Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It?

26 September 2023

In this day and age, there are way more options for financing your business than just traditional bank loans. As a matter of fact, many business owners prefer alternative business financing for a number of reasons. One reason is that it can be way faster and easier.

Business financing is a struggle for most new business owners. Most industries are often very competitive, and succeeding in the market is definitely not a piece of cake. It can take expensive marketing as well as expansions of physical shops and lots of other actions.

In other words, starting a business is not for the faint of heart – and it is especially not cheap. Therefore, many business owners decide to look into alternative business financing. In this way, it becomes possible to grow the business without involving the bank.

Small Loans, Line Of Credit And Business Credit Cards

Alternative business financing is actually not just one thing but many. The alternative solutions are very popular, which explains why a lot of different options are available. You can find a number of these options, as well as valuable information about business financing, online. To give a few examples, alternative business financing can be fast & short term business loans, business lines of credit, invoice financing, merchant cash advances, business credit cards and equipment financing.

As you can understand, the options are many. So how do you choose? Every option comes with different advantages and requirements. For example, a good credit history can be a requirement for some solutions, while it is not even a factor for others. Therefore, the first step is to get to know all your options and discover which ones suit you and your business the best.

A Faster And Easier Solution

Even though a bank can offer a certain sense of security, it can also be a long and troublesome way to go. Sometimes, your bank will require loads of documentation as well as a good explanation as to why you want to take a loan. Alternative business financing seems to attract a lot of business owners because the requirements are few, and the application process is way easier.

As a matter of fact, for the most part, the fastest and easiest loans are the most popular. Alternative business financing often only requires a 1-page application and limited documentation. The whole application process takes place online, where you do not have to explain anything to anyone. Furthermore, it can be over and done within a few minutes, and you can have the money available within a couple of hours or maybe a day.

All these traits make alternative lending options interesting to new business owners. However, you can also take a loan too quickly and too easily. It is always essential that you think it through and consider other options such as saving money or getting financial help from family and friends. There is no right solution for everyone.

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Barsha Bhattacharya

Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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Investments 101: How to Choose a Smart Stock

There are less than 4,000 publicly traded companies in the US today, down from the 1997 high of more than 7,000. Such a limited pool doesn’t make it any easier to pick stocks these days, though. In fact, one of the first questions new investors ask is about how to choose stocks. The stock market is a big gamble, and if you choose right, you can win big time. In this guide, we’ll go over the steps you should follow to pick a good stock. You may not be the next Wolf of Wall Street, but selecting the right stocks will put you on firm financial footing. Assess Your Goals: It’s easy to ask how to find good stocks. The problem is that “good” is relative to what you want from investing. The very first thing you need to do is to take a look at your own goals. Why are you investing? What do you hope to get out of buying stocks? Answering this question will provide the underlying “investment theory” for your stock-picking strategy. If you want to maximize your returns and get out of the market, you’ll need one strategy. If you plan to be in it for the long haul, you’ll likely use a different strategy. Start with Index Funds: Index funds, like mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), are a great place to start. First, they make good beginner investments. You can buy into one of these funds to gain exposure to the market. With mutual funds or ETFs, you don’t need to buy every individual stock in the fund. They also have low management fees. For those of you wondering how to pick a stock, they're also a great place to start your research. These funds contain most of the large companies in a given industry. They also collect information on the performance of their holdings. You can then narrow down the list to the individual stocks you’re interested in. The index fund can tell you that industry is on the rise. It can also tell you which companies are outperforming others in the same industry. Evaluating Financial Health: After you’ve picked some individual companies, you’ll want to evaluate their financial health. The next question you should ask is what to look for when buying stock. Information about performance and profits is easy enough to come by. You’ll also want to look at more intangible factors, such as the company’s staff. What makes them unique? A good way to collect some of this information is to look at investor presentations. They often share details that will help you learn how to pick good stocks. Another thing you can do is check forecasts. For example, you can look at the Valeant stock forecast to see how a certain company is recovering from a major scandal. No Magic Formula for How to Choose Stocks: Keep in mind that there’s a human factor involved in the stock market. You can do careful research and invest in what you think is the best stock. Key personnel could then leave the company, and the stock underperforms. The long and short if it is there’s no magic formula for picking good stocks every time. Understanding your goals and doing careful research will help you make better choices. Start Building Your Financial Future: This quick guide should give you some more ideas about how to choose stocks that support your goals. As you continue to invest, you’ll be able to refine your strategy. Interested in diversifying your portfolio? Check out our blog for more informative articles. We have advice that can help you work toward a brighter financial tomorrow. Read Also: Buying Stocks For Beginners: A Guide How Businesses Can Use Stock Trading 5 Awesome Facts About CryptoCurrency Main Factors That Affect Trading Decisions Top 9 Forex Trading Tips For Beginners That Save You Money

