Financial Health | My Life Tail

Finance07/06/202009/20/2020

Financial Tips Everyone Should Know

Your credit score may appeal as spontaneous, relatively ineffectual digits. However, your credit score can damage or build your life in the most unusual ways. Poor credit makes it challenging to secure a job and buy property, and in some situations, bill services may charge you for low credit ratings. Getting loans is still possible since several lenders don’t prioritize checking the credit score.

However, having a spotless financial record and score is necessary to live stress-free. Many of us pick up bad financial traits from other people, specifically guardians, and parents. So, how does one cut off these habits? Below are guidelines that will provide some insight into the matter.

Take Note of Bad Habits

The first tip may be obvious, but if an individual is unaware of their actions, changing them is challenging. If you experience budget issues, take a break to look at what may be the cause. Before saying or deciding to change habits, you have to identify those that help and those that do not.

Identifying Fresh Habits

Once you identify your bad traits, it’s easy to know how to fix the issue. You can pinpoint the exact issue and build a plan to overcome the problem. For instance, if you are having a hard time with debt, look at the probable cause and what areas you can fix. If the problem is saving, you need to set a target, look for the most effective strategy, and come up with new ways to maximize your finances.

Dedication

Be quick to create solutions and put them to play. Write down your plans and take data on your progress. This habit will help you identify if your ideas are effective. It is harder to give up on something that is in writing. Also, be realistic about your expectations. It is not possible to eliminate bad credit habits overnight. Deal with your issues systematically and unhurriedly. Keep things straight forward and gradually work by solving one problem at a time.

Setting Targets

It will take a while before you get used to new habits. Set up goals or milestones that you want to achieve. The small aims go a long way in helping develop long term goals. Additionally, you stay motivated to complete your goals and attain financial freedom.

When it comes to having financial freedom, it’s about identifying what you are doing wrong and what you can do to help your situation.…

Uncategorized06/14/202009/20/2020

5 Funding Options for Your Business

Every business should have different sources of funding. Having the ability to source for the funds will keep the business in a position to thrive. The business will always need money to pay salaries to its employees, buy assets and also maintain its operations. The owner of the business may not always be in a position to provide this alone. Below are some available funding options for a business.

Cash Advance

The national cash advance is gaining popularity since it does not require one to have a good credit score. Neither is one required to pay high interests on this. The repayment depends on the number of sales the business will make hence eliminating the need to pay monthly and risking defaulting.

Working Capital Loans

Working capital is the amount of money required by the business to run its daily activities. One should have an idea of how much money they need to finance their day-to-day operations before applying for this type of loan. One should also find out from whom they will get the loans from. It could be a financial institution or family and friends depending on the much they need. However, this is short term and may not fund the business for long term.

Capital Loans

This is mainly provided by the commercial lending institutions. The main advantage is that these financial institutions have a higher lending capacity though they may limit the much they lend up to you especially if the business is still young and growing. One is also expected to make their monthly repayments on time. Defaulting on these payments hurts their business relationships and may make one not get additional funding in future from the institution. The other problem would be convincing the lender that your business will succeed so that they give you the amount that the business requires.

Trade Creditors

This is funding that is facilitated by the creditor. The condition is mostly that the business has to purchase goods from them in bulk. It is important to note that this type of lending also relies on one’s credit score. Having a good credit history will also be important in determining how much the creditor will give to you since it shows your repayment ability. Having a poor credit score and history will deny you the chance to being funded by your creditors.

Equity Capitals

This category holds venture capitalists and also the angel investors. One should have a good management team and a rapid growth plan for the future of the business. However, the hard part is that the business has to give a certain percentage of the ownership of their business to these investors. They may also require one of their people to have a seat on the board of the business, and they are to be involved in the activities of the company to protect the investment they have made. It is also very competitive, and this kind of funding has got very strict guidelines to be observed.…

Loans06/09/202010/08/2020

How to Pick the Best Money Lender

When you become financially challenged, one of the things that will come to your mind is to look for the best money lenders in the town. Unfortunately, finding a money lender that you can trust for quality services is never that simple. One needs to know what to look out for the best money lender if they are to make the right choice. If you are looking for the best money lender, then you will find this article very helpful.

