Tag: Questions

Categories
Taxes

The RESP: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

An RESP is a "Registered Education Savings Plan" and it is a popular tool to save for education. The idea of ​​the RESP is that you would contribute money into an account, and the government would contribute 20% of what you put in up to $ 500 per year. There are additional grants available, but there are conditions based on having lower income. The other reason why the RESP may be beneficial is that the income generated in the account would grow tax free until it is withdrawn. This would happen when the child goes to school, which is usually 18 to 20 years from when the child is born. There are limits to what you can put in – $ 50,000 lifetime per child, and the government will only give up to $ 7,200 lifetime in grants. The money the government gives you is called the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). The subscriber or contributor is the person who contributes money into the RESP and the beneficiary is the person who receives the benefit or the money. The child also has to have a SIN number to have an RESP for them.

What if I Don't Contribute Every Year?

You can catch up your contributions up to $ 1000 in grant money each year. You can contribute any amount at any time as long as the lifetime amount contributed is under $ 50,000.

Can the Child Waste the Money?

In order to withdraw the money, the child must have proof of enrollment in a qualifying school (College, University, and specialized schools like trade schools) the first time the money is withdrawn. After this, the money can be taken out whenever it is needed for books and other school costs. Also, the parent has to ask for the withdrawal from the institution and must direct whether to withdraw from contributions or income for tax purposes.

What if I Have More Children?

You can start a second RESP or transfer the first RESP to a second child if they use the funds instead of the oldest child. Transferring between children can be done with any type of RESP account. The second child would have to be named the beneficiary on the RESP before they can have access to money.

What if My Child Does Not Go To School?

There are several options. The first is to keep the RESP in case your child changes their mind. You can keep an RESP open for 36 years after it is started. The money can be transferred to another child if you have more than one. Any money that is contributed can be taken back by the contributor without penalty. The CESG grant money would go back to the government. All of the income generated is taxed at your income tax rate at the time of withdrawal plus 20%. You can transfer this money into an RRSP if you have RRSP room.

Transferring to an RRSP

If you know for a fact that your children will not be going to post-secondary education, you should stop contributing to your RRSP about 3 to 4 years in advance of this date to allow RRSP room to build up. If you do this, any RESP money that is not utilized for education can be transferred to the RRSP without tax penalty. The government grant would be taken back, but you would be saving taxes on the income generated before your children go to school. The current penalty is 20% taxes on the income generated, which could be quite a lot of money. There is still plenty of time to plan for this and it is something to keep in mind once your children reach their teenage years.

Does My Child Have to Be Full Time in School?

A part time student also qualifies for withdrawals from an RESP.

Does it Have to Be a College or University or Can it Be Any Type of School?

It can be a college or university as well as a trade school, CEGEP (province of Quebec) or any institution approved by a provincial authority under the Canada Student Loans Act, Canada Financial Assistance Act, Province of Quebec Act for financial assistance, an institution certified by the federal Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, or a school outside of Canada. Visit the web site "Canlearn.ca" for more details.

What Type of Account Do I Need and Where Do I Open it?

There are two main types of accounts, a pooled or group RESP and a self-directed RESP. The group plans tend to have a lot of restrictions so the self-directed type of account is the one recommended. This type of account can be opened at any bank or institution. There are also family plans and individual plans. There is not much difference between these plans in terms of what you can do or not do. To ask for a self-directed RESP, ask for a plan that allows you to buy individual stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

What Can I Invest In?

Any investment that can be held in other registered accounts can also be held in an RESP. This would include, cash, bonds, equities, mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and other securities that are traded on an exchange or in a market. Limitations would depend on what type of RESP account you have and where it is located. It is advised to account for the time horizon and timing of withdrawals, risk tolerance, comfort level, and knowledge of investments as well as fees and account restrictions.

Are There Rules When I Take the Money Out?

The money inside the RESP that is paid out is divided into 2 parts: money that was contributed (or Post-Secondary Education Payments), and money that was given by the government or came about as a result of growth of the money inside the plan (Education Assistance Payment). The rule is that if you contributed the money, there are no taxes on it and no limits as to when it is taken out. For money that comes from somewhere else, there are limits so taxes and timing are important.

During the first 13 weeks of school, you can only withdraw $ 5,000 worth of money that you did not contribute. After that, you can withdraw more of this type of money without limit. The advice is to take out other people's money before taking out the contributions in case your child does not finish school. If there is grant money left in the RESP and no child can use it, the grant money is given back to the government.

