Money

Proper Funding Reviews Debt Consolidation Loans Vs. Balance Transfer: Which One Is Right For You?

Published

10 months ago

November 30, 2022

Contents

Consolidating your unsecured debt with Proper Funding is only the beginning. Then there’s the lower interest rate and then the peace of mind comes next.

Proper Funding offers predictable monthly payments and no more collector calls. Proper Funding wants you to have a happy ending… with 0 debt.

There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to pay down high-interest credit card debt. Your credit score is one factor, and finding an inexpensive way to consolidate your debt is another.

There are many methods available to help pay down debt and save money. Some popular methods include balance transfer credit cards and debt consolidation loans. Balance transfer credit cards allow you to transfer debt from other sources and often have a low introductory interest rate. Debt consolidation loans are unsecured personal loans that you can use to pay off your other debts, often at a lower interest rate.

6 factors to consider when consolidating your debt

There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to consolidate your debt. You need to make sure you’re choosing the right option for your situation, and that you’re committed to a strategy that will keep you from falling back into debt. Depending on your circumstances, some options could save you thousands of dollars or make the process much easier.

When it comes to deciding between a balance transfer credit card consolidation loan and a debt consolidation loan, it’s important to consider the amount of debt you have and how each option might work. Here are six factors to keep in mind when making your decision.

1. Interest rates

When it comes to credit cards and debt consolidation loans, the first thing you should look at is the interest rate. Balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory period with no interest, but the rates after that period are often higher than personal loan interests, especially for those with good credit scores. This is according to credit expert John Ulzheimer.

There’s no such thing as an interest-free personal loan. You may be able to find a personal loan with a low-interest rate, but it is unlikely that you will find one with a 0 percent APR. As of July 20, 2022, the average interest rate for a personal loan is about 10.60 percent, while the average credit card interest rate is hovering above 18 percent.

The length of the 0 percent interest period is an important factor to consider when choosing a balance transfer credit card. Ask yourself whether you will be able to pay off your debt within the interest-free period. For example, with $5,000 of credit card debt and 0 percent APR for 18 months, could you afford to make monthly payments of $278 to become debt-free?

Debt can be a major burden, but there are ways to manage it. One option is a balance transfer card, which can help you pay off your debt before interest kicks in.

Why it’s important: Your monthly loan payment is primarily determined by its interest rate. A lower interest rate will mean smaller payments and a better chance of paying off your debt. Choose wisely to save yourself money and stress down the road.

2. Fees

There are a few things to consider before deciding whether a personal loan or balance transfer is right for you. One important factor is fees. Balance transfer offers often include a one-time fee, which can add up to 3-5% of the total amount of debt you transfer. For example, transferring $5,000 to a new card with 0% interest for 12 months may come with a fee of $150-$250. Although this is still cheaper than taking out a 12-month personal loan with an 11% interest rate, which would result in paying $302.90 in interest.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some personal loans charge a loan origination fee- a one-time charge taken out of the total amount you receive. However, banks and credit unions typically do not charge an origination fee on personal loans. Origination fees can be as high as 8% of the loan amount in some cases.

Why it’s important: There are a lot of fees that we don’t like paying, but sometimes it’s worth it to pay certain fees to get a lower interest rate or more favorable terms. Make sure you’re aware of all the potential fees before making any decisions.

3. Fixed rates and payment schedule

Personal loans can be helpful for debt consolidation because the interest rate is fixed and the loan has a set payoff date. With predictable payments, a debt consolidation loan can make budgeting easier. However, Steve Repak, a North Carolina-based certified financial planner and author of “6 Week Money Challenge,” favors balance transfers because they are more flexible than personal loans.

“What happens if you lose your job or have some other financial emergency that prevents you from making the payment?” Repak says. “A 0 percent transfer might give you some flexibility even though it might cost you more in the long run. With a personal loan, you’re stuck with that payment.”

Debt consolidation can be a great way to save money and simplify your finances. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

Why it’s important: Paying off your debt is all about finding the right repayment strategy for you. It’s important to consider whether you’d prefer the certainty of fixed monthly payments with a personal loan, or the flexibility of a balance transfer credit card.

4. Credit score impacts

When you open a new credit card and transfer all your balances from other cards, your credit utilization on the new card will be close to 100%. This can lower your credit score. Also, revolving debt is viewed negatively by credit-scoring models, so continually transferring debt from one card to another can further lower your score.

