Showing posts with label Loans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Loans. Show all posts

75 Best Car & Auto Loan Tips For You

No. 1 Car Loans - The Type of Car You Choose Affects your Loan
When thinking of getting car loans, remember that the loan amount depends directly on the price of the car that you choose to buy.
There are many factors affecting the price of a vehicle so why don't you shop around first? Start searching online and visiting and talking to car dealers; you can also start reading car consumer magazines.
Most of the time, vehicle consumer magazines group cars into categories, provide frequency-of-repair information, and list down car prices.

No. 2 Auto Loans - How Much You Can You Afford
The auto loan amount you wish to get should depend on your monthly net pay.
If your loan exceeds 10 to 12 percent of your monthly net pay then you should consider leasing a car instead of taking out a loan on a car. Further, you should take out a loan for the shortest possible period (get a 24-month loan as opposed to one that stretches for 48 months) and make a large down payment while borrowing the lowest amount possible.
This will reduce the overall cost of the loan.

No. 3 Getting an Auto Loan - Knowing ALL The Numbers
When thinking of getting an auto loan, it is important to know how much you are paying, when you are paying, how you are paying, and exactly what you are paying for. Knowing your numbers is an integral part of buying a car.
Very low interest rates are sometimes offered by dealers but they won't lower the price of the car. It is often better to pay higher financing on a car that cost less or buy a vehicle with a low down payment.

No. 4 Auto Loans - Signing on the Dotted Line
Auto loans are just like any other contract - the small print should also be real.You should always be sure to read and understand every word of the car loan contract before you sign it.
Make sure to read and reread everything that is written and do not leave anything blank. If you have discussed (and agreed) something with the car dealer, broker or loan officer, make sure this is mentioned in the loan papers.
If possible, have it initialed by both you and the car dealer before, broker or loan agent.

No. 5 Auto Loans - Sources of Information
There are many different sources for information when it comes to auto loans and their costs and rates.Some of these sources include banks, savings and loans institutions, credit unions, and national lenders.
It would help to compare national sources to local sources when it comes to financing. The annual percentage rate (APR) should be compared as well as other costs associated with the loan such as loan insurance and loan processing costs. It won't hurt to inform other lenders what other loan sources have to offer so they can also give you the best deal.

No. 6 Auto Loans - Of Early Payments and Penalties
Before you sign that auto loan contract, make sure that it gives you the option to make early payments.
It is also wise to make sure that the contract states that payments will be applied on the loan principle and that if you pay off the loan early, you will not be penalized nor will it entail any extra costs to you. Do not be sweet-talked to by the lender into agreeing to a small fee for early payments.
If he does not agree, shop for another lender.

No. 7 Bad Credit Auto Loan - No More Worries
If you fear that you have poor credit, bad credit or no credit history at all, don't worry, you can still get the car that you like through a bad credit auto loan. These loans are offered by many lenders today to cater to people with bad credit. This opportunity, however, does not come free.
A higher interest rate will be applied because you are considered a 'high risk' by the lender. Still, as cars are really more necessities than items of luxury, a bad credit car loan may not be bad at all.

No. 8 Bad Credit Auto Loans and Interest Rates
Bad credit auto loans were designed for people with poor credit, bad credit or no credit history at all.For this opportunity, a lender will apply a higher annual percentage rate or APR. How high should you go with these rates?
Although you can concede that you won't get the best interest rates because of your bad credit rate, you should also not be duped by lenders into getting loans with absurd interest rates. A quick search online will tell you what the industry average use; use this as your barometer.

No. 9 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score
There are many lenders out there that cater to bad credit holders so you need not worry that you will not get a bad credit auto loan at all.
However, note that your credit score determines the car loan's interest rates so it is in your best interest to see if you can improve this before getting a car loan.
A first step is to get a copy of your credit report, then scrutinize it and report any errors that may have been listed and are now pulling your credit score down.

No. 10 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score II
Bad credit auto loans may be bad for you.
If you can wait awhile, why not try and improve your credit score first? Start improving your credit rate by calling the credit bureau to inform them of any errors that occurred or are listed in your credit report.
Be prepared to show invoices, bills, ledgers, etc. to prove your claim. Getting those errors out of your report are sure to increase your credit score which translates to lower auto loan interest rates.

No. 11 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Take Advantage of Them
A bad credit auto loan may be bad for you IF you do not do your research well.Still, there are many lenders out there who actually offer decent deals even if you do have a bad credit score.
So, if you cannot wait to have a car because you really need it for work, shop around and find the best bad credit auto loan lender. If the deal is good then go for it.

No. 12 Auto Loans - It's the Car that Counts
Before applying for auto loans, it is important that you know what kind of car is suitable for your specific needs. You should never settle for a car that does not meet your need because of dealer or manufacturer incentives being offered to you.
Sometimes, extremely low APR financing is offered by dealers or manufacturers on cars that they cannot sell. Knowing what kind of car you need is also another way of avoiding influences of sales pitches or impulse buying.

No. 13 Auto Loans and Credit Reports
It is important to have a copy of your credit report ready before you go and apply for auto loans.
A credit report is one of the first things that a lender will ask to see. Your credit history is important as it is what lenders will use to determine whether they will approve your loan or not. Make sure to correct any mistakes in the credit report before showing it to a dealer or lender.

No. 14 Auto Loans - Should You get a New or Used Car?
Although a new car generally means a higher loan amount in auto loans, there are many advantages to getting a brand new car.For one, buying a new car is better if you keep it for a long period of time.
Buying a new auto also gives you more car models to choose from and you can get the exact kind of car that you want according to your preferences. New cars also have warranties so if something goes wrong, both the car dealer and the manufacturer have more to answer for to you.

No. 15 Used Car Loan - The 'Cons'
Thinking of getting a used car loan? Before you select the used car, take these factors into consideration. For one, although used cars are less expensive, you have less cars to choose from. Moreover, although used cars are initially less expensive, they cost more to maintain.
Some used cars need repairs that you may not be aware of until you buy the car and that can lead to high repair and maintenance bills. And lastly, although some used cars may come with warranties, they don't usually cover as much as a warranty for a new car.

No. 16 Used Car Loan - The 'Pros'
Thinking of getting a used car loan? That may not be such a bad idea especially if you know the original owner of the vehicle you wish to purchase. If you know the owner and know him or her to have taken good care of the car, chances are, the car will not entail so many expenses when it comes to repairs.
The number one advantage of getting a used car is of course the discounted price. So if you are really tight on the budget, a used car loan is indeed a great option to have.

