Monday, June 7, 2021

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Moving Loans – Why & How to Get One

Posted: 07 Jun 2021 08:02 AM PDT

Summary

  • A moving loan is an unsecured personal loan that can cover moving expenses
  • Pros of a moving loan include lower interest rates, fast approval times, no collateral, flexible loan amounts, and fixed payments
  • Cons of a moving loan include potential long-term debt, fees, and higher interest rates for those with bad credit

Moving loans are a type of personal loan that can help cover many different types of moving expenses. If you’re moving, you may want to consider using one if you don’t have all of your funds saved up. However, be aware of the disadvantages of moving loans as well.

Below, we’ll cover the basics of a moving loan, the pros and cons, and your alternatives. Before you begin reading, enter your ZIP code above to find an affordable lender near you.

What is a moving loan?

A moving loan, or a relocation loan, is an unsecured personal loan that you can use to pay for moving expenses, such as:

  • Security deposit and rent
  • Furniture
  • Moving truck
  • Moving insurance
  • Hotel stays
  • Packing supplies

The average cost of a local move is $1,250. Moving loans are typically paid back over a few years in installment payments that include interest.

What are the pros and cons of a moving loan?

The pros of a moving loan include:

  • Lower interest rates – If you have a good credit history, you may be able to get a lower interest rate for a personal loan than for credit cards or other types of financing.
  • Fast approval times – If you need to fund some last-minute moving expenses, or you’re just moving without much notice, you may be able to find a lender that will fund your loan within a week or less.
  • No collateral needed – Many moving loans don’t require you to use your assets as collateral, meaning you won’t lose them if you default on your payments.
  • Flexible loan amounts – Whether you only need enough for your security deposit or you need to fund your entire move, it’s highly likely you’ll be able to find a lender who can offer you the amount you need.
  • Fixed payments – When you begin repaying your loan, your payments are likely to be fixed (meaning they will be the same amount every month), which can make budgeting less stressful.

The cons of getting a moving loan are:

  • Potential long-term debt – Depending on the terms of your loan, you could be repaying your moving expenses for as long as five to seven years.
  • Fees – Some lenders charge extra fees. For example, your lender may charge an origination fee deducted from the loan as a percentage of the loan amount.
  • High rates for those with bad credit – Moving loans for bad credit can be expensive. You may have an interest rate that is as high as 30%.

If you already have other debt, or you don’t have a credit score over 629, you may want to explore other options besides a moving loan.

What alternatives to a moving loan do I have?

Besides moving loans, you may be able to find alternatives that will help you pay for your moving expenses.

Credit unions may extend credit to those with fair credit with relatively lower interest rates than for a loan through a bank or other lender. Others may consider using credit cards, but interest rates may be higher unless you qualify for a 0% promotional period.

If you’re moving for work, your employer may offer programs to help move out of state. Relocation packages may help pay at least some of your moving expenses, and you may not need to pay it back.

You could also consider borrowing money from family or friends, but you should be careful with this option if you are afraid of risking the relationship.

Another option is to sell some of the stuff you don’t want to bring with you. Selling your things would give you some money and may help reduce moving costs.

If you’ve decided that a moving loan is right for you, enter your ZIP code below to compare loan rates from lenders in your area.

The post Moving Loans – Why & How to Get One first appeared on Loans.org.

How often should you check your credit report?

Posted: 07 Jun 2021 08:01 AM PDT

Summary

  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests checking your credit report at least once a year, but you may want to check more often
  • You are entitled to one free credit report from each major credit reporting agency (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) per year
  • You can also monitor your credit report using websites such as Credit Karma or Credit Sesame

How often should you check your credit report? While this depends on who you ask, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends that you check it at least once per year. If you’re considering applying for an auto loan or mortgage, you should check it more often.

Read more below to learn how to check your credit report and dispute errors if necessary.

After you check your credit report, enter your ZIP code above to find affordable loan rates from lenders in your area.