One way to consolidate debt and improve your score is to take out a personal loan. This will lower your utilization rate to 0% and may help your score. Although you are not getting out of debt, the credit-scoring models see it this way and your score could rise as long as you make timely payments on the loan.

Why it’s important: One of the most important factors in maintaining a good credit score is keeping a low credit utilization ratio. This means using only a small portion of the credit available to you. This can improve your credit score and help you get better interest rates on future loans.

5. Credit requirements

Debt consolidation loans and balance transfer credit cards are both great options for people with good or excellent credit. Both offer the best rates and terms to those with a high FICO score, usually 740 or above. However, people with good credit (FICO scores from 670 to 739) may also be able to qualify depending on the lender.

For those with a lower credit score, it is unlikely that you will find a balance transfer credit card you can qualify for. There are some secured credit cards with balance transfer offers, but these do not come with 0 percent APR for a limited period. You will also have to put down a cash deposit as collateral.

It is still possible to get a debt consolidation loan with bad credit, but the interest rates will be higher. However, this could still help you save money in the long run by having lower monthly payments.

Why it’s important: It’s important to understand your credit score and how it can affect the interest rates and terms offered on loans. A good credit score means better rates and terms, so it’s worth taking the time to improve your credit profile.

6. Types of debt

There are a few things to consider when comparing debt consolidation loans and balance transfer credit cards. One is the type of debt you have. In general, debt consolidation loans are a good choice for consolidating multiple types of debts. This is because you receive a lump sum of money upfront with a loan, which you can use to pay off outstanding medical bills, credit card balances, payday loans, or other debts.

There are several options available to consumers who are struggling with credit card debt. One option is to transfer the balance of one or more credit cards to a balance transfer credit card. This can be a good option for consolidating debt and reducing the interest payments you make each month. Another option is to pay down small amounts of high-interest credit card debt with a balance transfer credit card that has a relatively short introductory period.

Why it’s important: Having a variety of different types of debt can help improve your credit score. This is because part of what is factored into a credit score is something called credit mix.

Should I get a personal loan or a balance transfer credit card?

Debt consolidation loans and balance transfer credit cards can both help pay off high-interest debt. However, they tend to work best in different situations and for different types of consumers.

When debt consolidation loans tend to work best

People who need to pay down debts over a long period, or up to 10 years.
Anyone who wants the security of a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payment.
People need to stop using credit cards due to the temptation of overspending.

When balance transfer credit cards tend to work best

Anyone who has a small amount of debt that they can completely pay off during their card’s 0 percent APR introductory period, which will likely last 12 to 21 months.
People who have the discipline to stop using credit cards even after signing up for a new one.

The bottom line

No matter which debt consolidation option you choose, it is important to have the plan to get out of debt. A debt consolidation loan or balance transfer credit card can help you get out of debt, but you need to be disciplined about spending to succeed. Learning to live on less will be the key to your success.

Money

Panther Lending Review: Competitive Interest Rates

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2023

Ryan Patel

Contents

A number of lending companies offer the best services in the world of finance, but few truly stand out from the crowd. One such company in the finance industry is Panther Lending, which consistently stands out as a beacon of excellence. Panther Lending continues to be a top choice for individuals and businesses seeking reliable and efficient financing solutions, as discussed in this review.

Experience and expertise unmatched

With years of experience and expertise in the finance industry, Panther Lending brings unsurpassed expertise to the table. Its team is made up of seasoned professionals who have honed their skills and understanding of the industry. Insightful advice and customized financial solutions are offered to clients by their collective knowledge and experience, ensuring that each client’s unique financial needs are met.

Services of a Comprehensive Nature

The company’s comprehensive range of services is one of Panther Lending’s key strengths. The company offers a variety of lending options, including personal loans, business loans, auto loans, and mortgages. Panther Lending offers a broad range of lending solutions, making it a one-stop shop for financial solutions for clients.

Providing exceptional customer service

Panther Lending is committed to providing exceptional customer service. The company prides itself on its personalized approach to service delivery, treating every customer as a valued individual instead of just a number. You can be confident that you will receive the utmost respect and professionalism from Panther Lending from the moment you contact us. Panther Lending’s staff goes the extra mile to address clients’ concerns and queries promptly.

Interest rates that are competitive

Furthermore, Panther Lending offers competitive interest rates in addition to its quality service. This is a critical factor when selecting a lending company, because high interest rates can significantly increase the total cost of a loan. Panther Lending ensures that clients receive value for their money by keeping their rates competitive.