No. 17 Used Car Loan - Buy a Used 'Company' Car.
If a used car loan is all you can afford, make the best out of it by making a good used car choice.
Try to buy a used car that was once a company car, a car that was leased, or a car that was part of a rental company like Hertz or Avis. These used cars are still close to their original condition and may come with a warranty or special certification form the car dealer.

No. 18 Auto Loans - Is it All in the (Car) Name?
New or used, popular car brands mean higher auto loans (costs, rates, and all)When buying a car with a brand name, consider its reliability and performance rather than its popularity.
There are cars available in the market that may not be as popular but perform just as well as a branded car. Although an older brand name car might be a better deal than a car without a brand name that was used less, an extraordinary car will always cost more to maintain and repair whether it is new or used.

No. 19 Auto Financing Using Online Providers.
Getting a good auto financing rate over the Internet although more convenient is not always better.You'll always get a better rate if you meet with an actual seller or dealer.
However, the Internet is a good place to do some research on great financing resources (that you can actually go or visit later). These financial sources include your local bank or a credit union. Competitive financing rates are also provided by dealers and manufacturers so look for them on the Internet as well.

No. 20 Auto Loans - Make the Net your New Best Friend.
There are so many considerations when it comes to auto loans and the best way to start is to go online. There are many websites on the internet to choose from that provide information on buying a car.
These websites not only include specifications about the car but include pricing, reviews, dealer locations, insurance information, financial calculators, and trade in values for old cars as well. Use all this information so that you are better informed when facing a loan agent or officer.

No. 21 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score III
Try to improve your credit score before getting a bad credit auto loan as a low credit score translates to high car loan interest rates. One way to improve your credit rate is to try and stay in the same job and in one place for at least six months.
This portrays that you are responsible or are more stable and therefore less of a risk for lenders.
Of course, having a continuous job is important for you not only because it will be the basis of your auto loan but it is the source of your loan payments.

No. 22 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score IV
We all know that our credit score is crucial to getting low interest rates on an auto loan. So instead of getting a bad credit auto loan, why not try and see if you can increase your credit score first?
Try using independent credit reporting agencies. Reporting errors in your credit report can take ages but some really good (and reputable) credit report agencies take just 72 hours to fix an error in a credit report.

No. 23 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score V
You have studied your credit report and you spotted errors in them and now want to embark on the journey of improving your credit score rather than getting a bad credit auto loan.
This is a wise decision but what do you need to do? The first thing is to ensure that you have ALL the documentation that supports your claim that there is an error in your credit report. These can include receipts, invoices, letters, etc.

No. 24 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score V
Do you really need a bad credit auto loan?If you can wait a bit, see if you can improve your credit first.
Remember, bad credit car loans mean high interest rates which may lead to further debt. Create a list outlining your income and where that money is currently going. If you're in deep debt a financial counselor may be required to help you create a sound financial plan that you would need to follow for the succeeding months.

No. 25 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score VI
Do you have an all-too-familiar last name (e.g., Smith)? If so, your credit report probably has a record or account that does not even belong to you! And if that record is not good, it can pull your credit rate down.
Check your credit report first before you start shopping for a bad credit auto loan. Remember, bad credit loans mean higher interest rates so why pay for this ‘error’ in your credit report if you can fix it and get a better auto loan deal?

No. 26 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score VII
Before you go off and get that bad credit auto loan, are you thinking of improving your credit score first? That’s not a bad idea at all as a better credit score means better auto loan interest rates. Here's a tip, if you find an error in your credit report. Send your complaint during the holidays (e.g., Christmas). During this time, the credit bureau is too busy to get into some real investigative reading the 'happy' season makes them more lax in checking.

No. 27 Used Car Loan - Using the Internet
Before you go shopping for a good used car loan lender, shop for your used car. The Internet has a wide selection of new and used cars that are available for sale. Searching for cars on the Internet is easy and convenient.
It can be done in your home or office. Websites usually include specific searches by providing them with your ZIP code or providing them with the city where you are looking to buy a used car. You can also find a wide range of information about the used car such as matters with insurance or whether the car has been damaged or recalled.

No. 28 Used Car Loan - Using the Internet II
We go online for so many things so why not for the second hand car you want to purchase using that used car loan you have in mind? Many people think that used cars need to be viewed in person because they are so unpredictable (i.e., they may have hidden faults). And while this may be true, many used car websites have insurance rates and comparison tables that you can use. Some websites also have links to companies that offer insurance.

No. 29 Shop for Car Loan Rates Online
You've heard it before, the key to getting the best car loan rates is to shop around. There are many sources for auto loans that will offer you the lowest rates possible. Places that you can get an auto loan from are banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. You can research on these institutions on the Internet. Credit unions usually offer rates that are lower than that of banks. Some loans can also be approved even before you know what kind of car you're buying which is very important in most deals.

No. 30 Automobile Financing from Car Dealers
The perception is that automobile financing by a car dealer or car manufacturer costs more, but this is not necessarily true. Car dealers and manufacturers may be able to give you the best deal possible. Admittedly, these are 'hard finds' so the best way to get the best deal on auto financing is by comparing different deals that are available to you. The Internet has a wide range of choices for auto financing deals so that would be the best place to start your research.

No. 31 Auto Loans - Look at the Bigger Picture
Knowing what kind of a deal you're getting and knowing the 'numbers' involved is an important part of auto loans. When making a deal with dealers and manufacturers, not all numbers are definite. Interest rates and down payments can vary as well as the value of your trade in or the length of your loan. Interest rates on new cars are lower and can be financed over longer terms than used ones. So it is important to look at the bigger picture and not just focus on the lowest interest rates.

No. 32 A Look at Long-Term Auto Loans
It is easy to be tempted by long-term auto loans because then the amount that you pay monthly will also be lower. However, equity will take longer to build up the longer your loan is and so it will take longer for the car to be worth more than you owe on it.
Longer-term loans also mean that you will end up paying more in total for the car that you buy. And last but not the least, a long-term auto loan means it will take longer to re-sell the car and pay off the loan.

No. 33 Auto Loans - Ask Questions
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions about auto loans when talking to a dealer, broker or loan officer. After all, it is your money that you are spending and you have a right to know everything about where you put your money. And after all is said, agreed upon and signed (only by authorized signatories of the lender!), make sure you that have copies of all documents as well as everything that you signed.

No. 34 Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams
Always consider the reputation of the car dealer making a 'special offer' on auto loans. This is usually offered to first-time buyers, people who have bad marks on their credit, or senior citizens. Note that these 'special offers' do not mention the fact that they often ask for a large down payment or apply a high interest rate on the auto loan if you don't have good credit. And then, if for any reason you need to sell the car or you get into an accident, you might owe more money than what the car is worth.

