Thursday, September 18, 2008

UK Credit Cards & Loans 2

For those interested in a business loan, UK lenders offer a variety of options that can serve to increase working capital or fund expansion. Fixed interest rates are available, and these loans typically range from £2,500 and £250,000.

United Kingdom residents looking for loans enjoy numerous options. These loan opportunities tend to fall into two general categories – secured loans and unsecured loans. Secured loans are based on collateral, typically property, such as a house. There are variable rate options and fixed rate options, as well as loans available for varied credit situations, including adverse credit.

Tenant loans have become widely available in recent years. These loans do not require home-ownership and are available for a broad range of purposes. Some use these loans to help finance the purchase of a vehicle or to consolidate debt. Typically, these loans are under £10,000. Terms and conditions do vary, depending on the lending source, as tenant loans are available not only just from High Street lenders, but are also offered by other lenders as well. Take the time to make inquiries, as that will help you to find the best options for you.

Another popular loan option is the home-owner loan, which is secured by the borrower's home. While terms and conditions do vary from lender to lender, in general, these types of loans can make up to 125 percent of the value of the home available to the borrower. Repayment schedules can range between 3 and 30 years, depending upon the amount of the loan and individual financial circumstances. Understand, however, that failing to adhere to the repayment schedule does risk the loss of the home, therefore this type of borrowing is best under circumstances when the ability to meet the planned repayment schedule is fairly sure.

These are just a couple of the borrowing opportunities available in the UK. It is also possible to borrow smaller amounts for shorter periods of time, often taken on to meet unexpected needs, such as vehicle repair. When it comes to borrowing, the British Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) offers essential advice – always read all documents and understand the terms and conditions thoroughly before formalising the agreement with your signature.

In addition, the CCCS also suggests that unsecured loans be the first option to investigate, and that, whichever borrowing option you do choose, it is best to invest time in shopping around for your loan. Taking that extra time has the potential to save a significant amount of money paid out in interest and fees. Part of making the best choice from the loan options available to you is doing the calculations involved in finding out exactly how much the loan will cost you in the end. A lower interest rate doesn't necessarily mean a more affordable loan, as if that lower rate is for a loan that will take more time to pay off, then the amount of interest paid will be more than if you had taken a loan with a slightly higher rate of interest over a shorter amount of time. Well thought out borrowing helps to ensure successful repayment and can have a positive effect on your credit rating and future borrowing opportunities.

UK Credit Cards and Loans

UK Credit Cards & Loans -- Attractive Options For United Kingdom Residents

In the United Kingdom, there are a number of financial instruments to meet anyone's requirement. For businesses, many banks and lending companies have tailored financial products especially designed to help business owners achieve their expanding goals or just to inject extra capital to their business. You can apply for a fixed rate loan without worry about any fluctuating interest rates, and borrow any amount between £2,500 and £250,000.

Reminder: never send anyone money in advance of a loan. Anyone telling you to do this is a scammer, no matter how nice and convincing they sound.

Borrowing Money in the UK

Lending in the United Kingdom offers a broad range borrowing opportunities, both in terms of business and personal loans. Loans and mortgages are available not only for those with high credit ratings, but also for those with adverse credit. Terms and conditions vary, but with a bit of time invested in researching the type of loans sought, most can find one that is suitable to their financial situation.

Can you use a loan from a family member to buy a car

Should you pay cash for a car if you can, or is it better to take a loan and invest the cash?

You're buying a car for $20,000. You can either pay cash or borrow $20,000 at 9 percent interest for 48 months. Assume that if you borrow the money, you will invest your $20,000 and earn a 7 percent after-tax rate of return. Also assume that if you pay cash, you'll invest the money you would otherwise have used to repay the loan each month. This investment will also earn a 7 percent after-tax rate of return.

If you borrow $20,000 at 9 percent interest for 48 months, your monthly payment will be $498. The total of your payments over the term of the loan will be $23,904. During this same time, your cash (invested at 7 percent after-tax) would grow to $26,216.

