Tag: personal loan

Categories
Bad Credit Loans Personal Loans

Can You Get A Personal Loan with A Low Credit Score?

can you get a personal loan with a low credit score
Do you have bad credit?

Having poor credit is never good. While it doesn’t immediately disqualify you from applying for personal loans, you may find it harder than if you had good credit. You may also have to pay a far higher interest rate and fees for a personal loan with a low credit score.

Several lenders will consider your application for a personal loan without letting your low credit score rule their judgment.

The best way to ensure you’re approved is to research and avoid lenders who will run a hard credit check on you. This will make your credit score worse.

One thing to remember is that you should nurture your credit score. Poor credit can impact many things. Let’s take a look into whether you can get a personal loan with a low credit score.

What is a low credit score?

The credit reporting agencies within Australia compile your entire credit history into a report. The report is what your lenders look at when deciding whether or not to approve you for a personal loan with a low credit score. The report includes a credit score, which is a number based on things such as:

  • Your credit history
  • Your age
  • Where you live

The higher your score, the better your chance of being approved for finance and receiving favourable fees, rates and terms. While each individual agency has its different scoring system, it generally goes like this:

  • Over 750- An excellent credit score
  • Between 700-749– A good credit score
  • Between 580 and 669– A fair credit score
  • Below 580– A low credit score
what is a low credit score

How do I know if I have a low credit score?

Your credit score can be checked online for free here. You can also go deeper by checking what listings are dragging your credit file down.

Banks and traditional lenders are usually wary of people with low credit scores. That is because they are more likely to fall behind on repayments.

7 Most Common Causes of Poor Credit

Negative events in your credit history can be very bad for your credit score. The most common causes are:

  • Credit Enquiries: Applying for multiple loans over a small window of time will indicate that you could be trying to borrow above your means.
  • Missing or defaulting on loan payments: Regularly missing repayments for longer than 14 days or breaking the terms of your agreement by leaving a repayment unpaid for longer than 60 days.
  • Breaking your credit agreements: Late payments, missed payments, or not paying the minimum required monthly can impact your credit rating. 
  • Declaring bankruptcy: This frees you of your financial obligations on outstanding loans and lines of credit. However, it significantly impacts your credit history, often prohibiting you from borrowing for a number of years. Going bankrupt can also make getting a personal loan with poor credit difficult.
  • Making minimum credit card repayments: Paying your credit card debt off slowly doesn’t only have a negative impact on your credit score. It also means you’ll be in debt for longer and pay more in interest & fees.
  • Incorrect filing: It’s not uncommon for a creditor to wrongly stamp a black mark against your name. For example, criteria must be correctly followed in order to list a default.
  • Identity theft: Always closely monitor your accounts and immediately flag suspicious activity with your bank or lender.
  • Choosing the wrong financial product: Choosing excessive limits with high interest can make it difficult to pay off the loan. Always research before taking out a line of credit or loan and ensure you can service it properly.
  • Having no credit history: Your score may be low even if you have never borrowed or defaulted on repayments. This is simply because there is no history to rate your borrowing behaviour off.

You can still get a personal loan with a low credit score, but it will be much more challenging.

how do I improve my credit score

How do I improve my credit score?

Improving your credit score certainly isn’t easy. However, there are many ways you can fix it. Positive credit events will help you. Some positive credit events are:

  • Keeping your debts small and manageable
  • Keeping up with your repayments
  • Fully repaying your loans
  • Making more than the minimum repayments on your credit cards.

Obviously, this isn’t a quick fix, but it is a fix. Fixing your credit is important, as you can’t always get a personal loan with a low credit score.

Credit repair is a fantastic option if you are looking for a quicker fix. Credit repair experts can negotiate to get rid of defaults, credit enquiries, court judgments and black marks from your file, but it does cost money.

Can I get a personal loan with a low credit score?

Getting a personal loan with a low credit score is more difficult than if you have good or excellent credit. However, it is still possible.

Some lenders specialise in providing personal loans for people with weak credit histories, but these may have higher interest rates and fees. In addition, you may need to secure your loan against a personal asset, such as a car or your mortgage, to increase your chances.

The good news is that applications with the Australian Lending Centre have no impact on your credit score and do not require security. Therefore, you can apply for finance risk-free.

personal loan with a low credit score

How personal loans work

The great thing about personal loans is that you decide what you do with the money. It goes directly into your chosen bank account.