Can I Use an RESP As an Adult?

Yes, by opening an individual non-family RESP and naming yourself both the subscriber and the beneficiary, you can contribute up to $ 50,000 total over the life of the plan. The attraction lies in the fact that you are eligible for the EAP regardless of whether you attend or pass the class, and that correspondence classes qualify. Although RESPs for adults are not eligible for the Canada Education Savings Grant, they can be one of the few investments that allow assets to grow on a tax-deferred basis, which is particularly valuable if you don't have any RRSP or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution room.

Categories
Taxes

Questions About Property Tax Sales

With the economy the way it has been and the financial ups and downs of the realty world, the term property tax sales has become a hot new term. What this is, is a new homeowner or investor is looking for property to buy for a low price and the way to do this is by buying the property for its property taxes. What are the properties they are buying? The can be business real estate, houses or condominiums that are on the market due to property taxes not being paid.

Why is this different from foreclosure? Both are forced sales but a foreclosure is when some does not make a mortgage payment where the bank holds the mortgage and then decides to foreclose. When a property owner does not pay taxes on their property, there is a force or sale by the government in order to reclaim the property owner’s bad debt.

Is a short sale the same or different than the others? It is different being that the mortgage holder still owns the home, in a short sale, but the mortgage holder is trying to sell their property for less than what they owe the bank at the time. This is so they can find a new owner for the property and release the current homeowner and forgive the remainder of the current balance.

What are property taxes used for? When you here services that are “free” and the public can use these services, they really are not free, they are paid for by these property taxes. The “free” services are fire departments, police & sheriff departments, community colleges, roads, road maintenance, elementary schools, high school, sewer plants and public libraries. All of these “free” services make neighborhoods and homes worth living in and worth the selling prices.

How do they decide how much to charge for property owners for taxes? Assessment values and assigned values are given each year by the government. A part of the assessed value becomes the amount that the property owner is charged to pay each year.

How do homeowners get behind on property taxes? Some homeowners decide that when they take out their mortgage that they do not want to include their homeowners insurance and property taxes into their monthly payment. Therefore, when it is time to pay the property taxes each year, they can not come up with the large amount of money that is due and fall behind on their property taxes.

How do you sell these properties? Chances are given to property owners to clear their debts and get back on track but sometimes the property owners just can’t make the payments on their debts and the chances are null and void. Then public auctions can take place on the property. At this time investors can make bids to purchase the property or properties up for auction. The bids that start out the auction are the total amount of normally the past due taxes, penalties on the property and advertising fees for selling the property, if any, that have racked up for the sales.

Categories
Insurance

10 Questions to Ask When You Shop For Car Insurance

Sometimes when it comes to cheap car insurance it isn’t always the best thing for you when it comes to all of your needs. You need to read the small print first and we will show you how.

Anything that screams “cheap” has a catch. In the event of an accident the company could charge you a bill for compulsory excess. This is how much you have to shell out if you make a claim

You may notice that the insurance only covers specific items, or the policy may cover less than other companies. You definitely want to make sure that the agency is licensed and authorized by the FSA.

When shopping for car insurance, think of the following questions.

1. The difference between third party and comprehensive insurance?

The only thing that third party insurance covers is any type of damage or injury to the person that you harmed. You will have to pay for any damages to your own car.

Third party fire and theft TPFT comes into play when your car is lost by fire or stolen. Then it will cover you.

When it comes to comprehensive coverage it does include damage to your vehicle as well

2. Are you limited to a certain mileage?

UK drivers on average drive a little over 8,300 miles a year roughly. When you purchase insurance how much you drive will come into play. You insurer can lower the claim if you drive over the average amount of mileage or you have an accident.

3. Are there any strings attached?

When it comes to your age, experience, and the car that your drive, there are agencies out there that pay a larger contribution toward the claim.

Its better to leave valuable personal belongings in your home. Some companies may not cover them.

4. What is an excess?

An excess is the amount on which the insurance company will keep from a claim. Its usually around 100 pounds.

5. Legal and medical expenses limit.

It really depends. You have to make sure that it meets your specific needs.

6. Will I get a rental car if I get into an accident?

Some companies will offer one at an extra charge.

7. Will I be covered in Europe?

Every insurance agency provides the minimum amount of coverage in all European countries. If you want a more comprehensive coverage will have to pay extra.

8. If I have driving convictions to will my premiums be affected?

Depending on what you did and how long ago, insurance can impose a higher premium. Your record does follow you anywhere.