Business Ethics and Transparency

The company maintains a high standard of integrity, ensuring all transactions are carried out in a transparent and fair manner. Transparency and ethical business practices are at the core of Panther Lending’s operations. As a result of Panther Lending’s commitment to ethical business practices, the company not only fosters trust between it and its clients, but also differentiates it from other companies.

Systems with technological advances

Through its technologically advanced systems, Panther Lending ensures seamless and efficient loan processing, which saves clients time and effort. Panther Lending utilizes cutting-edge technology to enhance its service delivery. Panther Lending’s secure online platform also ensures that client information is protected at all times.

Involvement in the community

Furthermore, Panther Lending is also actively involved in community initiatives. The company strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate beyond its business operations.

As a result of Panther Lending’s exceptional service, competitive rates, and commitment to ethical business practices, it stands out in the crowded financial industry. Panther Lending is a reliable and trustworthy choice, whether you’re a small business owner or an individual seeking a personal loan.

Panther Lending is the obvious choice for those seeking a lending company that values its clients, operates with integrity, and offers a comprehensive range of services. As a financial industry beacon, Panther Lending has an experienced team, technologically advanced systems, and a commitment to community involvement.

Business

Patriot Funding Review: Get Financial Freedom with a Low-Interest Personal Loan for Debt Consolidation

Published

6 months ago

April 13, 2023

Connor Jones

Contents

Debt consolidation is a popular financial strategy that allows individuals to combine multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This can help reduce monthly payments, simplify finances, and ultimately lead to financial freedom. Patriot Funding is a reputable company that provides low-interest personal loans for debt consolidation. In this article, we will explore the benefits of debt consolidation, provide an overview of Patriot Funding, and discuss its loan options, application process, repayment options, customer support, and how it compares to other loan providers.

Understanding Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation is the process of combining multiple debts into one loan with a lower interest rate. This can be done through a personal loan, balance transfer credit card, or home equity loan. Debt consolidation can help simplify finances by reducing the number of payments and due dates, and can also save money by reducing interest rates and fees. Some types of debts that can be consolidated include credit card debt, medical bills, personal loans, payday loans, and more.

The benefits of debt consolidation include lower interest rates, simplified finances, and potentially lower monthly payments. By consolidating debts, individuals can also improve their credit score by reducing their credit utilization ratio and making consistent payments.

Patriot Funding: Company Overview

Patriot Funding is a financial services company that specializes in personal loans for debt consolidation. Founded in 2018, Patriot Funding has quickly gained a reputation for its low-interest rates, easy application process, and excellent customer support. Patriot Funding offers loan amounts ranging from $1,000 to $35,000 with repayment terms of 24 to 60 months.

Patriot Funding is a member of the Online Lenders Alliance and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. Customers praise Patriot Funding for its transparency, fast approval process, and helpful customer support.

Low-Interest Personal Loans for Debt Consolidation

Patriot Funding offers low-interest personal loans for debt consolidation. Personal loans are unsecured loans that do not require collateral and can be used for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation. Personal loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards and other types of debt, making them an attractive option for debt consolidation.

The advantages of low-interest rates include lower monthly payments, reduced interest charges over time, and potentially faster debt repayment. By consolidating debts with a low-interest personal loan, individuals can save money and simplify their finances.

Patriot Funding offers competitive interest rates starting at 5.99% for qualified borrowers. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $35,000 with repayment terms of 24 to 60 months. The application process is fast and easy, and funds can be deposited into a bank account as soon as the next business day.

Patriot Funding Application and Approval Process

The Patriot Funding application process is simple and straightforward. The first step is to complete an online application, which takes only a few minutes. Applicants will need to provide basic personal and financial information, including their name, address, income, and credit score.

Once the application is submitted, Patriot Funding will review the information and determine if the applicant is eligible for a loan. Eligibility requirements include a minimum credit score of 600, a minimum income of $25,000 per year, and a debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%.

If the applicant is approved for a loan, they will receive a loan offer with details on the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. If the offer is accepted, the funds will be deposited into the applicant’s bank account as soon as the next business day.

Patriot Funding Loan Repayment Options

Patriot Funding offers flexible repayment options to make it easy for borrowers to manage their debt. Repayment options include automatic payments, online payments, and phone payments. Borrowers can choose the repayment option that works best for them.

