The internet is a perfect system for laying out preliminary information in the financial services industry, where product options can get complicated fairly quickly. Businesses of all sizes that are engaged in some portion of this industry are finding that a website makes good business sense.

An enormous amount of financially related business is still done at the local level. Mortgages, auto and home loans and insurance policies are still usually secured from a local agent. The small businessman engaged in providing such products need only think about the amount of time he or she spends on the phone explaining the basics of their services to realize how much time a website could save them.

When a customer calls about auto insurance, think about the ability to refer the caller to your website to learn about the required minimum coverage, about the relationship of the vehicle’s value, about the relationship of personal injury coverage to health insurance.

Think about having a website that explains the four or five home mortgage options that are available, about how they are affected by down payment, credit history and loan amount. Consider the enormous number of variables available in health insurance for both individuals and families, and envision a chart on your own website that explains how those policies work.

That’s only a start on the types of benefits a website can provide to a small businessman or regional company in the financial services business. Your website can provide explanations, charts, even video clips explaining:

* Retirement planning

* Medicare insurance options

* Home loans, including specialties such as tenants-in kind

* Real estate history and trends in your area

* Auto insurance, including the effects of driving records and assigned risk

* Investments – mutual funds or annuities? Stocks or CDs?

* Estate planning

* Health insurance – a new policy, or COBRA?

These are a few examples plucked from a vast array of financial services that are out there today. Your website can become your reference library, your consulting tool, and your business partner when it comes to educating your clients. Websites provide multidimensional explanations of material in a far more effective fashion than brochures. No matter how glossy, stacks of paper that use terms only half understood are intimidating to people.

Your website can have an entire dictionary section, so that potential customers can learn terminology at their leisure, rather than ask embarrassing questions. And of course, the fewer questions they have when they pay a call on you, the less time is consumed in moving towards a potential sale.

Use the graphics capability of a website to maximize the attractive nature of your particular company. Take advantage of a personalized business website to explain why your services are better, unique, priced more reasonably, performed more thoroughly. With any complex financial product, you’ll need to explain how your selection of products can meet an entire range of consumer needs. Your website can do that for you.

Financial products can be presented online just as attractively as real estate is today. For every financial product, there is a personal benefit that can be reinforced with images. For products with multiple options and complex purchasing decisions, a website provides a consumer with an invaluable tool that is available 24/7. Your potential customer won’t be sitting across from you, concerned that there’s been a question missed or an issue not fully understood. A website is like an office staff to a financial services professional: there’s no better business for harnessing the efficiency of the new technology.

Credit cards. If used well, great tools, if used poorly, financial ruin! If you’re too impulsive, hide your card! To avoid paying interest and fees, pay off your entire balance each month (on early or time). Most charge no interest if the balance is paid off within the billing cycle. If you pay only the minimum required payment, like one in four Americans, you lose.

Unauthorized use of credit cards. If a charge – which you did not authorize – appears on your credit card statement, contact the credit card company immediately. Follow-up your dispute in writing within 60 days to ensure your rights.

Disputed items. If you are dissatisfied with a product or service you charged with your credit card, first make a “good faith” attempt to resolve the dispute with the merchant. If you are unable to resolve it, contact your credit card provider and file an official dispute. Do this within 60 days of the charge to preserve your rights and avoid negative credit, etc.

Debit cards. If you, or someone else, uses your debit card, money is deducted from your checking account. For pre-authorized purchases (e.g. gasoline or motels) a “hold” is placed on your checking account, usually for an amount larger than the expected charge. This hold can cause other checks or charges to be returned — if you don’t have a sufficient cushion of funds in your account, or a backup system (e.g. overdraft line of credit loan). Once funds are deducted from your account, it is often difficult or impossible to get your money refunded. Don’t use a debit card for mail order, telephone, or internet purchases. Even if you don’t get what you ordered, you may not be able to get your money back.

Reconcile your checking account. The sooner you do it, the easier it is. As soon as you receive your bank statement, compare it with your check register – item by item. Make sure both you and the bank have recorded things correctly. If you find that the bank has made errors, or the statement includes unauthorized deductions, contact them immediately.

Blank checks. Keep your blank checks in a safe place. Although you may not be technically responsible if someone steals your checks and forges your name, consumers are often unable to recover their funds which have been deducted from their account. Financial institutions have several defenses including consumers’ negligence.

Bounced checks. To avoid costly bounced checks, tie your checking account to a revolving line of credit (an empty loan). If you have such a pre-arranged plan, and write a check for more than your available balance, a loan advance is made to pay the check. If you pay off that loan quickly, most financial institutions charge you very little in interest and fees. Keep that line of credit reserved as your checking account backup – and don’t use it for anything else. Bounced check fees, are very costly. Beware; many banks automatically provide very high-cost “bounce protection” programs for those who don’t.