If you have six points or more some agencies won’t even ensure you.

9. What can I get with the maximum no claim bonus?

Basically the longer you go without a claim the less of a premium you will pay overtime.

10. How can I get discounts on my insurance?

If you are a member of the AA, have no pending points, reduce your annual mileage, or park your car in the garage, you will most likely qualify for discounts.

Categories
Taxes

Common Questions When It Comes to Real Property Tax in the Philippines

Do you own a piece of real estate property in the Philippines? Whether you have a vacant lot just waiting to have a house built on it, a townhouse in the city of Manila you’re renting out, or a commercial establishment in the province, you should be paying your real property tax.

Q: What is real property tax?

It is tax levied on Philippine Real estate property. The applicable rate depends on the location. A city or municipality in Metro Manila may impose 1 percent while cities and municipalities outside Metro Manila may levy the tax at the rate not exceeding 2 percent. The owner of the real estate property in the Philippines has the option to pay the tax in four equal installments on or before the last day of each calendar quarter.

Q: Payment of Real Property Tax

Payment is made at the Municipal hall of the area your property is located. If you have a property in Ayala Alabang, by all means, visit the beautiful Municipal hall of Muntinlupa where they have made it easy to pay your real estate tax – by way of a nice, comfortable building, and signs/directions everywhere so you won’t get lost. Add to that the friendly staff ready to assist you.

Q: Is there any discount?

Normally, cities give discounts to early payers. For example, if you plan to pay for the whole due for the following year, you can pay as early as November-december of the current year so you’ll get a discount. This does not hold for all cities – so visit your municipal hall to make sure.

Q: Do I have to pay if I have no title and yet im occupying the property already?

Yes, you have to pay the real property tax from the time you moved in to-date or almost one year. With or without title.

Q: If my property is under the name of my husband who is a foreigner, does he still have to pay the real property tax?

Yes! Even if the property is under the name of your foreigner husband, real property tax is still imposed and should definitely be paid to the local government where the property is located.

Q: I just bought a real estate property from auction and found out the owner has 3 years worth of unpaid real property tax! Do I pay it?

Most properties from auction are on an “As is where is basis”, which means you should have done due diligence. Investigated the background of the property before you dove in. In other words, yes, you will have to pay unless you made prior arrangement with the auctioneer before bidding on the property.

Q: Yikes I didn’t get to pay my real property tax last year, what could happen?

The tax payer is subject to pay interest at the rate of 2 percent per month but not to exceed 36 months.

Here’s a quick recap of how to pay real property tax in the Philippines:

Visit your Real Property Tax Section in the Treasurers Office located usually in the City hall. Secure an order of payment(OP) from the assessors office, proceed to the realty tax section and present the OP with the latest official receipt (OR) and new tax declaration for new transferred properties. The collection officer then computes tax and informs you, the tax payer, how much you have to pay. After payment, an official receipt is issued and payment is posted on the property tax card. After which, you just pay at the cash register upon validation of the official receipt. Finished!

Categories
Wealth Building

Before Hiring Estate Planning Lawyers: 4 Questions To Ask

If you’ve thought of drafting a will, you likely have a lot of questions. Most people want to know if this is something they can do themselves, and while that answer is sometimes yes, it’s usually better to use the expertise of estate planning attorneys. How can someone just starting the process know which firm to hire, however? Before deciding which attorney to use, ask these questions.

How Long Has The Firm Been Working As Estate Attorneys?

When crafting a will and other documents, it’s a good idea to have a firm that’s experienced. Experienced estate planning lawyers will know which documents are required and can recommend others for your specific circumstances. Look for a firm with more than 10 years of experience and, if possible, look for attorneys who have been designated ‘Super Lawyers.’ These lawyers have received special recognition from their peers and have a reputation for being the best of the best.

Also ask how much business is brought in by estate attorneys. A firm made up mostly of estate planning lawyers will be a better choice than one that focuses primarily on other aspects of the law. It’s okay if the firm handles other types of cases, just check to make sure they have the necessary experience to help you with your documents.

How Much Does It Cost?

Some firms have a set price, while others charge by the hour. Before signing a contract, get written notice of the fees. Make sure it matches what you’ve been told so you don’t face surprises later on. If you’re only given an estimate, find out what happens if the total cost exceeds the estimate. Will you be notified ahead of time, or just billed unexpectedly? The cost can vary based on a number of factors, including how difficult the plan is, the experience of the lawyer and your geographical location.