Interests

Different lenders have different interest rates. There are some whose interest rates are lower than others. Therefore, it is wise to compare the interest rates before picking your lender. To avoid a situation where paying back the loan becomes a burden, you will need to choose a lender with favorable interest rates. However, some lenders will make the interest rate to appear small when that is not the case. So also look for hidden costs before deciding on the lender you are going to work with.

License

One of the critical factors that you need to consider is the license. If a lender is not licensed, there are high chances he is not in the business legally. Such a lender may turn out to be the greatest disappointment you have ever experienced. It is also good to understand that if a company is not licensed, it means that you cannot sue such a company if something goes wrong during the transaction. Therefore, it is essential to avoid a lender who is not willing to show you their certification.

Experience

The next important thing that you will need to consider is experience. It is good and safe when you work with a lender who has been in the industry for a long time. One common thing with experienced lenders is that they are never interested in exploiting their clients. However, it would be best if you also looked at the reputation of a lender before making your decision. If a lender has a good reputation, then that could be a sign that the lender is not always dedicated to offering quality services to their clients.

Transparency

A good money lending company will always try to uphold the highest level of transparency. So before picking your lender, try to find out about how transparent the company is. Avoid signing the paperwork blindly because this will put you in an awkward situation when you repay the loan. Always insist on transparency.…

Jobs05/14/2020

Qualities to Factor in When Hiring a Business Accountant

A lot is required to ensure all the operations in your business run successfully and you are more profitable. You should hire a good team comprised of experts in different fields. This will ensure all your operations run smoothly. One person who should not miss out on your team is an accountant. They play a role in ensuring your finances are in check. Accountants can also help you file your returns and deal with other tax-related issues. Look for an individual or firm that can help you in this area.

You can hire accountants in Wheaton, Illinois who offer services such as accounting, auditing, tax preparation and planning. Hiring an accountant for your business can benefit you in so many ways. One good thing about it is that it will help you save much of your time. You no longer have to deal with issues such as bookkeeping and other financial duties in your business.

Filing returns or dealing with the tax authorities in your area can be a time-consuming activity. All that can be handled by the tax accountant you hire. They will also ensure everything is on check to avoid falling in trouble with the relevant authorities in your area. Some accountants offer financial advice which plays a significant role in boosting profitability in your business. You should look for a qualified one to ensure your business is on the right track. Here are qualities to look out for when hiring an accountant.

Experience

It is the first thing to consider when looking for an accountant. Their level of expertise can help you understand whether they are the right persons for the job. You can have a look at their profile to know their work history and success rate in such a service. This will help you understand their level of expertise.

Fee

You also need to consider the amount a specific accountant is charging for their services. This will depend on their experience and also the employment terms. Whether you are hiring on a permanent or contract basis, you should agree on a reasonable fee. Compare the rate cards of different accountants and settle for one that is charging reasonably.

Recommendations

You can also get referrals from various people who have had the opportunity to hire an accountant. Ask all the vital questions you may want to know about them. This will give you a variety of options to pick and you will settle for the right person for the job.…

Finance12/03/201903/26/2020

Easy Tips to Increase Your Credit Score

Establishing a good credit score is not a complicated process, but it is a vital piece of your financial picture. A high credit score gives you access to the best credit cards and a lower interest rate on personal loans. It also comes into play when you apply for a new job or when you lease an apartment.

