6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid

15 November 2018

If you’re a business owner, it’s highly likely to come across situations where you’ll need a business loan. In such events, a business loan can fulfill the fiscal deficit to help keep the business on track. The only catch is taking a business loan can sometimes be a complicated process, and owners might end up making uninformed decisions. We’ve listed below some common loan mistakes that every business owner must avoid while taking a business loan.

Here are 6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid:

1. Waiting Until Last Minute:

Business loans are not only for covering up last-minute emergency expenses. The best use-cases of a business loan can range anywhere from hiring new people to investing in new technology. Waiting till the last minute, when the business cannot go without an immediate availability of cash is a recipe for disaster. It’s always a good idea to prepare for the future, more so, in the case of a business. Last-minute decisions are often hasty and a result of poor judgment where business owners are likely to take any loan deal that comes their way. It can backfire and incur more losses in the future.

2. Borrowing More Than You Can Afford:

Just because you are eligible for a huge business loan doesn’t mean you should take one. Before even applying for a business loan, you should evaluate your business’s present financial situation. If you end up borrowing more than you need, paying it back can get difficult. Furthermore, not spending everything will lead to ‘dead cash’ in your bank account. So, do your math, check your statements, and only apply for an amount that your business actually needs.

3. Not Knowing About Collateral-Free (Unsecured) Business Loans:

Most banks will insist on having sufficient collateral before they approve any loan. Banks that require collateral will only provide secured loans. However, some banks and lenders offer business loans without any collateral. This type of loan is known as an unsecured loan where the business owner doesn’t have to pledge any business or personal assets to the bank. Unsecured business loans with bad credit are the best option for you if your credit score didn’t reach the standard requirement of most lenders.

4. Not Keeping a Good Personal Credit Score:

Different financial institutions will have different criteria for giving out business loans. However, most of them will definitely consider the credit score of the owner while processing any business loan application. A good credit score shows that you’re a good steward for your money. It also helps in negotiating better rates. Hence, maintaining a good personal credit score becomes critical for business owners.

5. Not Solving Current Cash Flow Problems:

As a business owner, your entity may require money for different needs. However, if you’re looking to get a loan to fix irregular cash flow in your business, it might not be the wisest thing to do. Analyze why your company has irregular cash flow and don’t be a statistic of the sunk cost fallacy. Sure, you can have a temporary fix, but once the loan money is utilized, a business can again go back to the same. In such a situation, it’s important to make sure that finances are under control after utilizing loan money.

6. Not Knowing the Agreement:

Signing an agreement without reading the finer details will put you as a business owner in an undesirable situation. Sometimes the financial institution giving out a business loan can put a little remark in the agreement that will require the borrower to pay additional fees. More than that, the agreement can even have a clause of variable interest rate. Hence, it becomes essential to read the documents carefully before signing. At any point, if you’re uncomfortable with the offer, talk with the lender to negotiate a better deal.

Conclusion:

It’s not unusual to hit occasional financial hurdles when running a business. To help overcome these situations – business loans from financial institutions can help owners get over financial difficulties. Gone are the days of lengthy processes or huge collaterals to take a business loan, so don’t be nervous if your business is losing some steam over money. Today, the online mode for business loan applications has made the entire process seamless, and financial institutions like ABFL Direct offer loans with no security whatsoever. There are minimum paperwork and a flexible tenure for business to pay it back.

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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6 Vital Reasons Why You Need A Financial Advisor

Having a financial advisor is one thing that can help you manage your finances and make the right business decisions. Many are times when we make financial decisions; we end up messing hence the need for someone who can help us. Here are the essential reasons why you need a financial advisor. 1. Financial Training: Most of us do not even have a rough idea on why we need to manage our finances and the in and see it of our investments hence the need for us to undergo through some financial training. Most financial advisor Atlanta GA will first start by training you on what finance is all about. Such financial training is vital for it will open you up to the field of finance hence empowering you with business knowledge that is essential even when the financial advisor is not available. 2. Gain from the Financial Advisor's Experience: Many financial advisors have helped so many people manage their finances hence they know the best ways to manage personal finances and get fruitful results. With a financial advisor, you can tap into their commercial experience and exposure. This enables you to learn better ways of handling your finances. Such disclosure will help you wisely do your financial dealings, avoiding financial pitfalls that have trapped many. 3. Get Financial Advise: A good financial advisor is knowledgeable and knows the various elements of the financial industry; hence, can offer you helpful financial advice. With a financial advisor Atlanta GA, you get to know the best places to invest in. Also, the financial planner can show you the various industries that are risky and the ones that are not risky, helping you not to invest blindly. 4. Offering You Tax Advise: Taxation is one key topic that has remained misunderstood by many, yet it has a significant impact on our finances. By working with a financial advisor, you will get advice on how to manage your tax liability, making you avoid pursuits from the taxman and their associated penalties. With proper tax management, you can even make some tax savings that will help you get some extra money that you can use elsewhere. 5. Research: Most financial advisors will do intensive research regarding the various fields of finances. By working with such financial advisors, you will get to benefit from their study making you understand the area of funds. You will, therefore, avoid making the wrong financial decisions. 6. Receive Investment Advise: A good financial advisor will teach you about Investments and advise you on what industries you should consider investing. With such knowledge, you will invest in Investments that will give you returns and not cause you to suffer losses. By investing right, you will get good performances that will lead to a significant increase in your income, the desire of everybody. 7. Leads to Your Financial Growth: Economic growth comes as a result of knowing what you should invest in, how to manage your outflows, and how to manage your inflows. Working with a financial advisor will expose you to all these areas. You will, therefore, grow financially and you can, as a result, make wise financial decisions. Conclusion: Having a financial advisor in your economic life is of great benefit. You will grow financially and get to know how to make wise Investments decisions. You need to get yourself a financial advisor. Read Also: DiversyFund Details 5 Steps To Protect Your Portfolio In A Difficult Environment Getting Your Personal Finances In Order With A Proper Budget Strategy How Digital Advisors Have Transformed The Investment Sector