Getting a personal loan with low credit works in the same way. The only difference is a more lenient approval process where your credit score isn’t checked. Rather than your credit score being the deciding factor, your income amount, employment stability, and current debts are the focus.

A personal loan for debt consolidation does work a little differently. Rather than receiving money into your account, the loan directly pays off any outstanding debts included in the agreement. Moving forward, you just repay the new lender each month.

Things to keep in mind when getting a personal loan with a low credit score

There are some important things to know when you get a personal loan with a low credit score. Here are some things you need to consider:

  • Each lender will have its own policy. However, you will find it hard to get approved for a loan of more than $50,000 if you have a poor credit score.
  • You are likely to face higher interest rates than usual. Make sure you do your research to find the best rate available.
  • While lenders can be sympathetic, they have a process to follow.
  • As mentioned above, you will most likely have to secure your loan against a personal asset to increase your chances of approval and keep costs down.
  • In some cases, you may need to provide more documentation than you would for a normal loan to prove that you can afford your repayments since you will be deemed a ‘high-risk borrower’.

The bottom line of getting a personal loan with a low credit score

Getting approved for a personal loan with a low credit score can be hard. However, the Australian Lending Centre makes it as easy as possible. We provide a wide range of services low credit score loans Australia-wide to ensure that everyone has access to finance when they need it.

Categories
medical loans Personal Loans

Can I Get Dental Finance?

Can I Get Dental Finance
Dental treatments can be expensive and are often unplanned and urgent. Can you afford it?

For many people in Australia, a visit to the dentist can be very overwhelming and the cost can make it even worse.

Even a dental check-up in New South Wales is likely to cost more than $100, so it is not surprising that one-third of people avoid or delay visiting the dentist because of the cost.

Yes, dental work is expensive, and if you don’t have emergency savings readily available then the idea of a trip to the dentist can be quite overwhelming. But your oral health is extremely important and dental concerns should never be ignored. If money is an obstacle then dental finance could be an opportunity for you. Regardless of how you afford it, you should always make sure to:

  1. React quickly to any dental-related issue.
  2. Choose the right dentist.

Why should I react quickly to dental issues?

The simple answer is that even the most minor dental problem could be a sign of something more serious. If left untreated, longer-term issues could arise; costing more money, or costing something more valuable – your livelihood.

Reacting quickly to a dental-related issue is not straightforward for a number of reasons. Some people find it difficult to find time in their busy schedules, some are afraid of the dentist and many struggle to afford the fees associated with dental work.

If you are unable to cover dental fees yourself then don’t put your health at risk. Apply for dental finance online with the Australian Lending Centre and we may be able to help.

what can dental loans be used for

How to choose the right dentist

When searching for the right dentist, it is always important to check for credibility, affordability and availability.

A good way to check for credibility is to research a clinic’s reviews online and see if others have said positive things about the place. Also, it’s a good idea to check that the clinic is accredited by the Australian Dental Association (ADA).

Affordability can be more difficult to work out due to the complexity and variability of dental procedures. No two people’s teeth are the same and therefore it can be hard to predict the exact price of a treatment. But many clinics do list an approximate price on their website or could give you an estimate before you commit to an appointment.

Availability is also another important factor because many dental clinics are extremely busy and may not have any available appointment times. If it’s emergency dental treatment that you require then it’s also worth looking for dentists that offer after-hours care.

Trusted Dentist in Sydney

Being based in Sydney ourselves, we recommend getting in touch with Paramount Dental Sydney. They are a trusted and reputable dental clinic located next to Hyde Park within Sydney’s CBD. Paramount Dental is accredited by the ADA and has over 200 five-star Google reviews. Their team of dentists is led by award-winning dental surgeon Dr Amrinder Oberoi. They offer a wide range of services from cosmetic dentistry to laser root canal and also offer emergency after-hours dental care.

How Much Does Dental Work Cost in New South Wales?

Many people are quite aware that dental work can be rather expensive. However, knowing exactly how much it can cost is important when looking at dental finance. Dental care will always vary.

Invisalign

In addition to the above prices, cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among the younger demographics. Cosmetic dentistry includes:

These costs are just rough estimates and do not include screening, consultation, or additional procedures. This is why so many people are in need of dental finance when it comes to solving their dental issues.