No. 35 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score VIII
As part of efforts to get a better bad credit auto loan deal, see if there's absolutely anything you can do to improve your current credit score. First off, why not try and negotiate with your creditors? Statistics show that 9 out of 10 creditors will say ‘ok’ if you only ask them. Don’t be so fast in taking out cash advances in your credit card to settle bills from creditors. For one, most utility bills do not show up in credit reports anyway (unless those utility bills are sent to a collection bureau) so why use your credit card (which DOES show on credit reports) unnecessarily?

No. 36 Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams III
Here's the truth about auto loans - interest rates are directly related to your credit rate. If your credit score is higher than 680 then you will get an auto loan with a low APR. If you have a credit rate lower than 680, you get a loan with a higher APR. So what's the scam that some dealers do? They lie about your credit rate. They say that you have a low score so that you end up agreeing to a loan with high interest rates. How do you defeat this scam? Get a copy of your credit report!

No. 37 Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams II
Unfortunately, auto dealers can be one of the worst sources for auto loans. Here's a known scam - the "subject to loan approval" trick. Basically, a dealer gives you all the sales hype about this great auto loan deal you get from them. You sign the papers, take the car and drive off. Two weeks later, the dealer calls and says you did NOT qualify for the loan after all (i.e., not approved). So now a new loan scheme is presented to you with outrageous rates. Don't fall for this one, don't go driving off a car when your loan is in limbo.

No. 38 Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams IV
First, let's get thing one thing straight - there are no 'points' in auto loans like in mortgages. So if the dealer mentions that you need to pay a couple of hundred dollars to, you know... "to lower your APR", the dealer is just plain scamming you. If you think about it for awhile, it is indeed absurd. If you paid cash for the vehicle or came in with your own financing (from another lender), the auto dealer does not generously offer anything like this right?

No. 39 Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams V
If you have a bad credit score, you are probably better off looking for auto loans from a lender other than your car dealer. Auto dealers often pull the "you'll never get an APR lower than this" scam to uninformed bad credit holders. And because you DO have bad credit, you are more susceptible to accepting this seemingly generous offer. If you have bad credit, a quick online search will tell you the exact range of APR you are more likely to get for an auto loan.

No. 40 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score IX
Even if you are already resigned to the fact that you need a bad credit auto loan, it does not mean that you should not do anything to still improve your credit score. Every good point helps in lowering the auto loan interest rate! ‘Beef up’ your credit report by adding good information to it. You can do this by writing a letter to the credit bureau and giving them information about loans paid on schedule, salary increases at your place of employment, and more.

No. 41 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Online Sources
There is literally hundreds of financing institutions online offering assistance to bad credit holders. It’s not really surprising; many people have bad credit and by offering loans of higher rates to this demographic, lenders STILL earn a lot. Simply search for one online nearest your area and study a particular lender you like. Check out how big the firm is, how many it’s helped, its history and others. Most online lenders also have handy tools you can use like credit calculators, car buying guides, online loans applications and more.

No. 42 Get a Bad Credit Auto Loan via The Bank

Need a bad credit auto loan? Go visit your local bank. The advantage of going to your bank is that more often than not, they already know your credit history. So if you have a bad credit rate simply because you (really) forgot some payment deadlines (and not because you lack the funds), then financing assistance from your bank may be a better deal. Further, banks are known to offer the lowest interest on most auto loans.

No. 43 Get a Bad Credit Auto Loan thru Your Car Dealer
Is your car dealer offering a hard-to-resist bad credit auto loam? Sure, you can always get a loan from the auto dealer where you want to purchase your car BUT be aware of what you are getting yourself into. Often, you will be sucked in by seemingly low interest rates on auto loans only to find out that you will need to pay longer (more months!) or that the car price is higher than what was posted as the sale price.

No. 44 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Improve your Credit Score X

Improve your credit score before you go shopping for a bad credit auto loan. The best way to improve your credit rate is to start paying bills on time. Ask yourself if you can pay the minimum amount required on each bill you are currently getting within 30 days. If you can, then it’s just a matter of adhering to this schedule. If you can’t do this, then you should even rethink about getting an auto loan. Otherwise, you will end up not being able to pay the car loan and risk going into further debt.

No. 45 Bad Credit Auto Loan - Why the Car Dealer is a Good Option

Admittedly, there are many dealer scams out there. However, it IS possible that the car dealer is offering the best bad credit auto loan deal you've ever come across. This is because dealers benefit from the financing that car manufacturers have in place. Also, don't forget that as car dealers they do get the car at discounted rates from the car manufacturer so they are in a good position to lower the car's sale price and offer good loan rates.

No. 46 The Risks of an Auto Title Loan
An auto title loan is a loan wherein you have to surrender or provide the title to your car as collateral or security for a loan you wish to take. Before you engage in this type of loan, realize that if you do NOT pay on the agreed upon due date of the loan, you face the REAL risk of losing your car. After that, the lender can sell the car for whatever price without giving you any of the proceeds.

No. 47 What is a Refinancing Auto Loan?

A refinancing auto loan is when you get a new or second auto loan to pay off your current auto loan. Many of us may have been duped by a lender or car dealer into getting a loan with a high APR. By the time we realize this, we are already committed to paying the loan. But why suffer for long? If you can find a lender that offers a loan at a lower APR, pay off the first lender. You can literally save thousands of dollars with refinancing.

No. 48 The True Costs of a Refinancing Auto Loan

True, the thought of paying less monthly and the savings this brings drives many people to get a refinancing auto loan. Unfortunately, it is not as easy as that. For one, your current loan has a non-pre-payment clause, meaning you cannot end the loan earlier than the agreed end date. Otherwise, a penalty will be imposed. If this is the case, savings from refinancing auto loans may be greatly reduced so you are not really saving as much as you though you would.

No. 49 No Credit Check Auto Loans - No More Snooping Around
Many people are attracted to ‘no credit check’ auto loans. This is especially true if you have poor credit, bad credit or no credit history at all. If you have no credit history (which is the case for most foreigners) then these auto loans are great avenues for you. For those who have poor or bad credit – true, these loans are great options but be careful; getting a car loan on top of financial difficulties can lead you to further debt.

No. 50 Auto Title Loan - Money for an Emergency
An auto title loan is a loan wherein you have to surrender or provide the title to your car as collateral or security for a loan you wish to take. The main advantage of auto title loans is that you get cash fast! Because you are providing such collateral, lenders really have nothing to lose and so give you the loan / cash immediately. And if you are in a real cash emergency, these loans can be very handy indeed.