Does Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?

Most people understand that bankruptcy can help you discharge the debt if you're in a bad financial situation. They also understand that bankruptcy can hurt your credit score. But can bankruptcy ruin your credit entirely? The Importance of Talking With an Expert First, if you’re considering filing for bankruptcy protection, make sure you talk to a bankruptcy lawyer. A bankruptcy lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you determine whether filing is appropriate for you and which type of bankruptcy you should pursue. They'll also help you understand the core process of filing for bankruptcy and setting your expectations for timelines, costs, and consequences. Lawyers are an indispensable resource here, so don't neglect to hire one. Different Types of Bankruptcy You should also understand that there are different types of bankruptcy. Different types of bankruptcy manage debts in different fashions and have a different impact on your credit score. For example, Chapter 7 bankruptcies tend to stay on your credit report longer than Chapter 13 bankruptcies, due to the fact that Chapter 13 bankruptcies frequently allow consumers to pay back a portion of their debts. A chapter 13 case could benefit a person for numerous reasons. Typically, a person would file a chapter 13 case to save a house from a mortgage foreclosure action and a car from repossession, due to payment arrears. A person may also file for chapter 13 protection to pay back only a portion of unsecured debt because they do not meet the chapter 7 criteria. Chapter 13 requires a person to make monthly trustee payments for 36 to 60 months. A chapter 13 case is completed after all monthly plan payments have been paid in full. Chapter 7 bankruptcies allow an individual to eliminate all unsecured debt, such as credit card debt and personal loans. Therefore, a person who is only interested in eliminating unsecured debt would file a chapter 7 case, if one meets the criteria. The chapter 7 case takes about four months to complete after the filing. No payments are required in a chapter 7 case. The Impact of Bankruptcy on Your Credit A chapter 13 bankruptcy filing stays on a credit report for 7 years from the date of the filing. A chapter 7 bankruptcy case, stays on a credit report for 10 years from the bankruptcy case filing date. Typically, filing for bankruptcy has a negative impact on a credit score, although the filing may increase a person’s credit score, based on their financial circumstances. The most important criteria impacting the credit score are as follows: The shorter the credit history the less advantageous it;Missing payments reflect a derogatory mark;The amount of one’s revolving credit limit compared to the amount of the debt incurred. The optimum debt to credit limit ratio is a debt balance of 30% of someone’s credit limit. The additional debt incurred over 30%, the more the credit score is negatively affected. For example, a person that used $3k of their total $10k credit limit has used 30% of their total credit limit. However, if the same person charges a total of $6k of the $10k credit limit, the ratio is increased to 60%, which reduces the credit score. A person’s credit report lists their creditors and other facts regarding each creditor. This includes the status of payments; type of loan; length of the loan, and the loan balance. Typically, a credit report also reflects a bankruptcy filing, foreclosure action, repossessions, charge-offs, and debt settlements. The credit report also reflects a total score, indicating the general state of a person’s credit. A prospective lender must analyze a person’s financial circumstances to determine: if they will issue the loan; what type of loan will be issued; the loan amount; the loan interest rate; and, the length of the loan. Based on each creditor’s internal lending requirements, the determination of extending credit is based on a balancing act between the loan applicant’s credit report, income, expenses, the debt amount, debt payments, assets, and other information. Typically, a person considering filing for bankruptcy protection is experiencing difficulty paying their monthly credit card payments and/or mortgage or auto finance payments. Consequently, such a person usually has a low credit score. The lower the credit score at the time of the bankruptcy filing, the less the impact the bankruptcy filing has on a credit score. Conversely, a bankruptcy filing will have a substantial impact on a person with a high credit score. In general, a high credit score does not always guarantee that a person will obtain the loan they want with the best terms. A prospective debtor with an excellent credit score and substantial monthly credit card payments may experience difficulties, without filing for bankruptcy. What if a person with an excellent credit score has a very low income? Let’s assume that a person with a high credit score, with substantial monthly debt payments, eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score will sustain a substantial hit, resulting in difficulty obtaining any loan. However, within a reasonable time period, together with the proper credit repair, the person’s credit score will substantially increase. In the future, the person will apply for credit without their enormous monthly debt payment load. Now, let’s assume that a person with a low credit score and substantial monthly debt payments eliminates all credit card debt, in addition to other types of debt in a chapter 7 case. Initially, the person’s credit score may sustain a minimal hit. However, most likely this same person was experiencing great difficulty obtaining credit prior to the filing. If this person implements the proper credit restoration process, the person’s credit score will substantially increase, as well. Ultimately, within a short period, the bankruptcy filing will likely increase this person’s ability to obtain credit Typically a bankruptcy mark on a credit report has a negative impact on prospective creditors to review. Generally, within one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case, the debtor (the person that filed) will experience great difficulty obtaining a loan. Although obtaining a loan depends on the totality of the person’s financial circumstances, the rule of thumb for receiving automobile financing with a reasonable to low-interest rate is about one year after the completion of a chapter 7 case. The rule of thumb regarding the receipt of a reasonable to low mortgage rate is about two years after the completion of chapter 7. Based on a debtor’s financial circumstances, she may be able to obtain automobile financing and/or a mortgage during the chapter 13 case. Otherwise, the same rule of thumb applies to a chapter 13 debtor as a chapter 7 debtor regarding obtaining a reasonable and low-interest rate after the case is complete. Read Also: 5 Smart Ways to Boost your Credit ScoreA Guide to Getting Out of Credit Card DebtWhy Would I Need A Business Credit Report?No Credit Rating Check Lendings Online split Second Authorization