If you pay cash for the car instead, you would invest $498 per month instead of making payments on the car loan. In total, you would invest $23,904. Assuming a 7 percent after-tax rate of return, your investment would grow to $27,374 after 48 months.

In this example, paying cash was a better choice because the return on your investment was lower than the auto loan interest rate. If you can get a great interest rate, taking a loan and investing the cash will put you further ahead. The key to determining your best course of action lies in calculating the total cost of repaying the loan (or repaying yourself) and comparing this to the expected return on your investment.

Can you use a loan from a family member to buy a car?

Sometimes a family member will lend you money to buy a car, often with little or no interest charged. However, before taking a low or no-interest loan from a family member, it's important to understand the potential tax implications.

Interest-free and low-interest loans from a family member may have gift tax implications for the lender. In addition, the interest on a loan is considered taxable income to the person who lends the money. If no interest is charged or the rate is unusually low, the Internal Revenue Service may impute interest. This means that the lender must pay taxes as though interest is being paid at a fair rate. Loans of $10,000 or less generally aren't subject to imputed interest. Some exceptions also apply to loans over $10,000, if the borrower's net investment income is minimal. Since this calculation can be somewhat complex, you may wish to consult a tax professional in determining the income and gift tax consequences of an interest-free or low-interest loan.


Can you use a home equity loan or line of credit to purchase a car?

Generally, you can use a home equity loan or line of credit to purchase a car. The advantage to this type of financing is that, because the loan is secured by your home, the interest is usually tax deductible (although you should consult a tax professional before taking a home equity loan for this purpose). The disadvantage is that if you don't repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home.


Can you use a 401(k) or 403(b) loan to purchase a car?

If you have sufficient dollars in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, check with the plan administrator to determine whether you're allowed a loan from the plan. Generally, plans allow loans from $500 up to $50,000 from your account. The percentage you're allowed to borrow often varies from 50 percent to 80 percent of the plan value. The interest rates are usually similar to home equity loan rates, but the good news is that you're paying yourself that interest. The bad news is: if the stock market increases tremendously while you have a loan outstanding, you miss out on the growth on that portion of the account balance that has been borrowed.

Caution: If you don't repay the loan within five years or if you miss payments, the loan may be treated as a distribution for income tax purposes and thus may be included in your income and subject to the early withdrawal penalty. If you leave your employer, the loan could also be called due.

Financing Options for Buying a Car

Financing Options for Buying a Car

If you will be purchasing the car with a loan, be aware of your financing options. Consider options such as a home equity line of credit for potential tax deductions and a relatively low interest rate, or 401(k) loans for a guaranteed-to-be-approved-loan and a very competitive interest rate. Many banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions offer favorable interest rates on car loans. The dealer can often get you a loan, but you may be able to get better terms if you shop for financing before you choose your car.

This way, you will be able to evaluate the terms offered by the dealer and compare them to terms offered elsewhere. If the manufacturer offers a special financing deal on the car you choose, these will probably be the best terms available.

Be aware, that in order to take advantage of this low rate there may be special requirements or restrictions. For example, you may have to make a particularly large down payment.


What is an Unsecured loan?

What is an Unsecured loan?

An unsecured loan does NOT require collateral -- just your signature and a means to pay back your loan. When you borrow money, the lender may or may not require you to pledge collateral to guarantee repayment of the debt. If collateral is pledged, then you have a secured loan.

For secured loans, collateral can be anything of value, but collateral is NOT cash when it comes to loans -- lenders do not require you to send cash as collateral or "insurance".

Did you know that your home's equity is one of the best sources of cash? For homeowners, interest rates are often quite low. With equity, you can finance big-dollar expenses, such as car purchases, home remodeling, or medical expenses.