What Is Dental Finance?

Dental finance, also known as a dental loan, comes in the form of a personal loan. This loan is often used in order to pay for any dental work. This can often be either a secured or unsecured personal loan. You can choose to take out a dental loan to pay for the entire cost of dental treatment, or you can use a personal loan to fill the gap.

Dental finance can make your life a lot easier when you need urgent dental care but do not have the funds available.

what can dental loans be used for

What Can Dental Loans Be Used For?

Dental finance is most often used to finance a range of different dental procedures. This includes cosmetic dental, general dental, and even orthodontic treatments. For example, it can always help to fund both repairs and fillings, dentures, root canals, dental implants, braces, veneers, or even teeth whitening.

Dental finance doesn’t just need to be for emergencies. It is for any sort of dental care.

How Does Dental Finance Work?

Dental finance works the same way that pretty much any personal loan does. They are repaid with a certain amount of interest over a fixed period of time. Often, they may come with some sort of monthly service fee, establishment fee, or early repayment fee.

To be eligible for a dental loan, you will need to be 18 years older, an Australian resident and may need to meet certain income requirements. You will also need to consider if you are able to afford the repayments on a personal loan before you actually apply for one. Failing to make loan repayments can negatively impact your credit score.

How Can I Compare My Dental Loan Options?

If you are wondering which type of finance may be the right option for your individual needs, here’s what you will need to consider:

  • You will need to consider if you can afford the loan. Will it be in your budget or will you struggle to make the repayments? If you think you will have a hard time struggling with repayments, maybe a dental finance loan won’t be the best option.
  • You will need to think about what the loan will cost you. Consider interest rates and the true cost of the loan.
  • Will the loan cover your entire dental cost or only some of it? You will need to consider the minimum and maximum borrowing amounts. This will help you figure out whether or not you will be able to cover your dental bill with the loan you take out.
  • Are you eligible for the loan? You will need to look at all of the requirements for the borrower to understand whether or not you should apply for the loan. Do you meet the criteria and is your credit score good? If not, you may want to consider a bad credit loan or try to repair your credit score first.
dental loan options

The Bottom Line

Dental finance is a great option if you are in need of dental care that you can’t afford. After all, you can’t just leave your dental issues and hope that they fix themselves because they never will. If you are in need of dental care right now and your financial position won’t allow you to receive this care, you should consider dental finance as an option.

Now is a better time than ever to get your dental needs seen to. If your finances are concerning at the moment and you need help with dental finance, you should speak to the friendly, experienced team at Australian Lending Centre.

Categories
Fast Loans Personal Loans Short Term Loans

How Can I Get A Personal Loan Fast?

how can I get a personal loan fast
Whether it be urgent car repairs or a much needed holiday...

There are times when we need a loan straight away and don’t have time to wait. Whether you have found yourself in an accident and unable to afford the hospital bills, or trying to pay your child’s school fees which are overdue, you need cash in your hands as quickly as possible.

Yet taking out a loan is a time-consuming process and then you have to sit back and wait to see if you’re approved. This leaves you asking yourself, how can I get a personal loan fast?

How Can I Get A Personal Loan Fast?

Are you asking yourself, how can I get a personal loan fast? The good news is there’s an option for you. Cash advance loans have been designed for this exact reason, and are a type of quick loan that sees the money in your account as soon as possible.

A cash advance can be used for a number of different things:

  • Medical expenses: whether you find yourself in an accident or fall ill and accumulate medical bills, a quick loan can be just what you need to get yourself back on your feet.
  • Car repairs: accidents happen to the best of us, but paying for repairs can be a costly endeavour. Fast access to a loan can get your car back onto the road even faster.
  • Holidays: who doesn’t want to head off on a holiday? They can take a while to save up for and you can miss out on a great deal while waiting. Taking out a loan can get you on that plane even faster.
  • Home repairs: owning your own home is great, but it can be costly. Why is it that there’s always something that needs to be fixed? A quick cash loan can cover you just when you need it.
  • Unexpected bills: unexpected expenses crop up all the time. Let’s face it, life is unpredictable and we can’t plan for everything. Having access to cash when you need it can make all the difference.
fast loan

If you’re asking yourself, how can I get a personal loan fast? This is one of the best options out there. They give you the cash injection you need to cover your expenses, to get you back on your feet and keep you out of debt. Let’s take a look at exactly how they work.