Notary Business – 5 Ways To Earn Extra Money

There are many ways to earn extra money. It could be from being a notary or even from other types of businesses. You can even do something as simple as officiating weddings. This article will tell you all about these different opportunities. Here Are Five Prime Ways To Earn Extra Money: 1. Signing Agents Notary Signing Agents help facilitate signings of real estate and loan closings. They are independent contractors. Their fees range from $75 to $200 per loan closing. If you are considering starting your own notary business, you need to determine the best way to make money. Most states have rules on notary fees, so it's important to know what the going rates are in your area. You might be interested to know that notaries can also make more money by specializing in different services. Some of these include providing courier services and performing field inspections. Notary jobs are an easy way to make money in your spare time. You can work in your own home or even travel to clients' offices. Whether you work on a regular basis or just for one client at a time, you can expect to make a decent salary. Many individuals and businesses benefit from having a commissioned notary on their payroll. The average notary earns $16,000 to $90,000 a year. However, the opportunity to start your own notary business can be overwhelming. Start your business by networking. Joining a local chamber of commerce is a good place to start. This will give you credibility. Be sure to attend ribbon-cutting ceremonies and trade events. It's also a great idea to take a notary training course. Whether you want to get certified to perform online notarizations or I-9 forms, you can find courses that will make you a competent signing agent. Starting your own notary business can be a lot of fun and exciting. You can make a lot of money and gain valuable real-life experience. Plus, a successful business is better than any extra job you can find. 2. Officiating Weddings Becoming a wedding officiant is an excellent side business to earn some extra money. Although weddings are generally confined to weekends, you can find work during the week. If you live in a popular area, you can be on the lookout for local couples and use word of mouth to promote your services. It's also a good idea to build up a website for your business. You'll want to research local laws to ensure your business is legal. For instance, some states require you to register with your county government and have a license to perform marriage ceremonies. The cost of this will vary depending on your geographic location and the number of guests at the ceremony. Your state will also require you to obtain a license to notarize. Some states do not specify the fee, while others require a minimum amount. In some cases, you may be required to pay for travel time. Becoming an officiant is usually a straightforward process, but you should be sure to check with your county clerk's office. Otherwise, you may be subject to hefty fines. You may want to consider attending ribbon cutting and other events where you can showcase your work. This will increase your credibility and help you get more business. A great way to market your wedding officiant service is to create a website. While it doesn't need to be a complex site, you should include your photo and videos of you performing a wedding. Consider joining a local chamber of commerce, as well. Another great idea is to attend wedding fairs. These events can be a good place to advertise your business and have the opportunity to meet and greet many brides and grooms. 3. Mobile Service If you want to make money on the road, a Notary business can be a great option. However, starting a mobile notary business can be a daunting task. You will need to consider many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, business expenses, insurance, and tax reporting. Mobile Notaries can work part or full-time. Some can earn up to $900 a month while others are making over $12,000 per month. Depending on your location and the type of clients you work with, your income can vary. Aside from working as a notary, you may also have the opportunity to perform other non-notary duties such as fingerprinting, courier services, field inspections, or escrow services. Be sure to follow all state laws regarding the use of a mobile notary service. You will need to apply for a license and register your business. The business may also require an employer identification number (EIN). Creating a personal website can be a great way to market your Notary business. You can also use social media to promote your service. Another great idea is to attend networking meetings and ribbon-cutting events. Getting involved in the local chamber of commerce adds credibility to your business. If you're considering a career as a notary, you will need to provide a high level of customer service. Developing a positive attitude is key to your success. The demand for mobile notaries is projected to rise through 2021. This means that you will have plenty of opportunities to earn extra income. However, you will need to be prepared to take on challenges along the way. In fact, one survey found that nearly two-thirds of full-time mobile Notaries earn between $2,000 and $4,000. Nearly thirty percent of part-time Notaries report earning more than $1,000 a month. 4. Chamber Of Commerce Getting involved in your local Chamber of Commerce is a good way to promote your notary business. You can reach potential clients by advertising on your member's websites or by submitting materials to their newsletter. Notaries are in demand, so getting involved with your chamber can be a great way to boost your business. The chamber's mission is to promote business and generate more business activity for your community. Notaries can network with other members of their chamber and other professionals in the community. Using social media to spread the word about your notary services is also a good idea. Notaries can get involved in leadership positions in their local Chamber of Commerce. In addition, volunteering can help you build your business and keep you connected to the community. Attending ribbon-cutting events and other business events is a good way to attract new clients. Networking events are also fun ways to meet new people. Building your referral base is a major factor in your success as a business owner. When you have contacts, you can provide quality service and encourage others to use you. Adding additional services to your notary business is a great way to increase revenue. Make sure your website and notary business are professional. A good website will provide an overview of your company's history and services. Be sure to take advantage of all available networking opportunities. These can include attending events, joining notary professional organizations, and contacting other businesses. Also, volunteer at local charities and schools. It is important to remember that a good attitude is key to your business' success. Start by creating a simple website. This can be done for less than $1,000. 5. Insurance Notary services are a great way to earn some extra money, and they can be very lucrative. The key is to offer a service that people need and make sure that they know about you. Aside from notary signs and signatures, there are many other ways to generate business. You can advertise your services, volunteer to be part of a local leadership group, and participate in networking events. While you’re at it, you should also set up a website. This is a great place to list all of your services and a good place to start. If you’re looking to grow your business, you should also look into SEO. With the right strategy, your site can appear closer to the top of search results for relevant terms. Taking the time to create a business plan will help you to understand the market better. Your plan should include an overview of your business, its target demographics, and how you will reach customers. For this, you can use automated ap processing, where you can enhance your company’s workflow and offer brilliant service and accuracy in managing accounts and payslips. Read Also: Need Some Help Saving Money As A Young Professional? Use Mycare To Learn How To Budget! 10 Ways To Earn Money From Your Mobile Device Craigslist Knoxville – 5 Money Scams To Consider