Who Should Receive The Inheritance?

Most people have a good idea of whom they want to leave their inheritance to after they pass. If you have children and grandchildren, estate attorneys can help you determine how it’s best to divide your assets. They can make sure you’re aware of any situations that could cause your heirs to pay a greater percentage of tax, such as the generation skipping tax.

What Happens If The Will Is Contested?

This is one case in which using a lawyer works to your family’s advantage. After you pass, it’s possible for friends, relatives and business partners to contest your last wishes. If you’ve had your documents created by attorneys, the chances that your wishes aren’t carried out will be greatly diminished. If the will is still contested, your attorney can help your family member defend it in court or through negotiation.

Estate planning attorneys can be a vital resource when it comes time to determine your last requests. Although these are great questions to ask, they’re only a starting point. Make sure you’re comfortable with your lawyer and don’t forget to update your documents if you ever have a situation change that warrants an update.

Categories
Mortgage

Answers to Home Loan Questions of Non-Residents and Temporary Residents Living in Australia

Australia is an attractive destination for investors. Many potential migrants (non-residents and temporary residents) are eager to invest in real-estate market of the country. But, they do not fully understand that “Australian Visa Requirements” must be satisfied before they can consider borrowing funds to purchase a new or used home, or investment property in Australia. So, before you start applying for a loan, here are a few things that require attention of every potential investor.

Visa Subclasses Preferred by Lenders/Credit Providers

It has become increasingly evident that lenders/credit providers will normally prefer to lend to any of the following Temporary Resident Visa Subclasses:

>> Subclass 457 – Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship

>> Subclass 405 – Investor Retirement Visa

>> Subclass 415 – Foreign Government Agency Visa

>> Subclass 426 – Domestic Workers Visa

>> Subclass 995 Diplomats Visa

>> Subclass 422 – Medical Practitioner (Temporary) Visa

Diverse Home Loan Application Process

All Visa holders are assessed differently, and the process will depend on the type of Visa holder you are. Interestingly, lenders/credit providers have identified that the most common types of Visa holders applying for home loans are:

>> Visa holders on Spouse Visas (subclass 309/100 and 820/801), and

>> Visa holders on Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship Visas (Subclass 457)

Security Types Considered by Lenders/Credit Providers

Here is a list of security types that you can consider. However, it is important to note that any dwellings must have never been occupied or been previously sold:

>> To buy vacant land, so long as you start continuous construction within 12 months

>> To buy units, townhouses, and house/land packages

>> To buy existing residences for redevelopment as long as:

1. the development will increase the supply of housing

2. the land remains unoccupied during redevelopment, and

3. no more than 50 percent of the dwellings in any one redevelopment are sold to foreign investors

Important Factors considered by Lenders/Credit Providers

Once you get your Australian Visa, you can apply for a home loan. It is always advisable to seek help of an expert finance broker who specialises in getting home loans for non-resident and temporary residents.

The finance broker you employ for your services should have a thorough knowledge of what the lending policies and standard requirements are for specialised lenders.

He/she will prepare a “Home Loan Checklist” to help you understand what factors the lenders/credit providers take into consideration like:

Residency Status: The time remaining on your Visa, your Visa conditions, and the country you are a citizen of

Genuine Savings: You must be able to prove that at least 5%of the purchase price is being saved in an account in your name. And, the other funds can come from any other source including a gift from your parents overseas.

Employment: For some lenders/credit providers if you are:

>> Borrowing 80% of the property value, then you can be in your current job for as little as one day, or

>> Borrowing more than 80% of the property value and up to 90%, then you may be required to be in your job for six months or more

However, if you are a permanent employee, you are held in a higher regard by the lenders/credit providers than if you are a casual, a contractor or a temporary employee.

So, don’t worry about getting pre-approval on home loans for non-residents and temporary residents. An expert finance broker will do all the hard work for you to make sure you get a quick pre-approval. So, it is ideal to employ the services of a reputed finance broker as he/she will save you all the trouble of establishing if your Visa requirements are met and to find you the best home loan deal.

Categories
Mortgage

Giving You Answers To Your Questions About VA Home Loan Myths

Having access to VA home loans (VAHL) is one of the major perks associated with being in the military. VAHL have no or low down payment and offer 100% financing and refinancing on mortgages and flexible credit guidelines. Many new borrowers who qualify for VAHL’s don’t even apply for them because they believe many of the half-truths out there. Because the rules and requirements for VAHL’s are constantly changing, whenever they’re cancelled or modified, word doesn’t always get out. As a result, misconceptions about the VAHL program run rampant. Here are some of the most common myths about the VAHL program debunked.

