Month: March 2017

Different ISA Options for You to Consider

ISAs or Individual Savings Accounts, are a popular way for us to invest and save. One of the main appeals of these is the fact they’re tax-free on savings of up to £15,240, however, ISAs aren’t simply a one-size fits all scenario.

There are a variety of different options you can consider. Better still, these can suit specific needs and situations; in this post we’ve detailed a few examples of ISAs that you may wish to invest in. (more…)

Why a Log Burner is Amazing at Saving Energy

Energy saving is one of the keywords of modern living. We are constantly reminded of the fact that fossil fuels are not infinite, and that climate change is a real threat to the world. Yet, we need to keep our homes warm, and we tend to use gas or electric central heating – or for those in more remote places, perhaps oil – to power our heating systems. During the 1960’s and 1970’s, when central heating began to become more commonplace, many homeowners with older houses stopped using traditional open fires and many were blocked up as a result, and replaced with more modern gas versions. However, the open, wood burning fire is now becoming more popular, and so are log burners. (more…)

Finding the Best Loan Rates

Loans are useful resources when you need to secure a significant amount of cash and have no other options. It could be a personal loan to care of some unforeseen expenses or a mortgage for that first home. Whatever the case, you want to make sure that it is as affordable as possible. Loans can be very challenging to finance and the last thing you need is defaulting after only a few months. For this reason, you must compare loan rates before deciding to apply. With the numerous lenders on the market, you are bound to find two or three options that suit your needs just fine. So, how else can you ensure you get the best rates?

Know Your Needs

Before making comparisons between lenders, be clear about why you are getting the loan. Lenders have a myriad of products that cater to various customer needs. A home loan will not have the same terms as an auto loan. If it’s a car loan, you will find that there are still different classes, depending on the lender. Products may vary in interest rates and payment duration. The qualifications for a loan may also determine which one to apply for as some loan options may have stricter standards than others. With loan calculators, you can look at different products from several lenders and see the one that aligns with your requirements. If you have been refused or had problems opening accounts in the past, then first find out if and when would you need to use a second chance bank?

Check and Polish Your Credit

Poor credit history is your biggest enemy when dealing with lending institutions. A borrower who has unpaid debts and maybe even a defaulted loan is unlikely to get approval. It is always advisable to know what is in your credit history before you present your application to a lender. Luckily, getting you credit score and report is easy with a site like Clearscore readily available. You can receive a detailed financial report for the last six years and it’s all free. If your credit score doesn’t look great, there are a few ways you can fix it as this blog suggests. Paying off your credit cards goes a long way in improving your score. Also, minimise your spending on credit cards because it shows lender your commitment to good finances.

Do the Homework

Never rely on one recommendation or pick the first lender you find. Paying off that loan will be a hassle at best, so why not have guarantees that you are getting the most out of it? Online resources are useful when trying to learn more about a lender. Look for reviews from objective sites like Money so you can get an unbiased take on the services provided. Ask around from colleagues and family members who have been through the process before to get a few insights. Don’t fall into the trap of applying to several lenders because it will ruin your credit score. Every time a bank runs a check on your credit, it shows on your report. Schedule meetings with a few lenders and see how they behave so you can tell which ones will be a problem to deal with. A lender that doesn’t treat you right or refuses to address your concerns is not a good fit, especially when you have to deal with them for a decade or two.