Demand Benefits

Convenient access to cash for every reason, every budget

Get quick and convenient access to the funds you need with a Cash on Demand® personal loan account from Wells Fargo Financial Bank. Whether you need to consolidate your high-interest credit cards into one convenient payment or simply pay unexpected bills, we have the solution for all your financial needs.

Cash on Demand Benefits:

  • Revolving Line of Credit – No need to reapply when you need additional funds.
  • Balance Transfers – Consolidate other bills and high-interest credit cards into one convenient payment.
  • Emergency Cash – Your money is available 24/7 at ATMs so you will be prepared for whatever comes along.
  • FREE Online Account Access – Get your balance and payment details, available credit, credit limit information and transaction history.
  • FREE Online Payments – Make your Wells Fargo Financial Bank payments online. Schedule or cancel payments and see your 12-month payment history.
  • No Annual Fee – There is no annual fee for your Cash on Demand account.

Convenient Access to your Cash:

  • ATMs Access your money conveniently at ATMs throughout the United States.
  • Convenience Checks Use them for cash advances anywhere personal checks are accepted.
  • Western Union Quickly and easily transfer money to more than 225,000 Western Union Agent locations in over 195 countries worldwide.
  • Cash Advances Deposit cash electronically into your checking or savings account.

Personal Loan

Convenient access to cash for every reason, every budget

If you're looking for quick access to cash, opening a Cash on Demand® personal loan account from Wells Fargo Financial Bank is a smart choice. Use your money for Bill Consolidation, Unexpected Expenses, Home Improvements, Tuition, Travel – whatever your financial needs, we can lend a hand! It's a convenient way for you to decide when you need extra cash for your planned and unexpected expenses. Whatever life throws your way, be prepared with a Cash on Demand personal loan account.

Debt Reduction

Debt Reduction

Sometimes, when our debt grows too great, we're led to believe we're simply powerless to halt it. Many feel as if they're forever stuck in a deep hole — one that's impossible to climb out.

Thankfully, this simply isn't true. Positive debt reduction is possible. And by coming here, you've already displayed a willingness to get out of debt. It just takes planning and a little perseverance. That's what we're here to help you work on.

By maintaining an initiative to become debt free and following through, you can surmount your debt problem.

Grade Yourself on Debt Reduction

Here's your new monthly plan: write down each thing you buy in a week. It doesn't have to include every stick of gum, but it should note every lunch out of the office, coffee stop, and dessert snack.

Afterwards, go through them and strike through everything that isn't an absolute necessity. Try and do it with a red pen if possible — it will better illustrate the point. (And despite what many believe, a double latte is not indispensable).

Gas $78.00
Coffee $16.86
Snacks $12.67
Dining Out $45.34
Socializing $38.98
Movies $17.50
TOTAL $209.35

It can all add up pretty quickly, can't it? That's the point of writing down these "fun" expenses. You may not realize just how much money is slipping through your fingers. Now's the time to slam the brakes on these goodies. It's a tough call, we know, but you must start envisioning yourself as debt free. And the road to financial freedom is paved by cutting the excess.

Don't go crazy, however. Like crash dieting and extreme exercise regimens, limiting yourself to nothing but water and day-old bread will quickly have you throwing up your arms and returning to square one. We don't want that.

Moderation is key. A successful debt reduction plan requires that you set realistic and obtainable goals — something that will stick.

A Debt-Free Life Is Possible

Imagine it now: No more harassing debt collection calls. No more feelings of financial worry. But successful debt management requires more than this. It may also require a professional provide you with credit counseling. There are such services available if you feel this is right for you.

Debt Reduction

Debt Reduction

Sometimes, when our debt grows too great, we're led to believe we're simply powerless to halt it. Many feel as if they're forever stuck in a deep hole — one that's impossible to climb out.

Thankfully, this simply isn't true. Positive debt reduction is possible. And by coming here, you've already displayed a willingness to get out of debt. It just takes planning and a little perseverance. That's what we're here to help you work on.

By maintaining an initiative to become debt free and following through, you can surmount your debt problem.