It is significant to raise your credit score so you receive the best rates and can qualify for more credit cards. If you are building credit, secured cards are often your best choice. However, once you work your way up to good or excellent credit score, you may qualify for cards with generous welcome robust rewards programs and bonuses. Thankfully, there are some proactive and straightforward steps you can take to improve your score. They include:

Making Your Payments on Time

Promptly paying off your bills is the first essential factor you can do to help raise your score. Financial credit experts view payment history as the most influential factor when determining someone’s credit score. For lenders, someone’s ability to keep up with their credit card payments indicates their capability of taking out a loan and paying. However, your credit score is not just impacted by your credit card bills. You require to pay all your bills on time. That includes all your utilities, medical bills, and student loan debt you might have.

Set up Calendar Reminders or Autopay

If you struggle to recall to pay your bills monthly due to many dates and little time, there is an easy fix, autopay. If you are not sure you will be able to pay your bill in full, you can set it, so you pay the minimum, and the same goes for your utilities. The majority of providers will let you set up autopay that withdraws each month automatically from your checking or savings account.

Request a Credit Report

It is smart to look over your credit reports from credit reporting bureaus. You can proactively monitor your credit and receive credit reports from each bureau annually. It would be best to check for errors on your credit reports that could be hurting your score. While it may seem unlikely that your statements would be flawed, studies have indicated residents found at least one mistake on their reports. Which could make them appear riskier to lenders.…

Loans08/06/201901/09/2020

Why Online Loans Are the Best Option

Loans have been beneficial to many during times of need. There are several instances you might have found yourself in emergencies that require some funding. A good example is when medical emergencies arise. You might find yourself in situations where you are unable to raise enough money for your treatment. Other instances like the need to expand or stock your business will also require some cash.

You shouldn’t panic because you can apply for a loan. There are financial institutions and online lenders who are always ready to give you the amount you need as long as you meet the requirements. Those who prefer online means should try swift loans for faster approvals. All lenders have something in common as part of their agreement. You have to repay your loan on time with a certain amount of interest. Not doing so may get you blacklisted and you will find it hard accessing credit.

They work closely with credit bureaus to monitor the repayment habits of their clients. You should always keep a good credit score if you want to access loans with ease. Online lending has become popular over the recent years. This is because of an increase in the number of people who own smartphones and other devices that can access the internet. You should opt for online loans and enjoy the benefits. Here is why it is the ideal option.

Fast Approvals

You will enjoy fast approvals when you opt for online loans. This is quite different in the conventional type where you have to wait longer. Most online lenders request very little information to confirm your eligibility. They might need your personal and employment details to give you the amount you need. This is the reason behind their fast approvals.

Convenience

It is a convenient way of borrowing money. You don’t have to walk or travel to a bank as it is the case in traditional lending. Everything is done from the comfort of your home or living room. This saves you from all the hassle witnessed in traditional loans.

Attractive Interest Rates

Lower interest rates are a common thing with most online lenders. Most of them usually have lower rates to attract more clients. You should try these loans out to enjoy this benefit. It is quite different from traditional lending where you might get slapped with higher rates. How about you try online loans and enjoy these benefits.…

Money Transfer07/05/201902/08/2020

Choosing a Digital Payment Method for a Business

There are many digital payment options available for businesses. Choosing the right one for your business is essential to ensure smooth and secure transactions. There is no one particular method that can be said to be the best for all businesses. The nature of the business is what should determine which option is most suitable payment gateway. To that end, you need to put a variety of factors into consideration when choosing a digital payment option. Some of the top considerations to make are highlighted below.

Authentication

In a bid to avoid fraud, you should ensure that the digital payment option that you choose has reliable authentication features. The two-factor authentication is what is preferred by most businesses, which is used in addition to log in username and passwords. Biometric identification, which uses smartphone scanners, is also gradually gaining some popularity.

Technical Requirements

Nearly all the digital payment options require a reliable Internet connection for transactions to be made. Some allow payments from any smart device, while others can only be done on computers. You need to figure out all the technical requirements that each digital payment option requires and choose one that will be the most appropriate and convenient for both your business and clients.