You Have to Be on Active Duty to Qualify for a VA Home Loan

You do not have to be on active duty to qualify for a VAHL. Your eligibility for a VAHL is determined by your current and past service. Simply put, veterans who have served at least six months between 1964 and the present most likely have VAHL eligibility.

Veterans Automatically Qualify for VAHL

Just because you’re eligible for a VAHL doesn’t mean you’ll be able to get one. Getting a Certificate of Eligibility is only half the battle. You generally need to have a debt-to-income ratio of below 41% and a good credit history if you want your VAHL application to be approved.

Funding Fees for VA Home Loans Are Expensive

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee required by law and it is currently 2.15% on no down payment loans for first-time use and 3.3% for second-time users who don’t make a down payment. The funding fee drops when you make a down payment. Some claim that the funding fee is expensive, but it is actually less expensive in the long term than the private mortgage insurance that it replaces. If you apply for a conventional mortgage, lenders will require you to have private mortgage insurance if you put less than 20% down. Private mortgage insurance typically costs between 0.5% and 1% of the entire loan amount on an annual basis.

VA Home Loans Take Longer to Close

Many people assume that VAHL’s take longer to close than conventional loans but that’s simply untrue. The decision of whether or not to approve a loan is left to private lenders, so the process of applying for a VAHL doesn’t take much longer than the process of applying for a conventional home loan. It is rare for the VA to ever have to step in and look at a loan application. In most cases, VAHL can be closed within a month.

All Real Estate Agents Are Knowledgeable about VA Home Loans

There is no such thing as a VA certification for real estate agents. Therefore, you shouldn’t rely on most real estate agents for advice regarding VAHL’s. Look for a lender whose majority product is VA-backed loans if you want your lender to be knowledgeable about the VAHL process.

Categories
Unsecured Loans

Unsecured Loans – Money For Any Purpose With No Questions Asked

Unsecured loans are highly sought after for a number of reasons. First, they provide a spending freedom, as lenders do not limit you as to where the loan proceeds may be spent. Second, they do not require any collateral, and are perfect for borrowers who do not own their home, or do not want to put their property at risk. Last, but no least, they offer generous amounts and convenient terms. If you need cash due to emergency or have certain life activities to fund, such as consolidate your debts, take care of overdue debts, or make a large purchase, unsecured loans may be a perfect solution for you.

Nature Of Unsecured Loans

Invented by progressive banks decades ago, unsecured loans, also called signature loans, are very flexible, and may fit the needs of any borrower. Such loans do not have extensive requirements like other loans have, like collateral requirements, usage requirements, and so forth. As unsecured loans are only backed by the signature of the borrower, banks pay careful attention to such factors, as credit history and income of the individual looking to get unsecured loan. Typically, unsecured loans feature higher interest rates when compared to secured loans, as lenders undertake higher risks when issuing these loans.

Borrower Requirements

As unsecured loans are granted without collateral, such loans are credit-based. Therefore, there are certain requirements a prospective borrower has to meet. Normally, a borrower has to persuade a lender that he or she would repay the loan without any problems by showing sufficient income, financial stability, and positive payment track with other lenders. Most consumers are under erroneous impression that credit score is the only important factor that is considered by lenders. While having good credit score is a must to take out large loans, smaller amounts may be granted even to people with past credit problems.

Lenders pay close attention to financial stability of the borrower, as they try to project future performance. This is where your long-lasting employment would come into play. Steady employment is a positive sign to banks, as people who had uninterrupted employment in the past would most likely have steady income in the future. Income is another important factor for lenders. It does not really matters how much you make, but how much disposable income you have, ie how much money you have left over after covering your basic life expenses and servicing other debts.

Sources Of Unsecured Loans

The rule of banks and large financial institutions is long gone. While banks may be an excellent source of unsecured funding for people with excellent credit, there are other lenders willing to grant loans to people with lower credit grades. In addition, development of information technology has eliminated the need to go door to door in order to get a loan. The entire process, from application to getting the money into your bank account may be completed entirely online. The only thing a prospective borrower has to do is some research of lenders in order to pick an unsecured loan that is custom-tailored to address his or her needs. Some time spent in front of your computer may save you a lot of money on interest and ensure the best terms possible.