No. 51 No Credit Check Auto Loan Lenders
Just because a lender is offering ‘no credit check’ auto loans does not mean that he is your new best friend. In fact, be wary of such lenders, they may be trying to reel you in with the convenience of ‘no credit checks’ but then offer you high rates. So the same rules apply – shop around! In the end it all boils down to which lender can provide the best interest rate for the car you like despite you having poor credit, bad credit or no credit history.

No. 52 Pre Approved Auto Loan - Gaining Leverage
Whether you do this online or via a bank, getting a pre approved auto loan works to your advantage. For yourself, this ensures that you are ready with the information required for the loan. And when you speak to a lender or loan officer, the fact that you have a pre-approved loan shows that you are well-informed. For a car dealer, this indicates that you cannot be easily scammed; for a loan officer this is seen as a sign of responsibility and will influence your car loan favorably.

No. 53 Pre Approved Auto Loan - Online Approvals
Getting a pre approved auto loan has great advantages. However, if you plan to do this via an online auto loan lender, proceed with caution. If you are providing personal information, ensure that you are providing them in a secure site. You don’t want to get tons of junk email right? Sometimes, these online lenders are just ‘fronts’ and are just after your email address so they can bombard you with offers and what nots.

No. 54 Beware the Balloon Auto Loan
A balloon auto loan is where you only pay the interest of the car loan monthly (i.e., and not the principal amount). At the end of a pre-agreed schedule (e.g., every six months or annually), you then pay a huge lump sum. Many lenders try to sweet talk you by touting the benefits of ‘lower monthly payments’ and then conveniently forgetting that a balloon payment can be difficult. If you opt for a balloon auto loan, ensure that you will have the funds by the due date the lump sum payment is required.

No. 55 When to Agree to a Balloon Auto Loan
A balloon auto loan is where you only pay the interest of the car loan monthly (i.e., and not the principal amount). The main advantage is that you get to settle very low monthly car loan payments. If you can guarantee yourself that you can save up the lump sum required during the months you are paying only the interest, then go for such a loan. This is also an option if you can pre-determine a certain amount of money to be yours (e.g., freedom from other loans, a salary bonus, etc.) at the time the balloon payment is required.

No. 56 Auto Loan Down Payments
One major variable that you can control when getting an auto loan is the amount of down payment you can make. Making a large down payment will undoubtedly lower the cost of your monthly payments. And so if you are planning ahead and want to get a car at some point in the near future, start saving now for the down payment. Rebates offered by lenders and car dealers are another factor in the overall cost of the car that you should consider.

No. 57 Auto Loan Rebates
When getting an auto loan, car dealers will try to throw in great rebates. Now, these rebates may sound great but they can actually ‘artificially’ increase the popularity and value of a car and can make the car cost more. And then after a couple of years, when the popularity of the car dies down it will be hard to sell the car for a good price. There are no shortcuts – the best way to know what interest you're paying is still through the annual percentage rate (APR).

No. 58 What is an Auto Title Loan?
An auto title loan is a loan wherein you provide the title to your car as collateral or security for a loan you wish to take. The main advantage is that you get cash fast; the main disadvantage is that you can really lose you car if you do not pay the loan on the assigned due date. So before you hand over the rights to your car to a lender, ensure that you will have the means to pay off the loan when it is due.

No. 59 Auto Loan Hidden Charges and Penalties
It is very important to know and understand the basics of financing and to ask the dealer or the bank as many questions as you can about your auto loan. You should also check to see if there are any penalties if you pay a loan early or if there is anything else that you might be charged for during the term of the loan. Any hidden charges on your car loan are considered as penalties.

No. 60 Get a Better Auto Loan Deal with Trade-Ins
One of factors affecting an auto loan is if you have a car to trade-in. The trade-in value of a car is part and parcel of the dealing process of buying a car. One important tip – do NOT talk about the trade-in price of the car until you have agreed on the price for the new car. The market is what sets the value of your car whether the car is a trade-in or a sale that is made privately. You should always use the trade-in to its maximum value.

No. 61 Auto Loan Deals - It's Bargain Time!
The amount you need for an auto loan is directly proportional the price of the car you want to buy. So... bargain hard! Bargaining with a car dealer can bring down the sticker price of a car. Not everyone pays for the sticker price of a car because dealers are always willing to bargain between 10% and 20% of their profit margin. This percentage is usually the difference between the suggested retail price and the invoice price. Either way, both the dealer and the buyer get a good deal.

No. 62 Auto Loan Deals - Break Down those Bewildering Numbers
Don’t ever agree to an auto loan or financing arrangement where you are only shown the total or a rough idea of how you ended up paying that way. Knowing the exact price of a car is important since you usually can't return a car once you buy it. Always know the exact price as well as the total amount that is being financed as well as the credit finance charge and annual percentage rate of the car. Knowing the total number of payments you have to make on the car is also very important.

No. 63 Do You Need Credit Insurance for an Auto Loan?
A credit insurance is not required by federal law so check your state's requirements if your lender is offering it (or even mentioning that you NEED one before you get a loan). This can be done through the office of your attorney general or insurance commissioner. Make sure to make a comparison and find out exactly what credit insurance will cost if you already have an insurance policy that covers the same thing. Also make sure it's included in the cost of your credit and see where it is reflected in the APR you're paying if you really need to get credit insurance.

No. 64 Thinking of Auto Loans After Bankruptcy?
If you've just been discharged from your obligations due to bankruptcy, there are still many lenders out there who are more than willing to offer auto loans after bankruptcy. However, you still need to ensure that you are now of good standing before any lender grants you a car loan. For one, you're credit rate should at least be 525. Also, note that a discharged bankruptcy stays in your credit report for up to 10 years so don’t even think of hiding this fact to a lender.

No. 65 Auto Loans After Bankruptcy - Be True To Your Lender
Do you have a bankruptcy discharge in your past? Don’t fret; there are still many lenders out there who are more than willing to offer auto loans after bankruptcy. But be honest about any other new loans you have just availed of after the discharged bankruptcy. For yourself, be aware of these loans and make sure you do not fall into the same trap of not being able to pay your loans because you cannot file for bankruptcy again for at least six years (which is why lenders are eager to give you a loan again).

No. 66 Auto Loans After Bankruptcy - Are YOU Ready?
There are many lenders out there who are more than willing to offer people auto loans after bankruptcy. But are you really ready for a car loan now? Here’s how to know - when the car loan is calculated, the payments cannot be over 20% your of monthly income. Another ‘rule’ is that the overall car financing amount cannot be over 8 times your monthly income. If you cannot meet these parameters then you may not be ready for an auto loan just yet.

No. 67 Auto Loan Calculator - Why Use It
An auto loan calculator is a very handy tool to use because it helps you figure out instantly if you can afford to purchase the car of your choice. You don’t need to buy these handy calculators, just go online. Many lenders have this feature on their sites. If you find out that you cannot afford the car you like, then you can go and shop for another vehicle before you go to your bank or lender for financing assistance.