Solicitations. Don’t give your account numbers, credit or debit cards, or your Social Security numbers to anyone who phones or e-mails you. They may not actually be who they claim to be. They may fraudulently use your information, and the damage done to you financially, or to your credit rating, may cause huge headaches, and a horrendous waste of your time, money and energy trying to correct the problems.

Investing. If you can’t afford to lose it, don’t speculate with it. The greater the rate, the higher the risk.

Risk Free. Nothing is “risk-free”. Especially nothing involving money.

Too good to be true. If something sounds too good to be true, it is! Don’t fall for the scams. Heed the clues!

Credit repair. Be weary of credit repair services. Some claim to be able to “fix” bad credit. If you have inaccurate information on your credit report, you may contact the credit bureaus directly and correct it yourself. If you have had credit problems, any attempts to remove the relevant information from your credit report are illegal, fraudulent, and only temporary.

Borrowing. Don’t borrow money unless you are willing and able to pay it back. Failure to pay debts – on time – causes severe financial, emotional, and family problems. Experts recommend you don’t borrow for wants, only for needs, or for things that increase in value. Many lenders will loan you money you can’t afford to pay back, especially high-rate lenders.

Co-signing. Don’t co-sign on a loan unless you are willing and able to pay it back. Often, co-signers end up paying off loans they are unprepared for, and financial hardships follow. Numerous co-signors now have negative credit ratings because a primary borrower paid late. Many lenders do not notify the co-signor before reporting delinquencies or repossessions to the credit bureau.

Compare. Before you decide who to borrow from, compare! Find out who is offering the best deal at that time – look for the loan with the lowest rate (APR).

APR. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR). It is the standard rate, so we may compare the cost of borrowing. It is the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate. When you borrow, always beat 13% APR (consider “13″ to be unlucky when it comes to borrowing). Some have been illegally stating other rates such as weekly or monthly rates. Compare APR to APR. If you pay your bills on time, and you aren’t over-extended, you can nearly always find loans or financing arrangements at rates lower than 13%. Beware though, because beating 13% does not always mean you are getting a good deal. For instance: the difference in total interest paid on an 11% versus an 8% 30-year, $100,000 mortgage loan is $64,283 (assuming all payments are made as agreed).

Consolidation Loans. A consolidation loan can result in great savings to borrowers if the new interest rate is significantly lower, and if you don’t run-up debt similar to what was just consolidated. But beware, because consolidation loans usually result in substantially more money out of your pocket into the lenders’. For instance, mortgage loans usually involve closing costs. They increase the total debt. Many refinances involve reducing the monthly payment, but increasing the length of payback, which substantially increases the total interest paid. Borrowers, who refinance unsecured debt (e.g. credit cards) into a home mortgage, also increase their risk of losing their homes. Also, remember to keep all of your payments current until the old debt is paid off. Too many people have damaged credit ratings, and are in bad financial condition because they counted on money which didn’t come when they expected it. Expect delays when applying for loans, especially consolidation loans. Don’t spend money before you get it.

Desperation. Don’t get desperate for money. The more desperate you are, the less likely you are to get a good loan.

Auto insurance. Keep your auto insurance current. If you fail to keep your insurance up-to-date, you could end up making loan payments for years after your car has been totaled.

Establish good credit. To avoid bad credit, don’t borrow too much, and do pay your bills on time. Inexpensive ways to establish good credit: (1) Obtain a good credit card. When you charge things, pay off the balance each month – on time – and pay no interest. (2) Establish a revolving line of credit (an empty loan) as an overdraft protection against bounced checks, and don’t use it as a loan. (3) Get a loan to buy a car, or furniture, or etc.) and pay it off within a few months.

Late fees. To avoid late fees (which multiply the cost of borrowing), pay early, or at least on time.

Repossessions. To avoid repossessions and associated fees, pay early or on time, and keep your insurance current.

Extra principal ® less interest. To pay less interest on loans, pay more than the minimum required payment. Even small amounts of extra principal, can significantly reduce the total amount of interest you would otherwise pay over the life of the loan. Before doing this, however, make sure your lender accepts extra principal payments, and find out what particular procedure you need to follow to ensure your extra principal is properly applied.

Bi-weekly payments. If you get paid weekly, or every other week, paying bi-weekly is a very convenient (almost painless) way to reduce your loan term and interest. For instance, if you make ½ of your required monthly payment every 14 days (a bi-weekly period), you pay the equivalent of 13.052 payments in an average year. If you don’t get paid bi-weekly, or if your lender doesn’t like biweekly payments, you can pay the equivalent amount in monthly installments. If you pay 1/12 of the sum of 13.05 payments each month, you will match the bi-weekly advantage (minor rounding differences).