Categories
Unsecured Loans

Unsecured Loans With No Questions Asked

If you find yourself in a situation where you need cash but you do not want to risk any collateral (especially in these recessionary times) or do not want to be restricted in any way that you might use the funds, taking out an unsecured loan is a considerable option. Lenders will not put any constraint on how you manage the funds and you will not put any of your property at risk. Whatever the situation may be, clearing up debts or making a large purchase, an unsecured loan may be good for you.

Unsecured Loan Basics

Unsecured loans have few, if any, restrictions. Years ago some forward-looking lending institutions created them to adapt to potential borrower needs. Also referred to as signature loans, they do not require any collateral. And, you can spend the many anyway they like. Before releasing a signature loan, banks take a gander at a number of factors. They will check income and credit history. A poor credit history will not keep you from getting a loan. You will have high interest rates because the lender assumes a lot of risk when granting such loans.

Unsecured Loan Qualifications

Since unsecured loans are not backed with collateral, a lender will scrutinize payment history on other debts, credit ratings, etc. You show these to the lender along with proof of income. This will help the lender to determine your ability to pay. While credit scores are evaluated as part of the process, realize that these loans were created to allow some flexibility and to give those with poor scores an opportunity to borrow. If you want a large loan, more than $ 40,000, you probably will have to present some collateral. If the amount you seek is less, even with credit problems you should not have much of a problem in obtaining a loan.

Career and Lifestyle Important

As a prospective borrower, a lender will want to know a few things about you. They will look at your employment vitals, checking time and steadiness of working. This will give them some insight as far as your career future and future ability to pay. They will want to see that your expenses do not over run your gross income. Thus, they will see that you have disposable income. With disposable income and steady and projected steadiness of employment, the lender will give you and your request serious consideration.

Unsecured Loan Lenders

Brick-and-mortar financial institutions are the largest source of unsecured loans for folks with good credit histories, but they are not the sole source of such loans. People with poor credit have access to a number of lenders willing to take their business. Your best bet would be to go online and start doing research there. You will be able to shop among various lenders to get the best deal. Be sure you check out at least five lenders, because you will be surprised how terms, rates, and conditions will vary form lender to lender. A little thoughtful time spent can save you a considerable sum in the end. Also, more often than not, online lenders can usually avail you of a loan by using web technology from application to final granting of the loan.

Categories
Unsecured Loans

Answers to Questions About Unsecured Loans

Many of us have too many expenses and too little income. We turn on the news and we hear the economy is recovering but when we check our bank balance we just do not see it. If only we had an extra $20,000 we could meet our most pressing obligations. Once we could refinance our homes or take out home equity loans to help. But the housing bubble burst and we no longer have such options. The risk of not only missing the loan repayment but being homeless is just not appealing. Unsecured loans seem a better choice. But you have so many questions. The following may answer some of those questions.

Is it difficult to get an Unsecured Loan?

Many people believe that unsecured loans are hard to get. If you have good credit then there are many private lenders who will accept your loan application and give you up to $20,000 in an unsecured loan.

But if you do not have good credit and even have bad credit, it is much harder to qualify for this type of loan on your own. You can get around this with a cosigner. With a cosigner, both of your incomes are used in determining eligibility. Likewise, it is the credit rating of the cosigner that is used to determine interest rates and terms.

What Can I Do with an Unsecured Loan?

There are no limitations on what you can do with this type of loan. Unsecured personal loans are truly personal. You can use them to pay for a wedding, fix your car or consolidate debt.

Unsecured personal loans are also called signature loans. This because the only thing you are putting up against the loan is your signature. With that signature you can get approved for up to $20,000.

Is Repayment Difficult?

You should always consider repayment before you think about applying for any unsecured loan. There are several ways you can repay the loan. If you take out a loan with a longer term, up to six years, you will have lower monthly payments but you will pay more during the life of the loan due to the interest accumulation. Shorter term loans cost less overall but you will pay more each month. This is why you need to have a budget in place so that you know which option is best for your financial situation.

How Do I Find Such a Loan?

Now that you know you want an unsecured loan, you have to go out and find a lender to work with you. You have many options if you go onto the internet and search. You will find lenders who specialize in unsecured lending. Make sure you look at three to five lenders and compare rates, terms, fees and conditions. Do not keep looking for loans since the frequent checks on your credit will lower your FICO score.

Borrowing money is always a major decision. Taking out an unsecured loan is a really big move. You will be happy to know that many online lenders not only will work with you but they actually are in the business solely to assist people like you. You can get up to $20,000 with only your signature.