How Do Construction Loans Work?

It can be difficult to find your dream home, even when the downturn in house prices is the largest on record. If you’re considering finance for your home build then you need to understand how construction loans work. The simple reason is that houses are still incredibly expensive, and, even if you have the funds to buy, you’re getting someone else’s idea of a dream home. It doesn’t matter how much you spend, you’re going to need to modify it to suit your own tastes. That’s why so many people are building their own homes. It’s actually cheaper than buying and you get to design the layout yourself. Of course, you still need enough funds to complete the build, that’s where a corporate finance specialist comes in handy! The Lending Criteria for construction loans: The first thing to understand is that the loan company does not have a physical asset to secure the loan against. This makes this type of lending riskier. As such, the criteria tend to be tighter, you’ll need a good credit history, and the percentage they will lend you is going to be less than with a pre-built home. It’s likely that they will expect you to put 20-30% of the funds upfront yourself. This shows your commitment and reduces your risk. The Lending Stages: Once you’ve agreed on the number of funds that you’ll need the loan company will not just give them o you. Instead, there are released in three distinct phases: 1. Foundation: The first step is to purchase the land, clear it and build the foundations. Along the way, you’ll need to get planning permission and the designs approved. This is the stage where little appears to happen but it creates the base for everything else. Once the finance company is happy this is completed they’ll release the second installment: 2. Construction: The main construction phase involves getting the walls and roof up. In short, your building project will start to look like a home. This will be a frame. You’ll need to verify with the lending company exactly what is included in this stage, they may want to see doors, windows, and internal wall ups. 3. Finishing: Finally, the third stage of funds will be released and this will cover the most labor-intensive stage, where the electrics are fitted, plumbing completed, and the interior finishing is done. This doesn’t mean your home is ready to move in, this will depend on the contract you’ve agreed with the builders. It’s possible you’ll still have to finish the decorating. Construction loans can be used if you’re undertaking the building work yourself, or if you’re using a company. But, you’ll need to have each stage checked and signed off before the next lot of funds are released, it reduces the risk to the lender. Once the house is completed the lender will expect the loan to be repaid very quickly. At this stage, you can obtain a standard mortgage for your home. Read Also: 5 Tips For Buying A Second Household How Industry-Specific Loans Can Support Your Business 7 Expert Tips In Finding The Best Mortgage Broker In Vancouver

6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid

Here are 6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid:

1. Waiting Until Last Minute:

2. Borrowing More Than You Can Afford:

3. Not Knowing About Collateral-Free (Unsecured) Business Loans:

4. Not Keeping a Good Personal Credit Score:

5. Not Solving Current Cash Flow Problems:

6. Not Knowing the Agreement:

Conclusion:

Is Equity Release Worth It?

How to Protect Your Finances While in a Nursing Home

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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6 Vital Reasons Why You Need A Financial Advisor

Does Bankruptcy Ruin Your Credit?

How Do Construction Loans Work?

6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid

Here are 6 Loan Mistakes Every Business Owner Must Avoid:

1. Waiting Until Last Minute:

2. Borrowing More Than You Can Afford:

3. Not Knowing About Collateral-Free (Unsecured) Business Loans:

4. Not Keeping a Good Personal Credit Score:

5. Not Solving Current Cash Flow Problems:

6. Not Knowing the Agreement:

Conclusion:

Share this Article

Is Equity Release Worth It?

How to Protect Your Finances While in a Nursing Home

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related