No. 68 Auto Loan Calculator - Find Out How Much You Need to Pay Monthly
There are many types of an online auto loan calculator but the most popular is the one that computes for your monthly payments. Make sure you have the following information:
vehicle loan amount (i.e., the amount of money you wish to borrow from a lender to finance your Car)

*car loan term (duration of the loan)
*Interest rate
*car loan start date

Type in the above information in the corresponding fields in the calculator and then click Calculate. So, can you afford these monthly auto loan payments?

No. 69 Auto Loan Calculator - Ease Anxieties Away
Admit it or not, most people are not really fully aware of their own money matters and this makes them quite apprehensive about approaching other people to ask information about a car loan. With an online auto loan calculator, you can find out the basic information required and that can start you off in your loan information gathering mode. Once you have the data and the result of your calculations, you can now face a lender or loan officer with more confidence.

No. 70 Common Auto Loan Calculator Terms

Using an online auto loan calculator is great but you won’t get anywhere without knowing these loan terms (the values of which are the data you need for the loan calculation).
APR(Annual Percentage Rate) - the yearly cost of your car loan, including interest, insurance, and the origination fee.
Down payment – cash you have in hand to serve as an up front payment for the vehicle. The amount will be deducted from the vehicle car price thereby reducing the amount of the auto loan.
Interest rate - the fee charged by the lender financing your loan for the use of his/her money, usually expressed as an annual percentage of the principal amount

No. 71 Pre Approved Auto Loan - Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio

If you want to get pre approved for an auto loan, it is important to note that most lenders will compute your debt-to-income ratio to find out if you are capable of settling your loan. Not sure what your debt-to-income ratio is? Add your total net monthly income and then add your monthly debt obligations (e.g., credit card bills, other loan payments, etc.). Divide your total monthly debt obligations by your total monthly income. This is your total debt-to-income ratio.

No. 72 Pre Approved Auto Loan - Is Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Cause for Concern?
If you want to get pre approved for an auto loan, it is important to note that most lenders will compute your debt-to-income ratio to find out if you are a high or low risk. Divide your total monthly debt obligations by your total monthly income to get your total debt-to-income ratio. A 0.36 score should cause some concern. The lower your score is the better; scores above 0.36 may cause an increase in the interest rate or the down payment on the car loan you are applying for.

No. 73 Auto Loans - In The Broker We Trust
You can search online all you want and calculate for auto loans many times over, but sometimes you really just have to talk to somebody who knows better. A car loan broker is knowledgeable about the services, programs, and rates of lenders across the country. As such, he is a great resource if you can’t make heads or tails of all the fancy loan financing terms and marketing schemes of lenders. So go ahead, give a loan broker a call. It may cost a bit but it will be worth getting all your questions answered.

No. 74 Auto Loans - In The Broker We Trust II
By now, you know that the auto loans broker is a wealth of car lending knowledge. More than this, a broker works according to your specific needs. He can analyze your financial situation, review your credit history and provide advice on areas you may need to work on to get that loan. So really, a broker does not only provide useful loan information but he can lead you in the right direction to get the best loan deals.

No. 75 Auto Loans - In The Broker We Trust III
Take advantage of your auto loans broker. A broker has a wide network of contacts so he can easily point you out to the lender with the most favorable loan options that suit your needs. But do proceed with caution – ask him WHY he is recommending this or that lender and why exactly are those loan terms attractive. Sometimes, a broker recommends lenders where he gets a commission regardless of whether the lender is really good or not.

25 Car and Auto Loan Tips ( For Short Term Needs)

1.) Auto Title Loans Through Your Bank
Is your local bank offering auto title loans? If so, if you own a
car and you badly need a loan, your car title can serve as security for the loan you wish to take. The good part about an auto title loan through your bank is that you are usually considered for this type of loan even if you have bad credit history or you’ve previously declared bankruptcy. And since banks are generally known for offering better rates, you are better off getting a car title loan through a bank than any other lender.

2.) Requirements for Auto Title Loans

Thinking of auto title loans? If so, you need to prepare the following: your vehicle, the original car title, auto registration, driver’s license, proof of insurance, and others to avail of this type of loan. If you want to give this a try, there are so many online lenders who are willing to extend a loan against your car title. Rates are determined based on the information you provide when you submit your application online.

3.) Auto Title Loans are for Short-Term Needs

Auto title loans should only be used for real financial emergencies. These are easy to get loans that are usually characterized by a short loan term period (usually two to four weeks) and have high rates of interest. Note that lenders who are willing to extend these types of loans target individuals who are badly in need of cash. For them, this may be a quick way to get a car because if you don’t pay on the due date, you risk losing your car to the lender.

4.) Auto Equity Loans - Tiding You Over

Are you badly in need of cash? Why not take a look at auto equity loans? An auto equity loan is a type of security interest where you pledge your equity in your vehicle in exchange for cash. A car equity loan can usually be availed thru a bank or financing company. The money you get can be used to eliminate another loan with a much higher rate of interest or simply for everyday use such as paying the electricity bill, groceries, and others.

5.) Break Your Auto Equity Loans Habit

Has what started as a real need in getting auto equity loans now spun out of control because of the relative ease in how you get such car loans? You are not alone. Millions of Americans find themselves getting sucked in to car equity loans or any loan for that matter that enables them to get their hand son fast cash. Break this cycle now before you plunge further into debt? How? Major lifestyle changes are in order. If the task is too daunting, consult a credit counselor.

6.) How To Ensure You Get the Best Auto Loan Rates

There are three main things you can do to ensure that you get the best auto loan rates. First, start by checking out the auto loan rates in your city or state. You can easily get this data online. Second, check your credit standing as this affects the loan rate you’re likely to get. And third, shop and compare the loan rates offered by online lenders, your auto dealer and your local bank. Now, it’s just selection time!

7.) Online Auto Loan Rates - Protect Yourself

This is a common scenario – you are searching online for the best auto loan rates when you are asked to fill out a form BEFORE you see the car rates applicable to you. Many people actually stop at this point and leave the online lender’s site. One of the main fears of people when dealing with online lenders is that the loan information they provide will be made available to others. As such, ensure that when you do provide loan information, the site is secured (normally, you will see https: on the web address).

8.) The Benefits of Using Online Car Loan Lenders

Try and get over your fear and skepticism of using online car loan lenders. These lenders offer real benefits: no processing fees, availability of handy tools such as loan calculators you can use, fast processing of auto loan applications (some are pre approved in minutes!), numerous loan articles you can read and review, and more! Even if in the end you opt for your local bank or neighborhood auto dealer, the effort of looking up these online lenders will be worth it.