Should You Consider Equity Release To Pay For Live-in Care?

Although it seems like equity release plans have been around forever, this sector of finance has only been regulated since 2004. However, this has not dented their popularity among over 55s wishing to free up a sum of money rather than leaving it tied up in their property. Many have used the money to fund home DIY projects, help a child onto the housing ladder, or simply for a blowout holiday or new car. Increasingly though many are seeing equity release as a good way to pay for care in their own home in old age. Equity is the value of your home minus any loans or mortgages secured against it which haven’t been fully paid off. If you’re wondering whether this would be right for you read our advice on the advantages and pitfalls of equity release and how the equity in your home could pay for a comfortable old age. What is Equity Release and How Does it Work? This is a method for releasing some of the untapped wealth tied up in your home. Being able to unlock the value of your home and turn this into cash is a way to remain in a much-loved family home. There are two main types of equity release – a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan, which is the sale of part or all of the property. A lifetime mortgage is a loan against the value of your home which is not repaid until either the homeowner dies or goes into long-term care, or the property is sold. If you decide to go down this route you must choose carefully between the two types of lifetime mortgage which are: The interest roll-up mortgage, which is the most popular option. With this, you receive either a lump sum or regular amounts, and interest is added to the loan at a fixed or capped rate. An interest-paying mortgage is similar to a standard mortgage in that you pay monthly or ad-hoc payments, and some plans allow you to pay off the capital, to reduce the sum owed at the end. The home reversion plan is only available to those aged at least 65. With this, you can sell all or a percentage of your home to a provider at below the market value and you become a rent-free tenant in your home. You can even sell percentages of the home at off-set intervals. Another, less well known and potentially more risky option is the sale and rent back scheme where you sell your home, at a discount and become a rent-paying tenant in your home. Points to Consider Home care services are increasingly seen as preferable to standard nursing home care for many reasons, not least among them being able to carry on living in your own home being looked after by a trusted live-in carer who becomes your friend. Lifetime mortgages are considered the most popular option for equity release because it allows you to retain full ownership of your property and some come with an option of paying back some of the loans over time in order to reduce the build-up of interest and retain as much of the value of your property to benefit your estate when you die. You can only apply for equity release once you are over 55 and the amount you receive is dependent upon the value of your home (minimum value £70,000) as well as your age. Your property must be in the UK. Benefits of Equity Release For today’s older homeowners who have seen the value of their homes rise significantly over recent years and with the added benefit of current low-interest rates, equity release gives you an amount of cash to spend now or to put towards a live-in care plan. Risks and Pitfalls of Equity Release The biggest problem with equity release is that you do not receive the full market value for your home, indeed the amount you can access would be much less than you would get by selling your home on the open market in the traditional way. Another disadvantage is that any inheritance your beneficiaries expect to receive would be reduced. The upfront costs and fees involved in setting up an equity release plan could be as much as £3000. If you opt for a lifetime mortgage there is a real risk that when the time comes for your home to be sold the amount owed may be more than you borrowed because of the compound interest charged on the mortgage, unless you can pay off some of the debt as you go along. So, if you want to leave a decent inheritance for your family you need to act with caution. Be aware that if you have a substantial amount of cash in the bank this could affect any means-tested benefits you may be entitled to. The upper threshold is currently £16,000 so above this you are ineligible for means-tested benefits. Your tax situation could be impacted. If you choose to pay off the whole of the lifetime mortgage early you could incur penalties. Risks of Home Reversion Scheme You may only receive between 30-60% of the market value of your home and there may be a clause in your contract which forbids you from moving home. Distressingly, once you die the property usually has to be vacated within one month which causes unnecessary upset to the family at a distressing time. Protections from the Equity Release Council You should look for an equity release provider who is a member of the Equity Release Council to ensure that any lifetime mortgage you take out will never exceed the total value of your property. You are also assured that: You can remain in your home until the end of the mortgage term You are provided with an independent solicitor who explains everything clearly to you Interest rates must be fixed or capped and the product must have a ‘no negative equity guarantee'. Always get the best independent adviser who is regulated by the FCA and discuss things with your family before signing on the dotted line. Read Also: What To Leave Behind Once You Have Sold Your Home The Guide to Understanding Your Home Value

Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It?

Small Loans, Line Of Credit And Business Credit Cards

A Faster And Easier Solution

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