Contrary to popular belief, the frequency of paying ½ payments bi-weekly doesn’t accomplish much, the real advantage is paying the extra principal (13.05 payments, or more, each year) which reduces the term and the interest paid. If you are considering signing up for a bi-weekly program, pay close attention to the cost. Some servicers have large set-up fees and transaction fees. Also consider the credibility of any company handling your money, some have diverted payments into their own pockets, leaving borrowers to make payments twice (once to a corrupt servicer, and a second time directly to the lender).

So many of us are feeling the pressure to keep up in this modern world by enjoying all the luxuries our paycheck can afford. The problem is that for many of us, we can’t afford this way of life at all, and buy now thinking that we’ll worry about the cost later. Financial responsibility, it seems, doesn’t come easy to us, so much so that we are choosing what should be a last resort all too easily. But beware – bankruptcy might offer the financially troubled a clean slate, but it doesn’t mean there’s not a price to pay.

There are a number of different types of bankruptcy, which involve either the liquidation of your assets or participating in a repayment scheme. While it is true that a portion of your debts will be written off, you will be held accountable for certain debts, which will be included in your repayment plan. Bankruptcy does allow a certain amount of flexibility in the way that this is done, but it should not be thought of as a get-out-of-jail-free card that comes without consequences.

Bankruptcy also has implications for your credit future. The fact of your bankruptcy is likely to be listed in your credit reports for ten years, during which time you may find acquiring credit to be quite difficult. Renting apartments or leasing other items may become more difficult to those with a bankruptcy behind them. On the other hand, because you are now prohibited from declaring bankruptcy for some years, some creditors may be more keen to take you on, as you have no way of escaping your debt. This can help recreate the cycle of debt that led you to declare bankruptcy in the first place.

Bankruptcy can be a useful tool in regaining financial control, but it is not a decision to be undertaken lightly. Weigh all your other options before you proceed, and avail of financial counselling if you can to help you to be more careful next time around.

Getting pre-approved for bad credit car financing will help you get the best rates possible. Pre-approved auto loans also give you an edge during car shopping, providing you with the most options. Your car shopping experience can be focused on getting the best price on a car, rather than worrying about financing.

Why Pre-Approved Loans Are Better

Some dealerships would have you think that getting financing with bad credit is nearly impossible. Not so. By researching lenders and their financing packages, you can find near market rates.

By getting pre-approved, you also remove a barrier when negotiating the price of your car. With a blank check in your hand, you can buy from any dealership or person. Sellers are much more willing to go down in price in order to seal the deal.

Start By Finding A Good Sub Prime Lender

Most financing companies deal with prime and sub prime car loans. So start your financing search by asking for loan quotes from several different lenders. If you have no idea who to look at, start with recommended sites.

When you ask for quotes, consider all possible terms. For example, selecting an adjustable rate loan will give you a lower initial payment than a fixed rate loan. Buying from a dealership will also get you better rates.

Look at fees and closing costs, not just fees, when comparing car loans. The APR number will give you the overall cost of the loan, a helpful number to use. If you are planning to refinance, lean toward a low application fee loan with slightly higher rates. This can save you money in the long run.

Online Application Speeds Car Loan Process

Car financing companies have developed online loan applications to save time and money. By having you enter your basic personal and financial information, lenders can limit the number of personnel needed to process your loan.

As a result, you can receive a blank check for you car purchase in five to seven days. You will also receive your loan contract at the same time. When you are ready to purchase your car, you simply sign both the check and loan contract.

If applying for an auto loan refinance, there are numerous lending options. Auto loan refinancing is beneficial for many reasons. Yet, several people have never considered this option. If your current auto loan rate is higher because you applied for the initial loan with bad credit, or fell prey to a dealership’s scam, a refinancing may save you money.

Reasons to Refinance an Auto Loan

When selecting to refinance an auto loan, car buyers essentially choose a new auto loan to replace the old. The new loan typically has better rates and terms. Many lenders offer auto loan refinancing. Furthermore, creating a new auto loan is a quick process. On average, auto loan refinancing is completed within two days. Thus, it may be possible to pay a lower monthly payment by your next due date.

Requirement to Refinance an Auto Loan

For car buyers choosing to refinance, there are a few guidelines. If obtaining quotes from several auto loan lenders, skip your current lender. Auto loan refinancing entails using a different lender. Moreover, loan amount for the current vehicle must exceed $7500. Also, research the value of the vehicle before applying for a refinancing. You may do so by obtaining a copy of the Kelley Blue Book. If the amount owed is more than the value of the vehicle, you cannot refinance the loan.

Online Auto Loan Refinancing

Comparison shopping is very important when refinancing an auto loan. To avoid the hassle of contacting individual auto loan lenders, use the internet and make quick online comparisons.