9.) Car Loan Savvy - What to Do When You Give a Deposit

Before the car loan - you must first determine the car. There are a wide range of websites that offer information on buying used and new cars. These sites offer information on pricing as well as other information about cars. Always do comparisons on cars whether used or new to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. Never give a deposit on a car unless you can get your money back and try to get this in writing before you give any money for a deposit.

10.) Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams VI

Often, car dealers will add ‘extras’ to auto loans as part of the ‘deal’ or ‘so you don’t have to waste time getting it done elsewhere’. Don’t fall for this scam; this is just a ploy to increase the auto loan figures. For example, car dealers throw in window etching for $500 when in fact you can get this easily done for as low as $50(!) if you bring the car elsewhere and have it done there.

11.) Auto Loans - Beware of Dealer Scams VII

Everybody gets tempted by 0% rates on auto loans! But beware - special funding arrangements apply mostly to select (i.e., slow-moving or hard to sell) car models and the 0% come-ons are usually just that – a come-on. If you are up to date with car models and their market prices, and prevailing loan rates, you will soon realize that even if the loan is presumably 0%, the price of the car itself has been jacked up.

12.) Auto Loans - Getting Around the Dealer

No quite ready for auto loans? If you are the non-confrontational type and fear that a car dealer might dupe you into a high-priced car AND a high APR auto loan, then opt for the easy way and CALL the dealer first. One of the effective things that you can do to get information is to get on the phone and call different dealerships. Two things to keep in mind when making that call is not to accept a refusal to talk over the phone and don't talk with a dealer who demands your presence before offering you any information.

13.) A Bank Auto Loan May Offer Friendly Terms

Are you avoiding a bank auto loan? Do not disregard your local bank. True, they may be a bit more strict but they are also know to offer the lowest annual percentage rate (APR). Further, if you are a current client, they may be a more lenient when it comes to previous credit problems. In the end, it never talks to a bank’s loan officer; it is just another way of ensuring that you are thorough with your ‘shop and compare’ routine.

14.) Auto Loan Schemes - Low Interest Rates and No Down Payment Deals

Sometimes there are auto loan advertisements that offer low interest rates or no down payments. Be sure to check that this does NOT entail that the car's price is higher than it would be on other deals (i.e., as compared to people who pay cash or has pre-approved financing). If in doubt, ignore the advertised special and try to see how much another car (of the same type) is priced. It also never hurts to ask the dealer to explain (and compare) how this ‘deal’ differs from others.

15.) Covering Auto Loan Details - How Much IS that Car?

Sometimes, there’s so much ‘hoopla’ at car dealers that you don’t really know how much the car is worth. Auto loan value, known also as loan value, book value or retail value, refers to the assessed worth of the car you like. It is based on many different factors – make and model, manufacturer's suggested retail price and car rates, transmission type and mileage (for second hand cars). Other features such as airbags, sophisticated audio system and vanity accessories also affect the value of the car.

16.) Auto Loan Terms - Shorter Is Better

Do not give in to the temptation of low monthly payments if this means a long loan term. Some lenders even convince you to extend a loan period to as long as 10 years! Realize that by doing so, your interest payments sometimes equal or even exceed the loan value of the vehicle. Go ahead, calculate the interest ratio of the loan arrangement by dividing the total interest over the value of the vehicle. You’ll be surprised to find out that you’re interest payments ALONE amount to 50% to 80% of the actual car value.

17.) It's Time to Get a Bad Credit Car Loan

Getting a bad credit car loan can indeed be a bad idea but do you really have a choice? To start paying off debt or improving your credit rate, you need to work, and to get to work, you need a car. So yes, a bad credit car loan may indeed be a not so nice but necessary choice. Still, do not succumb to convenient (less requirements) or easy (fast approval) auto loans. You still need to shop and compare for the best bad credit car loans.

18.) Bad Credit Car Loans - How Much More in Interest?

There is no way around it – bad credit car loans mean higher interest rates. But just how high? It is not surprising to avail of an auto loan with a 12% and upwards interest rate compared to a 6% to 7% interest rate for people with good credit standing. That’s a big difference indeed. So if you can delay the loan, see if you can improve your credit score first. If not, try to get a loan with interest rates nearer 12% (instead of upwards!).

19.) How To Get Out of a Bad Credit Car Loan

Ok, you are better off financially now and although you appreciate the car you got via a bad credit car loan, you do not want to pay those high interest monthly payments anymore. The answer? Car loan refinancing. Pay off your current auto loan with another car loan that you take from another lender. The difference? The second lender charges a much lower APR. The dynamics is that with the new lender with the lower interest rate, your monthly car loan payments are smaller and easier for you to maintain.

20.) Bad Credit Car Loan - Easy Bad Credit Fix

If you can wait a bit, improve your credit score before you get a bad credit car loan. This will reduce the interest rate applied on the loan and entail lower monthly payments. Start improving credit with these steps: (1) Pay your bills on time! If you can, pay a bit more than the minimum amount due. (2) Never max out your credit limit! If possible limit charges to only 50% of your credit limit.

21.) Lowest Auto Loan Rates through Your Employees

Sometimes, you don’t need to look far at all to get the lowest auto loan rates. Does your company have low interest auto loan benefits? If they do, take advantage of it. Getting a low interest on auto loans from external sources can be risky so why not go for this option that’s readily available to you? Your company’s financing scheme can save you hundreds of dollars on interest payments. If your company is in the financial services industry, all the more you should avail of their car loan benefit.

22.) Factors Affecting Your Chance at the Lowest Auto Loan Rates

Looking for the lowest auto loan rates. Consider these factors.

Look for loans that use prime lending rates. These are rates based on the average loan rates of banks and other financing institutions. It gives you a good idea of what the best money rates are for a certain period in the market.

Cars that have great value get better rates. For used cars, the better the condition it is in, the better its value. As for new cars, a model, make and brand considered great by lenders can mean better rates.

23.) Lowest Auto Loan Rates for Great Credit Score Holders

If you have a great credit rate (higher than 650) then you have a great chance at getting the lowest auto loan rates the market can offer. So if you have this high a credit rate, demand nothing else but the best car loan deal! Of course, other factors such as other loans taken and the type and price of the car you want to purchase affect the loan interest rate a lender will apply on your auto loan.

24.) The Perfect Candidates for a No Credit Car Loan

A ‘no credit’ car loan solves the dilemma that over 50 million people in the US face – they do not have enough data on file to generate a valid FICO score (i.e. credit score). So if you are a student, recently widowed or divorced, a new immigrant to the United States, or just someone who’s never had a need to establish credit before, then no credit auto loans are for you. Go online to jumpstart your search for the right lender!