Information Needed to Make Digital Payments

There is a potential risk related to sharing financial information on virtual platforms. The payment system needs to have robust and reliable security protocols which require only a minimal amount of financial credentials shared through the platforms. The few financial credentials shared, however, should be enough to make all the verifications necessary to avoid fraud.

Cost of Transaction

A majority of the digital payment methods will cost you some money for transactions made. Different options will require different amounts, so you need to choose a payment method that your business can afford. The cost of payment can be charged to either the company or client or at times to both parties. Transferring the costs to the client might have adverse effects on sales, depending on the nature of your business. Charging the cost to the company may also hurt the business financially. Get a digital payment method that offers the right balance.

Payment Processing Time

Another important factor to consider is the amount of time that it takes to process payments. There are some digital payment methods which allow for instant transaction processing while others take up to hours. A digital payment method that allows fast transactions generally work best for most businesses.…

Retirement03/03/201901/09/2020

What You Should Know About Swapping Your Final Salary Pension for Cash

It is estimated that thousands of people give up their final salary entitlements each year. This has prompted fears that they are not warned about the value of what they are losing. Usually, final salary schemes promise to pay their members guaranteed, high incomes for life. Unfortunately, the way you withdraw your income is strictly controlled. Moreover, you cannot pass the pension to your partner or dependent. You should note understanding final salary transfers can help you make the right decision. The following are some of the things to know before you ditch your pension.

Checking the Numbers

You need to ensure you are getting cash equivalent transfer value. In this case, you need to know the amount of money you will get paid in exchange for the pension. This transfer value is easy to understand, but it is difficult to get a value you can compare with. You may be provided with up to four varying figures that show the value of the final pension. They include the annual income you get at the time you left the scheme. This is usually a projected income based on different assumptions such as inflation.

Right Time to Transfer

When it is nearer the retirement, you will get a larger transfer value. However, there are many reasons a scheme can offer you less or more than expected. The key factor is the funding position. This is the ratio of assets to liabilities of the scheme. Taking into account the way liabilities are measured, it becomes difficult to determine this ratio. Thus, when various investments are doing well, the funding position will dramatically improve.

Your Health Status

Ideally, final salary schemes provide a ‘spouse’ pension that pays out two-thirds or half of the member’s pension to the surviving partner. However, schemes cannot allow you to turn off this benefit even if you are single or the partner does not require the additional income. Thus, you should consider transferring out of your scheme.

Lifetime Allowance

You should note that all pensions have a given lifetime cap. The excess amounts are subject to once the pension is crystallized or when you take an income at the age of 75. In some instances, you can easily breach the lifetime cap by transferring it. When you transfer it as cash, you will need to pay a tax charge of 55%.…

Loans01/26/201901/09/2020

Three Types of Financing Source That You Must Know

We all need money, especially on momentous occasions. Education, medical care, and retirement are three matters that will usually cost you a considerable amount of money. Unfortunately, not many people are equipped with the knowledge of finding alternative financing sources. And since you are here, you should not repeat the same mistake. Read this article to the end, and you shall be prepared for the unexpected.

Line of Credit

A line of credit is a type of loan, but instead of being granted with money that you ask for, it sets a range of sum that you can choose to use either wholly or partially. This loan also grants you lower interests if compared to the conventional loan. There are no annual and cash advance fees. And once you repay the money that you borrow from your line of credit, the funds will be available again in the future if you need it.

Considering such features, you will begin to see that line credit as an ideal financing source. However, hold your horses! The primary drawback of this facility is that it will be hardly available if your intention is for business. Banks only give the line of credit to established companies that have a steady cash flow and are profitable. Therefore, it will not suit you if you want to borrow from your line of credit to create a startup.

Moreover, the limit of the line of credit is also determined by your salary. The bank will not grant you with a credit limit that exceeds your ability to pay it even with collateral. In this sense, a loan is more accessible than the line of credit.

