Adults of all ages have at one point or another experienced how important it is to maintain good credit. For the majority of adults in the world that can be difficult due to mounting bills coming due. We think we are just stuck, because our debt is too high, and our income insufficient, to survive while also paying off loans. The good news is there’s a solution for almost everyone, simplifying your monthly bill payments and consolidating your debt.
Lines of credit or some type of monetary loans have been around since we as a society have had currency, before credit cards and the entire loan application process we know today, were ever in use. Shop owners would establish lines of credit or tabs, allowing customers who were experiencing a period of financial hardship to still get necessities. When governments began offering credit to areas of agriculture and industry, it became apparent how helpful credit could be to prevent the economy from seizing up in more tumultuous times. Expanding these options to students and businesses, the need only grew, eventually leading financial institutes to offer lines of credit and loans, that were insured by the government but funded by the company itself.
In general, the credit system is a good method of creating a history of your financial decisions and successes, something that can allow other creditors and loan providers to decide your eligibility for their services. You can find a little history of our credit system on this site. Having an established credit history is important for obtaining loans, being approved for credit cards, being considered for housing rentals or purchases, and can even be something reviewed by potential employers. Showing a consistent and timely payment history gives creditors, real estate agents, and future professional positions that you’re responsible and don’t put yourself in situations you can’t handle.
One loan to pay them all
Have you ever heard the term “robbing Peter to pay Paul”? Borrowing money, materials, resources or food has been a system for every culture since we’ve been around, but as we grew more industrious, we had to flesh out a more structured system. Bank notes, checks, and credit cards, all offer similar lines of credit.
Should you find yourself in over your head financially you might think your only option is something like declaring bankruptcy and starting from scratch. You don’t have to go that route, however, all you need to do is take a look at your options for refinancing your loans, or find a loan provider that will work with your specific situation, and discuss how to consolidate your debts into one payment. No matter what type of outstanding balances you have that need attention, you can bring their sums together in one loan to help stagger your monthly bills, or refinance the current rates of your outstanding loans.
Getting a better handle on your expenses and bills, you can focus on making on-time payments, which will build up your credit once again.
When you consolidate several different loans, for example, a loan for your car or a personal loan, you spare yourself the extra time and stress of having to pay multiple different bills. Using one loan to basically buy out the other loans, you can direct your attention to one account only. Refinansiering can also sometimes allow you to lengthen your term, which could help you have smaller monthly payments. Fewer opportunities to miss a payment or get behind on your due dates and less risk of ending up in hot waters financially make both of these options excellent resources.
Loans for every need in any situation
Consumer loans can range from things like mortgages and credit cards, to student, personal and auto loans. These are easier to differentiate between based on whether they are an open-end loan or a closed-end loan. An open-end loan offers revolving credit with a total that must be paid before more is available for use, like a credit card. A closed-end loan is an installment of credit, with monthly payments towards one bottom-line, like a car loan. Both of these loans can be secured or unsecured, which we’ll talk about next.
Secured loans are offered when the applicant has some form of collateral to back their loan amount. This ensures that the loan provider isn’t out their money should the loan holder be unable to pay their balance. Using a vehicle or some other property in their name, the loan holder will turn over ownership of the agreed-upon collateral to cover the remaining amount in their loan. This may sound concerning, but the reality is it’s simply insurance for the loan provider so they can confidently make you an offer.
An unsecured loan does not have any collateral requirements. Typically more easily accessible, these types of loans also are usually smaller or more limited in their total funds. If your needs are more immediate or if you aren’t looking for a large sum then consider looking into unsecured loans. Without the need for collateral, the application process will have fewer steps.
Be it a student loan you started to cover tuition and book expenses, a mortgage for your first or forever home, an auto loan for a new or additional vehicle, or a personal loan for you to finance something important to you, you need only connect with a financial officer to discuss your options. They will get information from you about your current work status as well as your credit history and score and come up with an offer that will suit your needs and fit within your budgetary needs. If you need a bit more clarification on what all qualifies as a consumer loan, you can find an explanation at the link below.
Don’t “D.I.Y” your finances
Navigating the different sites, credit providers, and financial institutes that can assist you with a loan can be confusing, so make sure to start your search by enlisting the help of someone in the business with plenty of experience. Easy instructions available online lead some people to believe they’re capable of accomplishing anything at home without advice or assistance, but the fact of the matter is there are some things that no amount of online searching can educate you for. Choosing a loan with the best interest rates and the most reasonable term length isn’t one of those weekend errands you should tackle by yourself.
Finding help from experts who are knowledgeable as well as friendly and professional is an excellent start to getting your debt consolidated, or your loan rates refinanced into more manageable payments. If you are merely looking for some temporary financial slack, changing the rates might be a good option for you. On the other hand, if you need a more permanent solution, getting a new loan to consolidate or extending your loan term may be the better path for you. You can’t make these decisions without answering a lot of questions, so make sure you get help before you get started.
After you have seen your offers, the next important step is to compare what is being put on the table for you, both the loan itself, and the company you will be signing the loan with. Find out opinions from friends and coworkers, and ask peers or family about the reputations of the companies you’re considering. Everyone has unique experiences but their additional information could give you some insight into possible warning signs and bad patterns from some less than professional companies. Taking into consideration the interest costs, the loan term, any possible hidden fees like early payment fees, and the collective opinion regarding the quality of their customer service, you can choose the best option for your needs and lifestyle.