How Can I Get A Personal Loan Fast With A Cash Advance?

Are you wondering, how can I get a personal loan fast? A cash advance is the best option for you, with none of the waiting around to get approved. Instead, you have access to the funds as quickly as possible.

Cash advance loans are also known as short-term loans – but even better, they come without all the paperwork, so you get approved fast. These types of loans are usually offered by your credit card provider, so you’re borrowing money against your line of credit. You can take one out in a few different ways:

  • ATM: take money out of the machine. As long as you have the PIN on your card, this is an easy process.
  • In-person: you can head to the bank and speak to a teller about taking out a cash advance.

It’s an easy way to get access to instant cash when you need it. If you need cash quickly, you don’t have the time to sit around and wait for approval. This short-term loan doesn’t require a credit check, making it quick and easy to process.

fast personal loan

Pros and Cons With A Cash Advance

Now you know, how can I get a personal loan fast? What are the pros and cons of taking out a cash advance?

Pros:

  • Fast access to cash
  • Little to no paperwork
  • No waiting times for approval

Cons:

  • Hefty fees
  • Limit on the amount of money you have access to

You want to weigh up both the pros and the cons before taking out a cash advance, to make sure it really is the best option for you. They can be an expensive way to borrow money, with their high interest rates, but they are also convenient and give you access to the cash you need when you need it. If you’re after a flexible loan option with fast access to cash, then this is your best option.

get a loan fast

Taking Out A Cash Advance

Are you in need of cash fast? Then get in contact with the Australian Lending Centre right away. We understand your needs and don’t care about your credit score – we look at other factors when evaluating your application. Don’t sit around and wait for long, drawn-out approval from the banks. With the Australian Lending Centre, you could borrow up to $500,000 and have the money with you within hours. Contact us here today.

Categories
Personal Loans

Questions to Ask When Applying for a Personal Loan

personal loan

Whether you want to go on a holiday, pay for medical bills, buy a new car or renovate your home, a personal loan can help you achieve whatever your goals are. Before you jump right into a fast loan application, it is important to ask the right questions. We’ve mustered up a list of some key questions to ask when applying for a personal loan.

Here are 4 questions for those considering personal loans

Is it the right loan for me?

People use personal loans for various reasons. Before you apply for one, determine whether or not a personal loan is the right loan option. Some of the main uses of a personal loan include;

  • Paying off medical bills
  • Car repairs
  • Home renovations
  • Wedding
  • Debt consolidation.

Compare loan products and make sure that your choice can serve your needs better. For instance, you could take out a debt consolidation loan instead of a personal loan to pay off your existing debts. If you want to renovate your home, you can tap into your home equity and possibly get a better rate than a personal loan. Research is therefore key.

What is my borrowing capacity?

One of the first questions to ask when applying for a personal loan is how much can you borrow. As with any loan, there is a borrowing capacity for each individual. Whilst personal loans are typically smaller in size, in comparison to a home or business loan, there is still a limit as to how much someone can afford to borrow personally. This limit will depend on various factors including income, expenses, debt, residency status and credit score.

So, before you rush into applying for a personal loan, you should consider establishing a budget. Determine how much you can afford to borrow by looking at your income and expenses. Use this handy online calculator to quickly create a budget plan.

Am I choosing the right lender?

There are many financing sources that offer personal loans and each source has its own range of interest rates, and terms vary. Find the best lender that fits your needs by shopping around.

Here are some tips in finding the right lender:

  • Start by asking someone close to you that has recently secured a personal loan. See if they can recommend their financing institution. You can also ask a financial adviser, to give you a shortlist of referrals.
  • Visit your lender’s website and investigate their offerings for details. At the Australian Lending Centre, we have loan experts online to tell you about the basic things you need to know about our loan products. We believe that advertising is glittery; so we will help you look beyond the advertisement and find out about eligibility requirements, fees, and other features of our personal loan product. Don’t be afraid to enquire online. We’ll explain to you the best options available, without placing a credit enquiry on your credit file.

Finding the right lender can help you get the most favorable loans to finance your needs. Remember that personal loan lenders not only originate, process, approve and close your loan application but also participate in one of the most important financial decisions you will make.

What are the terms of the loan?

