Thursday, October 19, 2006

Lions And Loans: Why Finance Should Always Be Personal

Different types of loans are available for almost every aspect of your life: personal loans, car loan, secured and unsecured loans, home loans, homeowner loans, student loans, graduate loans and career development loans (CDL). If you’ve suffered from credit problems in the past and now hold sub-prime characteristics, then you will be eligible for adverse credit and adverse loans.

You can always borrow money these days, but it is crucial to read the small print as the difference between interest rates is enormous and stories of people forced to pay off amounts which are five times the amount of their original loan are not uncommon.

There are also numerous stories on unemployed couples being sold loans, such as the case of Julie and Kevin Davies, reported by the BBC. The couple were already experiencing difficulty in paying off their existing debts of £4,000, when they were sold another £20,000 loan by Lloyds TSB.

Loans of £1,000 to £25,000 can be taken out and repaid over a period typically varying between six months and 10 years depending on your credit history and available finances. Loans are usually secured or unsecured. Secured loans are tied to your house, so you can be forced to sell the house if you are unable to make the repayments. Unsecured loans do not impose the same restriction, though a default on repayments may result in being "credit blacklisted". Once blacklisted, you may get future credit card, mortgages and hire purchase applications rejected, as well as face a potential higher rate of interest for all existing debts.

It is absolutely crucial that you shop around for a loan and not just through the high-street banks. The internet offers a wealth of information available and there are many sites which compare the prices of products, and to really ensure you get a good deal – compare the different comparison sites. In the UK money facts, money extra and money net offer price comparison services for a wide range of loans, amongst other financial products. These sites also offer consumer information guides, which you can either print directly off the website or download on to your computer.

Do read all the terms and conditions carefully and ask friends, family and your financial adviser / bank adviser if you don’t understand a particular statement. The annual percentage rate (APR) is particularly important and can make a difference of thousands of pounds over the term of the loan.

Unsecured loans can be purchased from building societies and banks, as well as certain high street shops. Unsecured loans may be taken out for something specific or simply to make life more ‘comfortable’. The process usually involves:

* Requesting a typical amount for the loan
* Discussion of interest rate (APR) and possible loan payment protection insurance
* A credit check, you may wish to get one of these first, so you know what to expect
* Reading the terms and conditions and then signing the agreement
* Money can then be transferred into your account

In the discussion of secured versus unsecured loans, moneynet explains that although secured loans can offer lower interest rates and repayments, many people do not wish to jeopardise the potential loss of their home in the default of a repayment of a secured loan. In unsecured loans, pay attention to the difference in APR, term of the loan and any additional charges such as an early settlement charge or redemption penalty.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Benefits of a Personal Secured Loan: Now you know why you need it.

Ever felt that fulfilling your needs far surpasses the money you make?? Well, all I can say is "Join the clan!" Nowadays, the pace of life is constantly bettering its own record with price hikes and rises in the standard of living becoming a regular feature. When in a financial crisis, today, opting for a loan is no longer considered taboo; in fact it is a more practical outlet. Although there are a variety of loans to choose from, Personal Loans are a preferred solution. Personal loans are of two types Secured Personal Loans and Unsecured Personal Loans.Personal Secured Loan are safer and easier to obtain than the unsecured ones. Personal Secured Loans are those loans that you can avail of by placing collateral with the creditor. Collateral is a security you place with the lender until complete repayment. It can be in the form of property, your home, a vehicle, etc. In case of secured loans, if the entire loan amount is not repaid as per the credit agreement, the lender can pursue you through the legal system; however, this is the worst case scenario. By placing collateral, the element of risk for the creditor is radically reduced; this being demonstrated by the low interest rates offered on these Personal Secured Loans. The amount that becomes available through the loan can be put to use in any form as per your desire – it could be for higher education, home improvements or to pursue that long lost dream.

Benefits of Personal Secured Loans:
  • Personal Secured Loans have a wider Loan market and you can definitely find a Secured Loan customized to your needs. Self employed and unemployed also have a chance to get loans for they have collateral to back their needs.
  • Secured Loans are easier to obtain than Unsecured Loans because creditors will always prefer the option with security.
  • As Personal Secured Loans are backed by collateral, most lenders approve loans even in cases of C.C.J's, defaults, county court judgements and arrears. This makes secured loans available to those who would otherwise not qualify for a loan from their local bank.
  • Personal Secured Loans come with a lower rate of interest because of the security placed with them. Interest rate is termed as APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and is normally 6% to 25%. •If you have exceptional credit history and good financial standing you can expect amounts ranging up to 125% of your property value
  • Depending on the value of collateral, lenders offer large sums ranging from £5,000 to £75,000 or more, with a repayment term of 3 - 25 years.
  • Personal Secured loans are approved as soon as the borrower's reliability and the collateral offered are verified through a credit check.
  • A Personal secured loan can help you to free up equity that would otherwise remain dormant in your property, letting you make use of capital that would otherwise remain unobtainable.