25.) No Credit Car Loan - Lender Selection Tips

Just because you require a no credit car loan does not mean you cannot be picky. After all, there are many lenders out there just out to scam you. Keep these in mind.

How long the lender has been in the credit lending business? Do they have a good reputation?

How many borrowers does the lender serve annually?

Is the lender’s site readily showing a loan or repayment chart where their standard interest rate is seen?

27 Best Home Loan Tips

1. Add up those home loan fees.
Once you've saved up the deposit for a home, don't forget to take into account all the extra fees that come with buying a house - some or all of these: stamp duty, legal costs, disbursements, mortgage insurance, pest inspection report, survey report, builder's report, strata inspection report, loan application fee, valuation fee, registration fee, sundry fees like refinancing or switching fees.

On a mortgage loan of $300,000, expect to pay at least $15,000 in fees. With mortgage insurance, this will rise to about $17,470.


2. Additional repayments.
Making additional repayments beyond what's required in your minimum monthly repayment is one of the best ways to reduce the total interest paid and term of your loan.

As a rule of thumb, every $1 in extra repayments you make early in the life of your loan saves around $2 in interest over the term of the loan, depending on the level of interest rates.
Consider either one-off lump sum payments when you have spare cash or commit to increasing your regular repayment amount.

However, make sure that your loan allows you to make additional repayments without penalty. Fixed-rate and basic (or 'no-frills' loans) often have restrictions on extra repayments or charge a fee for the privilege.

Use BankChoice's Extra repayments calculator or Lump-sum repayment calculator to determine how much time and money can be saved.

3. Ask about 'professional package' discounts.
If you're earning more than $50,000 a year, or $80,000 or more with a partner, ask lenders and brokers about the "professional packages". The home loan interest rate is usually discounted by 0.5 per cent on which ever loan you choose. Relationship discounts are also available from banks and credit unions for those borrowers who consolidate a range of planning business with the one institution. Home loan discounts, savings account fee waivers and credit card annual fee waivers are commonly offered.


4. Be careful of 'honeymoon' intro rates.
Home lenders entice borrowers to their home loans with attractive low introductory rates. These rates may be up to 2 percentage points below the standard rates for home loans and look therefore look very attractive. But these "honeymoon rates" only last for six months to a year before automatically reverting to the standard rate offered by that lender. By all means take advantage of these discounted rates but don't let them dictate your choice of loan. It is far more important to compare loans by felxibility of features and the standard rate that you will face for years into the future. The 'comparison rate' that lenders must publish for each loan is a much better tool with which to compare the true interest and fees costs of different loans.


5. Beware fixed rates.
Attractive when interest rates are rising, fixed-rate loans also lock you in for a fixed term and as such are less flexible than variable-rate loans. You may not be able to make additional repayments or pay the loan out early without facing high penalty charges.

Fixed rate loans suit borrowers who really value the certainty of knowing exactly what their future repayments will be property investors and borrowers on a tight budget, for example.

Borrowers trying to beat rate rises by picking the right time to lock in to a fixed rate are playing a risky game. Such borrowers are taking a gamble on the future and the longer the period you fix, the more of a gamble it is. Predicting interest rates three to fives years into the future is something akin to picking Lotto numbers.



6. Can't get a standard loan? There are alternatives.
If the banks, building societies and credit unions won't lend to you because you're self employed, newly arrived in the country or have a poor credit history, consider the booming non-conforming and "low doc" loan market. A number of non-bank lenders offer loans which especially cater for this type of borrower. The interest rates on non-conforming loans are generally higher but come down after a few years of on-time repayments.


7. Caution the key in current housing market.
Home owners and property investors would be wise to adopt greater financial caution amid uncertainty in the outlook for property prices and interest rates. Continued growth in household debt, easy lending practices, top-heavy house prices and the upturn in the interest cycle make a case for protecting yourself against the increasing chances of a property downturn. In the current climate, there are number of simple steps that both prospective buyers and existing borrowers can take to avoid their investment being put at risk:

New borrowers:

  • allow for higher interest rates of up to 1 percentage point when budgetting for repayments over the next two years
  • maximise your deposit and try to keep your LVR as low as possible, 90 per cent at the most
  • ensure personal debts like credit cards and car loans are under control before committing to a property loan
  • buy for the long term, short-term speculation is more risky now than ever

Existing borrowers:
  • make extra repayments where possible to reduce your exposure to higher rates and falling prices
  • consider switching at least part of your loan to a fixed rate BUT check the flexibility of such loan arrangements. Extra repayments? Early payout penalties?
  • consider carefully further borrowing against the equity built up in your home � can you afford higher repayments if rates are 7 or 8 per cent?
  • rather than for further spending, use home equity finance to consolidate existing higher-interest debt at the lower home loan rate.


8. Check if there are ongoing fees.
Many banks now charge monthly or annual administration fees on home loans. When comparing the cost of different loans, don't just look at the interest rate, look at the 'total cost of borrowing'.Many lenders are using 'average annual percentage rates' (AAPRs) as a means of comparing the true or total cost of loans. Although this measure incorporates fees as well as the interest rate, they can be misleading because an AAPR will vary on a particular loan depending on the amount borrowed.


9. Check your statements for errors.
There are claims that more than 50 percent of home loan statements contain calculation errors. Simple mistakes, like the entry of the incorrect balance or the application of the wrong interest rate at the wrong time can be costly and mostly favour the lender. We all make mistakes, even bank computers make them and that's why borrowers should keep a close eye on loan statements. Various software for your home PC is available that can run a check on your statements.



10. Compare loan features, not just rates.
The more flexible the loan, the higher interest you'll pay. A variable loan which allows you to draw against repayments or offset savings against the mortgage will have a higher rate than a basic loan. Always compare loans with the same features when looking for the best interest rate.


11. Consider a portable loan.
A portable home loan allows you to sell one property and move to a new one without having to refinance, ie. pay out the old loan and take out a new one. This saves application and legal fees.

Most lenders will insist that the loan amount required for the new property is no greater than the existing amount borrowed.



12. Do you need a redraw facility?
A redraw facility allows you to make additional repayments on your mortgage, and then have access to the additional repayments if you need to.

However, the facility is normally only available on "Standard Variable" loans, which are more expensive than basic variable loans. Before you choose the more expensive loan, make sure you understand the conditions attached to the redraw facility as it may include a minimum amount and a fee every time you use it.



13. Do your homework.
There are so many home loans on the market these days with an increasing variety of rates, fees and features that it really pays to shop around. Our home loan selector is designed to make comparing what's on offer much easier.