Look into your obligations whenever you apply for a loan. Always read the fine print and ask for a full disclosure of the terms of the loan before you sign it. Don’t forget to ask about the monthly payment, the term of repayment, late fees and penalties for prepayment. When the lender offers lower interest rates, check on the origination fee that can eventually hike your interest rate.

What are the fees associated with a personal loan?

Find a lender that is transparent with their loan services. Make sure to look out for the establishment fee, servicing fee, early exit, early repayment and insurance fees. The last thing that you want is one of these hidden fees appearing in the fine terms of the terms and conditions. Take the time to consider these fees when assessing your personal loan options.

Are there different types of personal loans?

Personal loans can come in two main forms; secured or unsecured. The type of personal loan that you are offered will vary depending on each individuals personal circumstances and eligibility criteria. A secured personal loan is one that is guaranteed by an asset. The idea behind this is that if you default on your loan, the lender can take the asset if you default on the loan. Collateral can include anything from real estate property, motor vehicles or other property. This will vary depending on the lender.

What is my credit score and can it impact my chances of loan approval?

When was the last time you checked your credit score? Do you even know what a credit score is? If your answer to both questions is known, then you really need to quickly learn all about this. With lenders now stricter than ever, your credit score can directly influence your chances of being approved for a loan. Lenders will look at your credit file to assess whether or not you are capable of repaying a personal loan back. With the comprehensive reporting system in place, lenders can also look at your repayment history to see if there are late repayments. All this along with defaults, blackmarks and court judgments can be assessed by a lender.

Checking your credit score is, therefore, one of the most important things to do before you apply for a personal loan. Fortunately, you can access this online through credit reporting bodies such as Equifax, Ilion and Experian. At the same time, you can have a credit specialist assess your credit file for a small fee. Repair agencies such as Clean Credit offer a comprehensive analysis of your credit file.

How often can I make repayments on my personal loan?

One of the more important questions to ask when applying for a personal loan is how often can you make repayments. Depending on the lender, you have various choices of repayments. Whilst traditional lenders such as banks are typically stricter with their repayment policies, alternative lenders are not. Lenders such as Australian Lending Centre and Bad Credit Loans offer customers weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment terms. So, before you apply consider how you will be making payments. If for example, you are paid on a monthly basis, it may be more convenient to make monthly payments. In this case, find a suitable lender.

Categories
Personal Loans

What To Do When You Can’t Make a Personal Loan Payment

cant meet a personal loan payment
cant meet a personal loan payment

When you have large outstanding debt, this could make it challenging for you to make timely repayments. And when you miss a payment, it is just a matter of time until you miss another one, and you enter a vicious cycle. Learn what to do when you can’t make a personal loan payment.

What can you do when you can’t make a personal loan payment?

Talk to Your Lender

For starters, you should consider discussing with your loan provider – whether it is a bank or a credit union, this should be the first thing on your list. Believe it or not, it is not that uncommon for people to struggle with making repayments. This can happen due to numerous reasons: it might be because of a large outstanding debt, or due to an unexpected life event, such as an illness, divorce, or natural catastrophe.

So, you should approach your lender and be utterly upfront regarding your situation. Truth be told, being transparent is critical. You shouldn’t feel ashamed to tell your lender that you’re struggling financially.

Negotiate for a Lower Interest Rate

Moving on, when you approach your lender, you should aim at negotiating for a lower interest rate. This could be really beneficial in aiding you to budget your finances more efficiently. You should assess the repayment amount you could cope with – perhaps the lender would be willing to make the arrangements to fit your individual needs.

Outline the fact that you wish to honour your outstanding debt, and the only way in which you can do that is if the monthly repayment were to be reduced. You might be required to write a letter of financial hardship, which should minutely present the reasons that caused your financial hardship. This letter should include the facts – such as job loss, divorce, illness, or other factors that determined your inability to make payments.

Nonetheless, try to keep the letter as to the point as possible. You should be upfront, yet not overly emotional, since this doesn’t portray you in the right light.

Consider Refinancing

In the case in which your current lender isn’t open to lower your interest rate, or to make the repayment plan more flexible so that it meets your needs, don’t give up. Another option might be collaborating with other providers of personal loans. This applies especially if you’re paying way too much in interest costs. This could be the case especially if you got the personal loan a while ago when loan terms were far from being convenient.

