TOP TIPS ON LOANS AND DEBTS



I came into the office today wondering what to expect. Another day in paradise? Far from it. As the Director of a sizeable loan company each day I see more and people having debt problems. It simply supports what the news bulletins are churning out day after day. We do have a mounting debt problem.

So my partner Jeff decided it was about time I wrote a short article offering my top tips for dealing not just with debt, but for people looking for a loan. Some tips may be obvious, some less so. Nothing too long, but to the point he says. So here goes.

1. There is no substitute for taking positive action. Make today the day you do something positive for you, and your family's future.

2.If you find yourself in debt and are having difficulty managing it, notify your existing lenders. It's better to let them know in advance of problems so something can be worked out.

3.Shop around when you want to borrow money to find the best possible deal.

4.If you are a homeowner, compare secured loan rates against unsecured loan rates, but beware they are secured on the roof over your head and should you default on the payments you may lose your home.

5.The longer you borrow for, the more in interest charges you will end up paying.

6.Some lenders may offer a loan and then defer payment for the first three months. Remember that you will still be paying interest on the amount of money you will borrow.

7.If you pay back a loan early, some lenders charge an early redemption fee. Find out before you borrow if there are any penalties if it is repaid early.

8.If you are experiencing debt problems, do not ignore it. Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or a Debt Solutions company like IVA60 who will offer free advice.

9. Beware of lenders who knock on your door offering small loans. You could easily be paying back huge sums of interest to loan sharks. Never sign for a loan without reading the small print.

10. If you are in debt more than you can afford, start cutting up your credit cards to avoid any further temptation.

11.Budget, budget and budget again. I mean it. Your future is in the balance. Make a list of all your incomings and outgoings so you finally know what the shortfall is. Now take steps to wipe out that shortfall. You have to eat, but in a restaurant? Skip the pub, turn off the lights, walk to work, buy things in the sales, forget being proud buy from a cheaper supermarket, give up smoking and you will find money soon appears from nowhere.

12.If you are going to consolidate all your loans and debts into one bigger loan, make sure it is the only one you take out. That way you can manage the one loan and not have to worry about further debts.

13.If you have a les than perfect credit rating, don't let that put you off. You can still get a loan or re-mortgage to raise cash. Companies like us at www.bigloanco.co.uk will always listen to your personal circumstances and treat you as an individual.

14.Don't bury your head in the sand. No action is the worst action to take. It won't go away.

Finally, if you really are in just so much extreme debt and are not paying any of your bills, get help immediately. Even as lenders we are not here to make matters worse for you and have people you can talk to.

Brad Martin

Director

The Big Loan Company