14. Don't fall foul of the taxman.
If you're an investor in rental property, take a note of these common problem areas the ATO finds with deduction claims. Legal fees are only deductible if they're associated with taking out a loan to buy property - not for the actual purchase. These fees can be claimed along with other borrowing costs but not in the year of purchase. They must be depreciated over the life of the loan. Another deduction scrutinized by the Tax Office is depreciation, relatively easy to calculate for new properties but harder for established homes. Investors may try to determine these on their own but can pay a quantity surveyor to do it. This usually costs at least $500 but often results in a higher depreciation claim. The other area targeted in ATO audits is travel expenses associated with rental properties. Travel claims are allowed for the investor to do repairs, collect rent or carry out inspections. The property does not have to be interstate. A yearly per-kilometer claim can be made no matter where the property is.


15. Don't rely solely on comparison rates.
All lenders must now include "comparison rates" in advertisements for their home loans and personal loans to help consumers get a feel for their total cost - fees and the interest. Don't rely solely on comparison rates when choosing a loan and beware of their shortcomings. They only take into account fees and interest rates, not the features and how suitable the loan is for your circumstances.


16. Ensure your mortgage broker really delivers.
Getting a broker to arrange your loan can certainly save a lot of time and hassle, but borrowers really must ensure the service they expect is the one that's delivered. Ensure the broker fully explains in writing why his or her loan recommendation is the best for your circumstances, not just the loan that earns the most for the broker. Ensure brokers also fully outline all upfront and ongoing "trail" commissions they will earn from lenders for your loan business. Never pay a broker a fee yourself unless the broker is prepared to rebate some or all of their commission earnings to you in return.


17. Keep accurate records.
Keep accurate records of your deposits and ATM transactions. It is also wise to keep copies of your loan application and approval documents in a safe place.

This is the best way to avoid hefty fees which may be charged by a bank when its customers want to see copies of their cheques or loan files.


18. Look beyond the banks.
Get a feel for what's on offer across the wide range of financial providers around these days. Credit unions, building societies, mortgage originators, community banks and boutique online or telephone banks may offer better interest rates or lower fees than the big banks because they are anxious to win new business or they are non-profit organizations.


19. Look for flexibility.
When taking out a loan make sure it offers the flexibility to meet the changing circumstances you will undoubtedly experience over the 10 to 25 years of your loan. The ability to make extra repayments, redraw extra repayments, fix the rate on a portion of the loan, or refinance to another loan if need be are all features to be considered.

Most fixed term and rate loans and some basic loans don't allow you to make additional repayments, or charge a penalty for doing so. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before taking out your loan.



20. Make the most of rate falls.
If monthly repayments drop because interest rates have fallen, try to maintain the old repayment levels. This means you will pay off more of the principal with each repayment, reduce the term of your loan and the total amount of interest paid.


21. Make your surplus cash work harder.
Use cash savings to help pay off your loan quicker. Remember the old saying 'a dollar saved is a dollar earned'? If you have a home loan at 7 per cent, every extra dollar you pay off the principal is another dollar you are not paying 7 per cent on each year. If you instead put that extra dollar into a savings account you are only going to earn 2 or 3, perhaps 5 per cent at the most. Therefore putting savings into your loan earns you twice as much as a savings account.

These days, redraw facilities available on most standard variable loans allow you to take back those extra payments if needed anyway. See also Offset accounts and all-in-one loans below.

Use BankChoice's Extra repayments calculator or Lump-sum repayment calculator to determine how much time and money can be saved.


22. Pay your loan off quicker with fortnightly or weekly repayments.
Converting your monthly repayment into two fortnightly or four weekly payments can reduce the term of your loan in two ways:
  • because there are more than two fortnights or four weeks in every month, dividing your original monthly repayment into two or four means you actually pay more over the course of a calendar month.
  • when interest is calculated daily, the more frequent repayments result in less interest being charged to your loan over the course of a month.
23. Quit smoking.
If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, it is costing you almost $3000 a year. Quit, and put the daily saving of $8 or so aside and pay an extra $240 each month off your mortgage.
Use Bank Choice's extra repayments calculator to see how much you can save and how quickly you'll repay the mortgage (but it won't tell you how much longer you will live as a result).

24. Save interest with offset accounts.
Offset accounts not only save you home loan interest, they help beat the taxman as well. Savings in offset accounts are subtracted from the outstanding loan amount each month so interest is charged only the net amount. Interest paid in cash to your savings account is taxable, but the same interest used to offset home loan interest is not a tax effective way to reduce you home loan. However, to get the most from an offset account, look for accounts which offers a 'full offset', i.e. paying interest at the same rate charged on your home loan. Redraw facilities and line-of-credit loans make use of your savings in much the same way.


25. Save with a line-of-credit loan.
Disciplined borrowers can make use of the increasing range of line-of-credit loans, also called salary account or all-in-one loans, which offer the chance to make every spare dollar work to reduce your home loan. These loans allow your income to be paid directly into the loan account to reduce the loan outstanding sooner than waiting for the repayment due date. You are also effectively making larger repayments because you only withdraw the money you need to live on each month, leaving all surplus cash in the loan account to reduce the balance. In this way, the loan can be paid off much quicker and thousands in interest saved. Line-of-credit borrowers must be disciplined, however, and not withdraw more money over time than is going in. Income you bank must exceed your total expenses by at least the value of your principal-and-interest loan repayment before there is any financial benefit.


26. Use your home equity to borrow.
The more you pay off your home loan, the more of the property you own or the more 'equity' in the property you build up. With a more flexible planning system these days, it is possible to borrow against this equity for further investment; a second property, shares etc. The advantage of borrowing against this equity rather than taking out a personal, investment or business loan is that the interest rate will invariably be lower the better the asset you put up as collateral, the better the terms a lender will offer. Nothing beats bricks and mortar security (in this case, your home).

27. Win rate discounts for bulk business.
It's possible to get home loans with interest rates discounted by up to half a percentage point lower than the standard variable rate. The big banks and some smaller lenders offer a package of discounts and bonuses to those who conduct all their planning with them. These packages require a minimum loan of $150,000 -$250,00, using the lender's credit card, opening a transaction account, and having an above-average income. An annual fee for the package may apply. Borrowers can save nearly $19,000 in interest on a $200,000 loan over 25 years if the rate is cut from 7.07 per cent to 6.57 per cent. This will reduce monthly repayments by $63 and borrowers can save more than $25,000 in interest if the monthly $63 saving gets put towards the loan at the lower interest rate. The package may also include fee-free planning and discounts on products such as margin loans, insurance and personal loans. The packages are generally not promoted actively: the customer has to seek them out.