How often should I check my credit report?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests checking your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) at least once per year using AnnualCreditReport.com. (Due to COVID, you can receive free weekly reports until April 2022.)

Everyone is entitled to these credit reports, but you can also pay a fee of no more than $13.00 to receive more than one credit report a year. Some people may also qualify to receive extra free credit reports, such as those who are declined credit, victims of fraud, or receive public assistance.

Some financial experts will recommend checking your credit more often, such as quarterly or monthly. It may be best to run your credit report more often if you try to improve your credit, plan on applying for an auto loan or mortgage, or suspect fraud or identity theft.

How often do credit scores update? Your credit score will update when creditors provide new information to the credit reporting agencies, usually within a month or at least every 45 days.

How can I check my credit report?

As mentioned above, you can check your credit report by receiving them directly from the major credit reporting agencies.

You can also monitor your credit score and history using one of the many free credit report websites, including Credit Karma, Credit Sesame, CreditWise, and Discover Credit Scorecard.

Is a free credit report safe? Generally, yes, free credit reports are safe. This is especially true if you are receiving them from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

However, you should be wary about receiving credit reports from unknown websites. You may want to research companies offering free credit reports before using them, and websites with HTTPS are typically more secure than websites with HTTP.

How do I report errors on my credit report?

If you check your credit report and find an error, you can do two things to address it:

  • Contact the credit reporting agency to file a dispute
  • Contact the creditor who reported the information

The process for getting false information taken off a credit report can be lengthy. Therefore, you should do these two things as quickly as possible after you find the error so that you can remove it before others, such as potential employers or creditors, see it when they check your credit report.

If you have finished checking your credit report and would like to find a lender near you, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below.

The post How often should you check your credit report? first appeared on Loans.org.

Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement

Posted: 07 Jun 2021 08:00 AM PDT

Summary

  • Debt consolidation is when multiple debts are combined into a single loan
  • Debt settlement is when the lender and borrower agree that the borrower will pay an amount less than what they owe
  • Debt consolidation can combine multiple bills into one monthly payment and reduce interest, but may also cost more in interest in the long run
  • Debt settlement saves money by lessening the amount owed, but the borrower must have cash on hand, and this method is typically used for delinquent accounts

Which is better: debt consolidation vs. debt settlement? These two debt-reducing methods sound similar but differ quite a lot. If you’re trying to pay off a mortgage loan, auto loan, or student loan, which should you choose? Read more below to find out.

Deciding between debt consolidation vs. debt settlement? Enter your ZIP code below to compare loan rates from lenders in your area to find an affordable debt consolidation loan that works for you.

What is debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation is when multiple debts are combined into a single loan. You may achieve this with a debt consolidation loan, balance-transfer credit card, home equity loan, or 401(k) loan. Therefore, you will pay off all of your debt with one monthly payment and one interest rate.

You may have access to secured and unsecured debt consolidation, depending on the type of financial product you choose to use. If the loan is secured, you will need to provide an asset as collateral, such as your home or car, a retirement account, or an insurance policy.

You could also seek out consolidated credit counseling or consolidated debt counseling to get help with your specific debts and financial situation.

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement differs from debt consolidation in that it doesn’t combine your debts. Instead, you would work with each of your creditors to decide on an amount less than what you owe that you would pay in a lump sum or installment payments.

While this can help you pay less than what you owe, lenders are not obligated to negotiate or accept a settlement offer. Often, they will wait until you are severely delinquent on your account before making a deal.

Which is better: debt consolidation vs. debt settlement?

Consumer debt grew to an all-time high of $14.88 trillion in 2020. Choosing between debt consolidation vs. debt settlement to take control of your debt is relatively easy since it mostly depends on your financial situation.

Debt consolidation has some benefits. If you are currently dealing with the stress of paying multiple creditors and keeping track of a bunch of bills, consolidating can make it easier by combining it into one payment to one lender. You may also be able to save money by paying less interest.