There are several benefits to refinancing online. For starters, online lenders typically offer much lower rates than dealerships. Some dealerships are helpful, and offer prime rates. However, the majority of car dealerships increase the interest rate to their benefit. By using an online lender, you avoid scams.

Auto loan refinancing is also convenient because approval notifications are offered within minutes. If accepting a lender’s offer, the loan documents and check are delivered to your home by the next business day. Simply sign the documents, and use the check to payoff the old vehicle loan.

Limited Options With Dealership Financing

Dealerships would have you think that there are very few financing options if you have poor credit. They let you pick a vehicle at what you think is a reasonable price. Then they turn around and charge you excessively high rates and fees to finance the purchase. Dealerships make thousands with these poor loans.

With dealership financing, you don’t have the power to negotiate a better deal on your car or loan. You have to take what they give you, which isn’t very good.

Take Control Of Your Financing

To get the best deal on your auto loan, check out private lenders ahead of time. Use the internet to search across the country for lenders who are willing to work with your adverse credit rating.

You can also request car loan quotes, so you can better compare lending companies. Without hurting your credit score, you can ask for estimates on a number of loan terms, helping you decide what is your best option in regards to loan terms.

Getting pre-approved for your car loan also gives you more control during the car buying process. You can go to any dealership or person to purchase your car. Sellers treat you like a cash buyer since you have a blank check ready to sign over to the dealership or individual. So not only do you get a better deal on your loan, but also on the car’s price.

Quicker Results Online

Shopping for car financing only takes a few hours. And the loan

application just takes minutes to complete over the internet. In just a few days, your application can be approved with a blank check and contract express mailed to you. For the savings you’ll see, time spent searching for online car loan lenders is well worth it.

Lower interest rate

There are several places where one can get a loan. You can get a car loan from the dealership, bank/credit union, home equity, and online. The online resource typically will have the lowest interest rates of all methods. There are even sites in which auto lenders will compete for your business. This creates much lower interest rates than you could ever imagine at a bank or dealership.

No Additional Fees

Another advantage of an online automotive loan application is the absence of extra fees. You do not have to pay an application fee to apply online. You also will not fine any hidden finance fees for new vehicles when applying online. Not only is it cost effective for you to get an auto loan online, but it is cost effective for the lender as well.

Payment calculator

Using the internet provides a significant advantage of loan awareness. Many online lenders have car loan payment calculators right on their sites. This encourages borrowers to be educated on what an interest rate means to their payment, or how a loan duration can affect the total amount paid, etc. Loan payment calculators allow you as the borrower to know how much you can afford to borrow before even applying.

Convenience

Convenience is possibly the biggest benefit of applying online for an automobile loan. You can sit in the comfort of your own home while you compare and apply for various loans. The approvals are also very quick. During business hours, online auto loans can be approved within an hour of application. The online marketplace has become the place to shop for auto loans. Various benefits including low interest rates, no additional fees, payment calculators, and convenience, have people flocking to these online.

Here are some helpful suggestions on things to consider about the financial planner for your needs:

• You need quality. Simply, you are putting your money into someone else’s hands and you need to find a professional who will do his or her best at managing it. They need to be able to provide you with a plan that shows how they can help you. They need to have experience and show you what they have done in the past for others.

• You need to be able to communicate with them on many levels. At first, you’ll need them to be able to understand your needs and desires and they need to provide you with a plan that you can follow. They also need to be available if you have questions or problems come up. You can tell if the financial planner is committed to this just in your first meeting with them.

• You also need to agree on the same principles. If you feel that the financial planner is simply trying to make money, you are less likely to trust them. Make sure that you take the time to find those financial planners who are on the same page as you.

When you do all of these things, your experience in choosing a financial planner will lead to a good choice.

Does this sound like you? Are you a Christian having sleepless nights because of your finances? Here are the top five reasons I have found why people get into debt:

1) Try to live beyond their means. Keep up with the Joneses.

2) Lost job and bills pile up

3) Have never been taught money management

4) Divorcing and the other party charged up cards in the process splitting up

5) Impulse Shopping

I too was a victim. Not from just one, but two of these debt catalysts. My husband equally had financial woes, his was still on this list. Being in debt has a way of having a hold on you and causes you not to think clearly. People in debt tend to operate out of fear – for example they ignore phone calls because it might be a collection agency on the other end. How many calls have they missed? Or perhaps, they write a check in the hopes that it will clear the bank; knowing full well they spent the money on luxuries and other needless excesses that have caused the bank account to have insufficient funds.

If any of this sounds like you or someone you know, assure them they can get out of debt without filing bankruptcy. They have to want help and not let pride or embarrassment get in their way of being helped.

At Journey To Wholeness, we work with people who want help getting their finances in order. There is no charge for our help. Why would you pay someone to help you get out of debt?