Crowdfunding

The second alternative to funding is the crowdfunding. This innovation has been made possible by the development in information technology. People who are in need of extra money can state their condition and ask for a donation online. However, your condition must appeal to the people’s favor. Usually, medical bills, an environmentalist campaign, or unjust legal cases are the types of situations that will get people’s attention.

Moreover, crowdfunding is also not limited to occasional incidents only. If you have a business project, you can try to crowdfund it to make it real. You should learn how to use platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and CircleUp.

Loan Collaterals

When you first work, you must secure your financial status by investing your income in a substantial investment. Houses and cars are the two most common assets that can be used as loan collaterals. The most significant advantage of a loan with collateral is that your chances to get accepted is high, unlike the other types of unsecured loan. Besides, the interest your debtor will charge you is often relatively affordable.…

Jobs12/13/201801/09/2020

Quick Tips for Finding Employment in the Current Times

Finding a job in the current market structure has been made easy with Option Animal and other online jobs ites. But this was not usually the case. If you talk to graduates and other people who have been searching for their dream job for a while, you will get to hear many sad stories. Finding a job was in itself work. However, now with the internet, you will be glad to know that there are review sites that can connect you with your potential employer.
Everyone has witnessed and enjoyed the spoils that come with tech, but nobody ever thought that there would come a day when people looking for a job will get to know about different companies and even link with the company’s human resource department and get employed using the internet. But thanks to google and review sites, because this is now possible and it is actually becoming the quickest way for people to find employment. For those who are looking for employment here is how to go about it quickly.

Google

As seen early the internet has become the ideal place for those who are looking for a job to find willing employers. And as a bright person of this generation, you should know that access to information is the quickest way for you to learn and get that dream job. Therefore, you should not hesitate but grab your internet enabled device and get online. While online, google jobs, and you will see the many opportunities that are available for you.

Reviews

If you are using the internet to find a job for the first time, then you should know that you do not just search anywhere. There are sites that are dedicated to connecting people with potential employers. Finding one of these sites is the only way you can be assured of getting a call from an employer. And again as you circle your search and begin focusing on these particular websites, you will realize that they are many sites, but some are not established enough to connect you to an employer. Therefore. You should check if there are any positive reviews posted on the site you want to use.

Referrals

There are people before you who have utilized the different website and landed on their dream. If you know a person who got a job with the help of an online site, then you should get your reference from that person. Sometimes asking for a referral is the best way.…

Loans08/20/201801/09/2020

The Other Side of Loans

Just because the topic of finances is a serious one doesn’t mean that you have to maintain a grim face when discussing it. On the bright side, you can find yourself smiling especially when you hit all the right buttons. It’s a tricky venture, which most people consider to be a game. They are right about this to some extent because you have to think about every strategy you take. Taking loans happens to be one of them, and most people seem to have gotten the wrong ideas.

Right Facts

Loans have become quite a popular topic especially among the middle-class citizens. However, you need to do all the research and consultation that you have to. Not all banking facilities and lenders operate by the same rules and policies. On the contrary, you will be forced to adapt to some, which you have not heard of before.
Thanks to technology and all its informative sources, you are bound to find all sorts of hidden treasures, not to mention just how much you have to delve to be on the right track.

To secure substantial loans, there are some requirements that you must fulfill without fail. One of them is being able to maintain a clean credit record. Only then will you be listed as a candidate for huge amounts of loans.

Navigate through It

How else can you get your loans section smiling without first navigating through it properly? On this note, first things first, so go ahead and visit various credit facilities. They will all have something to say about your credit history, so you have to be prepared.

On the other hand, other facilities will not mind about your poor credit history. On the contrary, they will be more than happy to help you out regardless of the financial pit in which you find yourself. The bright side is that you will have all the sources close by to help you navigate accurately. Applying for loans is not a walk in the park in most cases. You will even find yourself getting stressed out in the middle of it all.

Your Reasons

It is never a good idea to take a loan for sole reasons for pleasure rather than business. For instance, imagine applying for a loan to go on a long holiday at the exotic islands and Caribbean. You will end up with a bag full of regrets for failure. Therefore, you have to check on your priorities first.