Refinancing is definitely worth considering, in this respect. Apply for a loan that would give you the funds to cover for the remaining amount on your personal loans. As soon as your application is accepted, you can use that money to pay for your existing debt.

Bear in mind..

Refinancing still means that you have the same amount of debt. The only difference is that you could save money in interest rate costs. At the same time, you could benefit from loan terms that are more suitable to your existing financial situation.

The key to knowing, for sure, that you’re actually getting a better deal is to research. Always compare various personal loans provided by distinct lenders. Australian Lending Centre can help in this respect, as well – make sure you check our website to find out more about our comprehensive offer of personal loans.

So, should you consider refinancing or not? The suitability of refinancing truly depends on your given circumstances. Ideally, you should assess how much your current personal loans are costing you, and compare that to the sum of money you’d pay for a new loan. Still, don’t forget to include one-time fees and other penalties that may apply in some scenarios. As a rule of thumb, don’t overlook reading the fine print of the loan terms, to know what you’re agreeing to.

Consider Credit Counselling

If you can’t make a personal loan payment, then it is likely that you also cannot afford to get help in the form of another loan. Perhaps getting credit counselling might guide you in the right direction.

Having an outside perspective can change everything. Counsellors are used to helping people that cope with the most difficult financial problems. Make sure you pick a counsellor that is truly reputable and willing to help – as opposed to someone that is trying to sell you something or to convince you to get another loan.

To conclude, it’s critical to comprehend your financial situation and avoid getting additional debt, if it’s possible. The key to making smart financial decisions is being aware how much money you make, and how much money you spend, and what you can do to change things for the better. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but, with a little bit of perseverance and ambition, anything is possible.

Categories
News

Cash Advance vs. Personal loans: Which is better?

personal loan

For many individuals, a “cash” advance is an essential way to finance their emergent needs like hospitalization, wedding and car repair. However, it is not easy to obtain funding especially if you have bad credit. In fact, if you have maxed out your existing credit cards, it is almost impossible to get a new bank card or credit card that offers cash advances. Making a cash advance may also cost you an interest rate which may range from 20-30%. That’s a very costly way of borrowing money! Cash advance vs Personal loans, which is better?

What about personal loans?

Lenders often use the credit reports in determining a loan applicant’s credibility. Poor credit history can get your application rejected. But, what traditional lenders fail to consider is the fact that bad credit is not always a result of financial irresponsibility. Sometimes, even the most financially prudent people have debt problems.

That’s why borrowers with bad credit turn to lenders offering a personal loan to people with poor credit history. In the cash advance vs personal loans competition, personal loans can be a less expensive option. While people with excellent credit may qualify for a loan with a much lower interest rate than what you would pay, it is still cheaper compared to the terms of credit card cash advances.

Cash advance loans for bad credit

If you need money fast but you will not qualify for a credit card advance or any other personal loan from traditional banks, ALC cash advance loans can help.

You can finance your needs with its instant cash loans up to half a million dollars. You can also enjoy secure and quick loan processing with the help of an attentive and responsive team to answer your questions. They don’t require voluminous paperwork like traditional banks and you can see the money in your account as fast as two days!

Special consideration when getting a personal loan

How do you plan to pay off your personal loan? Do you have the funds to pay what you borrow in the next 3 to 4 years to pay the loan?  Whether you are getting a cash advance or personal loan, it is important to determine a budget for your urgent needs. Are you planning a wedding, a vacation or a simple house repair? Whatever your needs are, be sure you have the money ton comfortably pay the loan until the last month of payment.

Why Choose Australian Lending Centre

When searching for a lender to help you deal with multiple debts, especially when there is a court judgment, or bugging debt collecting agencies, you need to pick your lenders wisely. After all, the lending company you choose could make all of the difference to the final outcome of your financial struggles. The experienced and knowledgeable loan specialists at Australian Lending Centre truly care about their clients, and it is obvious in their loan products and services.

They have been helping thousands of Australians with their monetary concerns for more than 2 decades. They offer debt consolidation services, refinancing and other loan products for short-term and long-term needs.

Contact the Australian Lending Centre now!

Categories
Budgeting

How to Save Money on Family Holiday Trips

money management tips

If you’re a full-time worker, going on holiday is the best solution to just get away from it all. But sometimes going on holidays can also be stressful if you don’t have enough money or if you’re worried about spending while you’re on holiday if you’re on a tight budget.