However, depending on your loan repayment term, the interest over time may end up being more than what you would have paid with your multiple debts.

Debt consolidation may be a good choice for you if you want to reduce stress and find a financial product that will save you money on interest.

Debt settlement can help to save money by allowing you to pay less than what you owe. You may also prevent collection actions, such as lawsuits. However, late payments will damage your credit, and the lenders may not agree to a settlement offer.

Debt settlement is generally only recommended for individuals who are severely behind on their bills or contemplating Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It is not recommended to purposely withhold payments for debt settlement purposes.

If you are still in a manageable financial situation, you may want to look into debt management vs. debt settlement. Enter your ZIP code below to find an affordable debt consolidation loan from lenders in your area.

The post Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement first appeared on Loans.org.

Best Home Improvement Loan Rates

Posted: 07 Jun 2021 07:55 AM PDT

Summary

  • Average home improvement loan rates range between 3%-36%
  • LightStream, Wells Fargo, and SoFi offer the cheapest home improvement loan rates, starting at 3.99%
  • You might secure a zero-interest home improvement loan if you qualify for a credit card with a 0% APR promotion

If you’re planning a home remodel, start shopping around for the best deal and see if you can secure a zero-interest home improvement loan. 

Home improvement loans are a type of personal loan that finances home repairs or remodeling. You can use it to buy new kitchen appliances, remodel your bathroom, or finally fix that deck you’ve been meaning to get to.

Keep reading to find the best home improvement loan rates. Learn the cheapest ways to borrow money for home improvements and check out the list of the best home improvement loan rates from some of the most popular lenders in the market. 

Ready to get a home improvement loan? Enter your ZIP code above and start comparing quotes now to find the best home improvement loan rates near you.

Who offers the best home improvement loan rates?

The average home improvement loan rates range between 3%-36%. If you can get on the lower end of that, even if you aren't scoring a true zero-interest home improvement loan, you're still getting pretty good rates for your home remodel. 

LightStream, Wells Fargo, and SoFi home improvement loans offer the best rates, but your loan rates will ultimately depend on your credit score and where you live.

You don’t need a home improvement loan calculator to find the best rates. Take a look at the table below for companies offering affordable home improvement loan rates:

Best Home Improvement Loan Rates by Company

ProviderLoan RateLoan AmountLoan TermFeesCredit Score
LightStream3.99% - 16.99%Up to $100,00024 months - 12 yearsNone680
Wells Fargo5.74% - 24.49%Up to $100,00012 - 84 monthsNone620
SoFi5.99% - 18.85%Up to $100,00024 - 84 monthsNone680
USAA7.24% - 35.99%Up to $20,00012 - 84 monthsNone600
Upstart7.86% - 35.99%Up to $50,00036 - 60 monthsUp to 8% of loan amount600
Prosper7.95% - 35.99%Up to $40,00036 - 60 monthsUp to 6% of loan amount640
Lending Club8.05% - 35.89%Up to $50,00036 - 60 monthsNo fees600
Avant9.95% - 35.99%Up to $35,00024 - 60 months4.75% of loan amount580
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LightStream and SoFi home improvement loan rates are competitive, but you need a good credit score to qualify. Avant offers the best home improvement loan rates for homeowners with poor credit, but the loan amounts are on the smaller side.

As you can see, your home improvement loan quotes will vary based on your credit score and the amount of money you borrow. It’s important to shop around for lenders that offer the kind of home improvement loan options you need at the best rates for your budget.

What type of loan do I need for home improvements?

Unlike a mortgage loan, home improvement loans are for those who already own a home and need to finance repairs or improvements to their property.

There are many different ways to get home improvement loans, and you can shop around for financing from the bank, the government, your credit card company, or another type of personal lender to secure the best rates.

The most common types of home improvement loans are:

  • Personal loans
  • USDA loans
  • Home equity loans
  • Home equity lines of credit
  • Credit cards

If you’re a veteran, you might qualify for a loan from the VA. Read our advice on how to get a Veteran Affairs home loan to learn more.