Grade Yourself on Debt Reduction

Here's your new monthly plan: write down each thing you buy in a week. It doesn't have to include every stick of gum, but it should note every lunch out of the office, coffee stop, and dessert snack.

Afterwards, go through them and strike through everything that isn't an absolute necessity. Try and do it with a red pen if possible — it will better illustrate the point. (And despite what many believe, a double latte is not indispensable).

Gas $78.00
Coffee $16.86
Snacks $12.67
Dining Out $45.34
Socializing $38.98
Movies $17.50
TOTAL $209.35

It can all add up pretty quickly, can't it? That's the point of writing down these "fun" expenses. You may not realize just how much money is slipping through your fingers. Now's the time to slam the brakes on these goodies. It's a tough call, we know, but you must start envisioning yourself as debt free. And the road to financial freedom is paved by cutting the excess.

Don't go crazy, however. Like crash dieting and extreme exercise regimens, limiting yourself to nothing but water and day-old bread will quickly have you throwing up your arms and returning to square one. We don't want that.

Moderation is key. A successful debt reduction plan requires that you set realistic and obtainable goals — something that will stick.

A Debt-Free Life Is Possible

Imagine it now: No more harassing debt collection calls. No more feelings of financial worry. But successful debt management requires more than this. It may also require a professional provide you with credit counseling. There are such services available if you feel this is right for you.

Debt Management

Debt Management: The Road to Freedom

Is it possible to climb out of a high-interest hole and onto the surefooted debt-free ground above? Certainly! But you may have to rethink your lifestyle with a little prudent debt counseling. (Did you really need that second plasma set so soon? Perhaps not.)

But there's no need to think in Spartan bread and water terms. You can live a rich life while receiving the debt relief your bank account is crying out for. Think of it as placing your money on a healthy diet and exercise regime. There may be a few aches and pangs as you first start to adjust, but you'll soon be feeling great as all of that accumulated personal debt simply melts away.

We've laid out several important steps to not only eliminating debt, but keeping its ugly head from rearing in the future as well.

Debt Management and Help

Feel like your debt is out of control and needs to be reeled in? You've come to the right place. There are several different methods for debt reduction and debt consolidation. From reducing your high-interest credit card debt, to creating a practical monthly budget, we're here to help you lick your credit woes.

Each of the articles below is provided as help for your financial future. Take a moment to read through them, along with personalizing your individual needs with our debt relief calculator and debt reduction planner.

Debt Reduction

It's easy for debt to snowball. Stop it before it gets out of control, and start melting off the excess now. If you've found yourself drowning in bad debt, we have your sound advice.

Debt Consolidation: Now's the Time

Debt Consolidation: Now's the Time

Debt consolidation: Loosely defined, it's the act of combining several loans or debts — usually credit card debt — into one low payment. This can offer two big economic advantages: Lower interest rates and greater simplicity. Both are goals to work toward, and both are decidedly achievable. But how?

Here's the short-term solution: Consider a debt consolidation loan. It can cut those numerous high-interest debts down to size into one low-interest loan with one fell swoop. But exactly who qualifies for a debt consolidation loan? Do you have to own a home or not? And what about equity...? There's a little confusion. Let's clear this up.

Debt Consolidation Loan Options

Consolidating several high-interest loans into one low, manageable payment can dramatically free up your cash. With the extra money you will have, you can feel free to pay more against the principal (and pay off debts earlier), or use the extra cash wisely in other areas where it's needed.

The important thing is that you make a move to reduce your debt now. The more you wait, the more cash you stand to lose. But, which avenue to debt consolidation is right for you?

Luckily, there are a multitude of debt reduction options available. We'll run through them for you, so you can decide which best fits your needs. Let's first start with whether you're a homeowner.

For Homeowners

Homeowners have a veritable laundry list of debt consolidation options available. Each has its debt reducing strengths that should be carefully measured against your individual needs.