Come up with a good and productive reason for thinking along the lines of a loan in the first place. Starting up a business with potential should be at the top of your list. You can then proceed to have a talk with your preferred lenders. They should have something to add to your application before putting a signature on your forms.
When your reasons are valid and concrete, you are assured of a smooth loan application process.

Your Assets

Don’t get the wrong idea when applying for substantial loans with First Quality Finance. You must have some credible assets that will back you up in every way. For instance, most lenders will not think twice about granting you a loan when you have something to fall back on.…

Loans02/21/201806/17/2020

Tips on how to successfully apply for a loan

Loans are excellent for business-minded people with excellent business ideas but little or no money to finance these ideas. In the event that you are looking to get into a new business venture or expand an already existing one, a business loan can come in as the much-needed help to assist in grounding the idea. Loans come in different forms and types depending on the need that exists. It is therefore only a matter of finding the one that fits you best. Below are some of the best ways of ensuring that you get financing from the bank:

Good proposal

One of the surest ways of convincing a bank to give you a loan is by having properly laid down plans. You need a plan to show what you intend to do with the money the moment you get it. Again, you need to put down the projections and budgets for the plan you have in mind. The more convincing the plan is, the better the chances of getting financing.

Evidence of a successful business

Other than a good and firm plan, the same needs to be seen to work. Not many financial institutions like funding businesses based on projections only. It is therefore important to have an already running and successful business. Your ability to making the plan a success needs to be evidenced somewhere in an already existing business. If the business in question is already thriving, there is a good chance that even the startup or the expansion that you want will also result in a success.

Good collateral backing

Banks will always want a fallback plan on which they can rely on in the event that things do not go as planned. Most assets used as collaterals include vehicles, land or homes. Offering collateral for the loan shows that you are a serious borrower who knows what you are doing. It is, however, good to exercise care when giving collateral. For instance, if you need to choose between a vehicle and a house, it is good to offer a vehicle to serve as collateral as it is easier to replace as compared to a home.

Solid repayment plan

Other than collateral, you will also need to show that you are able to support the loan through repayments. If for instance, you aim at expanding the business, you will need to show that the existing business can be able to support at least three-quarters of the monthly installments. This will seem more realistic when seeking a loan for expansion.

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Credit Cards01/22/201801/09/2020

Credit cards and you

Credit cards have been around for quite some time now; people have been using them for the longest time in history for their own shopping and other uses. Being able to use money that doesn’t belong to you is another good way of enjoying life. While most people fear to own credit cards owing to the fact that they are buying things on credit. To some extent, this might be true, however, with proper use of the credit card, one will can really find its true value. Below are some of the advantages that come with using your credit card:

Spending money on credit

One of the best things about credit card is that it will allow you to spend money that you do not own. What this means is that in the event that you are broke and you really need to buy something, all you need to do is to swipe your credit card and you are good to go. It is like being advanced a loan without having to fill all those many documents.

Safe and secure

The other beauty of having a credit card is that it is very safe and secure. As compared to the other modes of payment, a credit card is one of the most secure ones. The reason behind this is that you will not need to walk around carrying cash. The only thing that you need is a store with the sign, “credit cards accepted here”. Credit cards are less prone to theft as compared to actual money.

Classy

Another advantage of using a credit card is that it is classy. If you are a businessman on a client meeting in a restaurant, it would be better to pay using a credit card as compared to using cash. A credit card improves your standards and may help in the long run in sealing a deal with the clients. People in the corporate world are encouraged to have a credit card to match their looks.

Availability of terminals

Today, most of the stores and restaurants around accept cards. For this reason, there is no need to walk around carrying cash when you can use the debit card for all your shopping. The other thing is that having a credit card allows you to carry out transactions online without having to leave your home. You can pay for moves and book flights online without even having to leave your house.

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