Fear not! If you want to save money while on holiday trip with your family, here are a few useful tips on how to do just that. Follow these simple steps on how to save money during a holiday trip with your family.

How to Save Money on Holidays

  1. Bring toys – Keep your kids behave by bringing small toys, books or gadgets to keep them busy. This way, there is no need for you to stop by at a convenience store to buy overpriced toys.
  2. Snacks & Drinks – Pack bread, chips, sandwich, and ready to eat foods. You don’t need to bring too much but you can save money by at least bringing snacks. Candies and energy bars cost higher if bought from convenience stores.
  3. Charger – Bring power banks, chargers, connectors so you don’t have to pay extra for charging fees. You can also bring extra batteries if you have.
  4. Sanitary kits – Vendo machines are everywhere. Save money by bringing your own sanitary napkin, tissue, etc. Bring wipes, sanitizers to avoid mess.
  5. Drinks – Bring soft bottled water so you can refill it from taps. You may also want to pack fruit juices, sodas, milk or bottled water to keep you hydrated.
  6. Travel tour offers – Go online and see what the latest travel offers are. Ticket price may change depending on the season.
  7. Hotel and Restaurant – Check the rates and freebies. Is there a free WiFi, or free breakfast? Some hotel packages may offer free spa and other freebies so don’t be afraid to ask of what’s included in the package. Remember that your goal is to save money. You can take advantage of the hotel’s amenities without paying extra charges.
  8. Travel with other relatives – The more the merrier. Travelling with your other relatives or with another family may have an advantage. This is ideal if you prefer to stay in a house for rent. The fee is fixed so the more relatives you bring the rate becomes smaller because you divide it per head.

Travelling with your family is not so expensive at all if you learn how to consider other cheap options. You can save money by following the above simple steps. Travelling is no longer a form of luxury these days so it is also a great way to economise with your family while you’re all on holidays.

Holidays are the best time to bond and bring the family closer. Why not go on a holiday with these easy tips so you can enjoy some time off and save money at the same time?

Categories
Financial Planning

5 Personal Finance Resolutions

personal loans australia

Your personal finance may not have run well in 2011. That is why you must be looking forward to make 2012 a better one financially. You may not have to rely on luck. You could actually make a difference on your own if you would be more determined and disciplined.
Now could be the best time to make your finance resolutions. Take your time and assess your personal finance in 2011. For sure, there are many aspects that need improvement. You could make resolutions and intend to make you personal finance better not just in 2012 but also in the many years that would follow. Here are top 5 of those finance resolutions you should have on your list.

Continue reading “5 Personal Finance Resolutions”
Categories
Tips

Christmas Shopping – Common Spending Habits

personal loans

Christmas is undoubtedly a season for shopping. The spirit of the occasion is indeed in gift-giving. You may have to shop for all the presents you intend to give away. At the same time, you may want to shop for yourself and for your household.

It is not surprising that many consumers tend to overspend during Christmas shopping. That is because malls and retailers are doing their best to entice you to spend. Your shopping mood could be set on fire by the festive decorations. The special markdown sales and new items on the display could further persuade you to buy until you drop.

Are you ready to once again hear the cash register ring for your Christmas shopping? There are many tips you should first look at and observe. Here is a simple and practical list of the do’s and the don’ts when shopping for the season.

Continue reading “Christmas Shopping – Common Spending Habits”
Categories
Financial Planning

Retirees Struggle with Finances

personal loans australia

A recent survey has shown that one in four self-funded retirees has been forced to return to the workforce as a result of their shrinking retirement funds. On top of this, retirees are looking to cut spending, accept a lower standard of living, sell assets, cancel travel and recreational activities, or delay retirement altogether.

The survey shows that four in ten have lost more than $100,000 in the market downturn. More than one in ten have lost half of their invested wealth (excluding unlisted property).

As a result, 26% of retirees have been forced to get a job or are planning to do so simply to make ends meet.

Continue reading “Retirees Struggle with Finances”
Categories
News

Celebrity Lifestyles Create Debt for Young Australians

Celebrity Lifestyles Create Debt for Young Australians

Many Australians, especially the younger generations are obsessed with celebrity image, and pressure to keep up with the ever-changing style of the stars is driving an annual $8.7 billion credit card spending spree. The modern day cult of celebrity is now so pervasive that young men and women alike are racking up expensive credit card debts to copy the looks and lifestyles of the rich and famous. Matching celebrity lifestyles is creating debt for young Australians at an astounding rate!