Overall, personal loans and home equity loans are the cheapest ways to borrow money for home improvements because you can often lock in low interest rates on long-term loans like these.

Depending on your credit score you can apply for a credit card running an APR promotion to get a zero-interest loan. Unfortunately, these promotions never last long so this type of home improvement loan is only recommended for short-term projects you can pay off quickly. 

You can lock in fixed home improvement loan rates of 1% if you qualify for a repair loan from the USDA. These loans are designed to help keep low-income homeowners and their families in their homes. Homeowners can apply for loans and grants of up to $27,500 toward repairs and improvements.

Is a home equity loan or home improvement loan better?

Deciding whether or not a home equity loan or home improvement loan is better depends on your financial security and preferences.

While a home equity loan will get you better rates than a personal loan, you have to use your house as collateral. This means the lender can foreclose on your home if you miss any payments. You may not be willing to take that risk, so shop around with different lenders to see which type of home improvement loan comes with the best interest rates for you.

Start shopping for the best home improvement loan rates now. Enter your ZIP code below to compare rates from lenders in your area.

The post Best Home Improvement Loan Rates first appeared on Loans.org.

How to Get Government Grants and Loans

Posted: 07 Jun 2021 07:54 AM PDT

Summary

  • Government grants are granted to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and businesses to help improve the community rather than an individual
  • Government grants and loans are funded by taxpayers’ money
  • Loans must be repaid while grants do not have to be repaid

If you’re starting a small business, buying a home, or simply struggling financially you may be wondering if there is any government assistance available. Perhaps you’re wondering how to get government grants and loans to help you stay afloat.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of government grants and loans available to Americans for a wide variety of reasons. From home improvement loans to university grants, there are hundreds of possibilities. We’re here to help you navigate this terrain.

Keep reading below to learn what government grants and loans are, how to get government grants and loans, and where you can find them. But before you do, enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool above to find affordable government loans near you.

What are government grants and loans?

So what are government grants and loans? Both come from the government and are paid for by our taxes, but there is a big difference between a grant and a loan.

A government loan is money that the government lends to an organization or an individual for a certain length of time. The money must be paid back over time and the government charges interest on the loan in order to make a profit.

Government loans are highly sought after because they usually come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. Government loans are available for starting businesses, buying homes, and pursuing higher education.

Grants, on the other hand, don’t have to be paid back over time. Grant money is available to fund ideas and projects that provide public services or stimulate the economy.

How do I get government grants and loans?

Grants and loans are different and the processes for getting them are different, too. In order to qualify for both grants and loans, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These will differ depending on the grant or loan you are trying to get.

Like private loans, government loans will require a look at your credit score, income, and any outstanding debts you have before approving you. Fortunately, government loans are available to those with poor credit and those with low income.

Grants also have eligibility requirements, but these have more to do with the type of work you are doing. Government grants rarely go to individuals. Instead, they are granted to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and businesses to help improve their communities.

If you’re looking for government hardship grants, you may be out of luck. The government does not provide grant money to people simply because of financial hardship. However, there are many government programs available to help low-income people get by.

Keep in mind that government grants are primarily for organizations, not individuals. If you see an offer online for a $7000 government grant, it’s probably a scam. There is no such thing as a $7000 government grant for an individual.

Where can I find government grants and loans?

The first step is to search online. You can search for government loans at GovLoans.gov and search for grants at Grants.gov. These are both government-run websites.

Be wary of anyone offering government hardship grants or promising a list of government grants for individuals who are not affiliated with the U.S. government. Remember that grants are rarely offered to individuals.

The only types of government grants available for individuals are for students and researchers. You’ll have to do your own research to find out which grants and loans you qualify for.

Now that you know how to get government grants and loans, get started today. Simply enter your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below to apply for affordable government loans from approved lenders today.

The post How to Get Government Grants and Loans first appeared on Loans.org.

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