Patriot Funding also offers a range of repayment plans, including fixed monthly payments and bi-weekly payments. Fixed monthly payments allow borrowers to make consistent payments each month, while bi-weekly payments can help borrowers pay off their loan faster and reduce interest charges over time.

One unique feature of Patriot Funding is its Skip-a-Pay program, which allows borrowers to skip a payment once a year without penalty. This can be helpful in the event of an unexpected expense or financial hardship.

Patriot Funding Customer Support

Patriot Funding is known for its excellent customer support. The company has a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are available to answer questions and provide assistance. Customer support is available by phone, email, and live chat.

Customers praise Patriot Funding for its friendly and helpful customer support, as well as its transparency and honesty. The company is committed to providing a positive customer experience and has received high ratings and positive reviews from customers.

Comparing Patriot Funding to Other Loan Providers

When comparing Patriot Funding to other loan providers, there are several factors to consider. These include interest rates, loan amounts, repayment terms, eligibility requirements, and customer support.

Patriot Funding offers competitive interest rates starting at 5.99%, which is lower than many other loan providers. The company also offers loan amounts up to $35,000 with repayment terms of 24 to 60 months. Eligibility requirements include a minimum credit score of 600, a minimum income of $25,000 per year, and a debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%.

In terms of customer support, Patriot Funding is known for its excellent service and has received high ratings and positive reviews from customers. The company is transparent and honest and is committed to providing a positive customer experience.

Conclusion

Patriot Funding offers low-interest personal loans for debt consolidation that can help individuals achieve financial freedom. The company has a reputation for excellent customer service, competitive interest rates, and flexible repayment options. By consolidating debts with Patriot Funding, individuals can simplify their finances, reduce interest charges, and potentially lower their monthly payments. If you are considering debt consolidation, Patriot Funding is a company worth considering.

Money

Your Mortgage Price: The Determining Factors

Published

3 years ago

April 2, 2020

Connor Jones

Contents

This article originally posted on Better.com

What You’ll Learn

There’s no one biggest factor in determining mortgage price. There are many factors that help lenders set interest rates. Some of the factors are within your control.

There are a lot of different factors that decide the price of your mortgage. Some factors depend on you, the homeowner. Some depend on the particular property you have in mind. Some factors depend on the state of the economy. There isn’t one big factor that decides the mortgage price, but many important considerations that help a lender set the interest on a particular loan. Let’s take a look and see what those are:

Market interest rates

Mortgage rates are tied to the general level of interest rates across financial markets. Because of changes in the economy and monetary policy set by the government, interest rates go up and down over time. When interest rates move higher, mortgage rates will follow, and vice versa.

Term

You have a few options when it comes to your mortgage term, which is the number of years you have to pay back the loan. Most mortgages are either 15, 20, or 30 years in length. Interest rates on mortgages with longer terms will generally be higher because there is inherently more risk in lending money to someone for a longer period of time. However, a longer loan term will result in lower monthly payments because the payments are spread out over a longer period of time.

Fixed or adjustable-rate

The most common type of mortgage is a fixed-rate mortgage, where the interest rate on the loan is constant for the entire life of the loan. Your required monthly payment will not change. A less frequent type of mortgage loan is known as an ARM or an adjustable-rate-mortgage. In this scenario, the loan will have a fixed interest rate for an initial period of time (typically 5 or 10 years), after which the mortgage rate will reset and fluctuate based on a broadly followed market rate, called an index. This type of mortgage may be attractive to some homebuyers because the initial fixed-rate period is typically a lower interest rate than if the borrower were to pay a fixed rate for the entire life of the loan.

LTV (loan-to-value) ratio

The ratio of the amount borrowed for a mortgage loan versus your future home’s appraised value is called the LTV ratio. A mortgage with a lower LTV ratio is viewed as safer and therefore usually carries a lower interest rate.

FICO Score

Your FICO score is a standardized measurement of creditworthiness. Higher FICO scores indicate better credit and a greater likelihood that the borrower will not default on their mortgage loan. Therefore, a homeowner with a higher FICO score will generally receive a lower interest rate on their loan.

DTI (Debt-to-Income) Ratio

The ratio of your total monthly debt requirement versus your total monthly income is called the DTI ratio. A homeowner with a low DTI ratio is viewed as less risky and therefore usually receives a lower mortgage interest rate. As you can see, there’s a lot for both you and your lender to take into account, but luckily there are places like Better Mortgage that simplify the process to help you get the lowest rate possible.