will also want to come up with a down payment to put toward the purchase price of the car. When you have a down payment you are taking away from the purchase price of the car and you are also showing the lender that you are serious about the loan and that they can trust you, and perhaps even offer you a nice interest rate.

When you buy a new vehicle that is, say, $20,000 and you put down $5,000 you then only have to pay $15,000 for the duration of the loan. That means smaller payments and in the end you will also pay less in interest. It may take you a bit longer to actually purchase the car because you need to put together a down payment, but if you really want to finance your vehicle cheaply this is a great way to do it.

If you don't have perfect credit and you want to try to finance your vehicle as affordably as possible you can take steps before you buy to improve your credit. Sometimes you can do something as simple as consolidating a few of your debts to improve the way your credit looks or you can take a few of the smaller debts and try to pay them off.

Often we have these small debts on our credit reports that are $40 and $50 that could easily be paid off and would actually improve our overall credit score because it shows that you are trying to improve your credit and your overall responsibility level is better.

Another thing that you can do if you don't have perfect credit is to have someone co-sign on the loan with you. When you have a co-signer you are able to take advantage of the co-signers credit score which may help you secure a lower interest rate, which will ultimately lower your monthly payment, making your financing much more affordable.

If you don't have good credit you could pay as much as 15% interest but if you co-sign with someone that does have good interest you could cut that in half, which will save you a lot of money over the course of four or five years while you pay off the vehicle.

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