A recent study conducted on the rise of celebrity culture in Australia, reveals that almost 90% of young Aussie woman feel that they are expected to match the idealised images and designer wardrobes of the celebrities. This isn’t really surprising when you consider that celebrities are found on every source of media, not to mention they can be intimately followed by the likes of reality television series and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

The biggest culprit of this obsession is women aged 18-34 years. Two in three women admit to using their credit cards to purchase items to mimic celebrity style. This dangerous fascination is leading to many Aussies maxing out their credit cards by spending thousands of dollars a year on clothes, accessories, hairstyles and beauty treatments popularised by the stars.

excessive spending on credit cards
living extravagantly

However it’s not only the women, nearly half of Aussie blokes aged 18-34 years admit to being influenced by the style of Hollywood’s leading men. Aussie men have also admitted to purchasing clothes, beauty products and even sports cars to emulate a celebrity lifestyle.

Celebrity Endorsed Debt for Young Australians

Both men and women are likely to buy the never-ending ranges of celebrity endorsed products, whether it is a celebrity promoting a company’s product or the product itself is owned by a celebrity. Just look at all of the celebrity fragrances on the market as one example.

Many young Aussies are none the wiser of the repercussions their spending habits could have on their future. Not only are they setting themselves up for years of debt and interest repayments, they are also potentially facing bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is the worst financial result to any individual’s life. By filing for bankruptcy you have instantly put yourself in a position of uncertainty, as it can negatively affect so much of your financial freedom.

Limitations of bankruptcy

If you are bankrupt, you cannot hold certain licenses, there are restrictions on employment, and you may be required to pay part of your income to a Trustee. You also must obtain the Trustee’s permission to travel overseas, some of your divisible property may be sold and any divisible property you acquire during bankruptcy, vests in your Trustee. Also when you are bankrupt you are limited to obtaining loans and credit.

Manage your debt

It is important to get a hold of your finances before they become too difficult to manage. Many young Aussie is excited by their ability to use their first credit card, and they can easily forget that every payment needs to be repaid, and due to interest you usually end up paying more for the item as a result of placing it on your credit card. Credit cards should be used as a tool for purchases such as airfares and for emergencies. You should intend to make the repayments in full as soon as possible to avoid accruing interest charges. If you find that you need to make everyday purchases such as groceries or petrol on your credit card because you lack the funds to purchase these items from your income, then you could be heading for a trouble-filled financial future.

If you are finding it difficult to make your debt repayments on credit cards or personal loans then you should speak with one of our experienced debt consultants today.

Categories
Refinance and Refinancing

Generation Y Expects the Parents to Help Financially

personal loan

A recent research project has revealed that two-thirds of Generation Y (16 to 29 year olds) expect their parents to help them out by paying their rent, assisting in purchasing a home, paying for their wedding and purchasing a car.

The research uncovered a concerning disconnect between what Gen Y expect from their parents in terms of financial support and what parents are now able and willing to provide.

Unfortunately for Generation Y, it has become evident through another study that 70% of baby-boomers (Gen Ys parents) have suffered financially as a result of the global financial crisis. Baby-boomers themselves are in the midst of amending their own financial problems by refinancing, consolidating debts and using new and innovative methods such as Debt Agreements to assist with their own repayments.

The research shows that 44% of Gen Ys expect their parents to pay for all or at least part of their wedding, 40% expect assistance in purchasing a house and 34% expect financial support for their education.

However with these high expectations it was astounding to see that 65% of Gen Y admitted to having no knowledge of their parents’ financial situation.

With the alarming figures of debt this generation has, it may finally be starting to sink in that they need help with managing their debt and another credit card is not the best solution.

Generation Y has become the latest casualty of the economic crisis. Credit reporting agency Veda Advantage has revealed a large drop in Gen Y applications for personal credit. Veda Advantage’s May figures show a drop in all account credit applications, including hire purchase, credit cards, personal loans and mortgages. Gen Y credit card inquiries fell 26% and mortgage applications declined 5%.

If you are struggling to pay your debts, don’t rely on your parents to assist you, simply call Australian Lending Centre and find a solution that is suited to your needs. Dial 1300 138 188 to speak with one of our experienced consultants today.