Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of options for insurance on the market, all telling you that you must get a policy? Insurance is the best preventative measure you can take to help protect yourself against unexpected emergencies that could be very costly if you are not insured. Although insurance might seem like a nuisance when you do not need it, should you need it, you will be thankful that you are covered. Below are four different types of insurance policies you should have.
Four Different Types of Insurance Everyone Needs:
1. Auto Insurance
Not only is having auto insurance required by law, but it can also be very costly if you get into an accident. The types of auto insurance you can choose from include:
Liability insurance covers the costs of property damage and injuries if you are responsible for the accident. Some states require that you purchase a minimum amount of coverage, so you should check with your state.
Collision covers the cost of damage to your vehicle no matter who is at fault.
Comprehensive insurance covers losses and costs that are not caused by an accident such as fire, vandalism, or theft.
Insurance companies base their coverage quotes on your risk level and how likely you are to be subjected to theft. In general, the more coverage you want, the higher the cost. Did you know that a car tracker can possibly reduce auto insurance premiums? A car tracker uses technology to message you if there is any movement of your vehicle. Some systems can also send an alert directly to the police in real-time, making it easier for them to find your stolen car. Using a tracking system tells insurance carriers that you take security seriously by reducing the risk of theft. It also increases the chances of finding it quickly should it get stolen, incurring lower costs for the insurance company and potentially offering you lower premiums for coverage.
2. Life Insurance
The best way to help protect your family’s financial security is to carry life insurance. Which type of insurance you choose will depend upon many factors, including your age, your unique needs, and how many family members are financially dependent on you. If you have a spouse, parents, or children who will face financial difficulty if you die, you should make taking out a life insurance policy a priority.
Life insurance policies cover the costs associated with dying, such as mortuary and burial fees. It can also cover debts such as loans and mortgages and offset lost income. Purchasing life insurance can be difficult and confusing to figure out how much and what type of coverage you need. You should think about speaking with a professional who can explain the available options and help you choose a life insurance policy that best meets your needs.
3. Health Insurance
The high cost of healthcare today makes getting health insurance necessary. Coverage ranges from doctors’ appointments to hospital visits. Even though health insurance can be expensive, not having it could potentially become an overbearing financial burden. Serious illnesses or injuries that result in a lengthy hospital stay can easily cost five-figures. Every adult should have some form of health insurance, whether they get it from their employer or purchase their own. Most children are covered under one of their parent’s insurance plans.
4. Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance protects your possessions and home against theft or damage. Also, most mortgage companies require you to have this coverage to be eligible for a loan. Although homeowners insurance policies vary according to where you live, most typically cover repair damage caused by risks, including:
Fire and smoke
Theft
Frozen plumbing
Severe weather
Water damage from heating or cooling systems, plumbing, and water heater
Depending upon where you live, other types of insurance might be necessary. For example, if your home is in an area prone to flooding, it is highly recommended that you purchase flood insurance. There is a large variety of insurance policies with different coverage options, features, and prices. When shopping for insurance, do so carefully and make sure you understand the cost and coverage.
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Why should you consider investing in gold bullion even if you’ve never invested in an asset before?
Gold bullion is a potentially valuable investment option for beginning investors looking to build a financial portfolio that can minimize risk and maximize potential returns.
Gold has a better portfolio weight than many other asset classes, and it’s also more affordable than other assets. (Silver bullion is even more affordable.)You don’t need to be rich to invest in gold bullion, nor do you have to invest in a lot of gold bullion for your investment to pay off in the short and long term.
Here are two reasons beginning investors may want to invest in gold bullion.
What Is A Gold Bullion?
First off, though, let’s define gold bullion.
Gold bullion refers to gold bars, ingots, and coins officially recognized as being made of at least 99.5% pure gold. Gold bullion is kept as reserves at banks, governments, and institutional investors.
The standard size of gold bullion bars and coins is 1oz.
In North America, you can use bullion coins as legal tender.
In Canada, sales tax doesn’t apply to gold bullion, and gold bullion can be included in RRSPs and other tax-deferred income plans. Some Canadian companies permit Canadians to include gold bullion in their retirement portfolios.
How To Buy and Selling Gold Bullion?
There are many reasons to consider buying and later selling gold in Toronto and elsewhere. Two reasons are that gold bullion is considered:
A safe-haven asset
A hedge against inflation
2 Reasons Are Making The Gold Bullion A Perfect Investment
You will hear millions of names and types of investments in the money market. But every investment has some risk factors. Unlike the other money investment types, Gold Bullion has multiple facilities, which makes this a safe asset.
Here are the two reasons. Take a look at these and know the advantages of the gold bullion investment.
1st Reason to Invest in Gold Bullion: Gold is Considered a Safe-Haven Asset
Gold bullion is a safe-haven-type asset. This is a specific type of asset that tends to increase or retain value over time.
That gold is considered a safe-haven asset doesn’t mean investing in it is risk-free. No investment is risk-free.
But gold tends to perform exceptionally well during times of economic uncertainty, like the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2007-2008 global financial crisis.
In fact, during the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the price per ounce of gold surpassed USD 2,000 for the first time in history.
Recently, the price of gold per ounce has been hovering around USD 1,800.
2nd Reason to Invest in Gold Bullion: Gold is Considered a Hedge Against Inflation
An asset that hedges against inflation is an asset that can keep pace with or even surpass inflation.
Investing in inflation hedges like gold bullion is a smart way to save money. During periods of inflation, gold tends to appreciate.
If you were to put your money into a traditional savings account, your money would likely fall behind the rate of inflation over time. Consequently, the value of your money in the future would turn out to be less than the value of your money now.
However, if you were to put your money in gold bullion, over time, your money might keep pace with or even surpass inflation, so that the value of your money in the future might turn out to be worth as much or even more than the value of your money now.
The Bottom Line
There are many reasons why beginning investors could benefit from investing in and buying and selling gold bullion.
In addition to being a relatively affordable safe-haven asset and hedge against inflation, gold is considered a strategic asset.
Also, gold bullion is easy to purchase. All you need to do is head over to your local gold bullion dealers (although to be sure, it’s always a good idea to try out a few options before settling on the one that will give you the best deal).
Later, when you’re ready to sell your gold bullion, you can take it to a gold bullion dealer that buys gold bullion. Your goal when doing so is to sell your gold bullion as close to the spot price as possible.
Read Also:
Is Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service A Good Career Path In 2021?
5 Reasons Why Bitcoins Are Considered Reliable Investments
5 New Assets To Diversify Your Investments In 2021
Top 5 Investment Decisions You Need To Make In Your Thirties
A title loan is a type of a loan where an asset is given to act as collateral, popularized because of two main reasons:
When determining your qualifications, title loans don’t put your credit rating into consideration.
Title loans get approved very quickly for loan amounts of as little as $ 100.
This makes title loans some of the most convenient and efficient options in the lending market.
The Breakdown of A Title Loan :
A car title loan is the most common type of title loan. It’s a case where you as a potential borrower, you are obliged to be in possession of car outright and sign the title over to an auto loan title company. The loan company will allow you up to 25% of the value of the car to the borrower and then retain the car’s title as collateral in case you breach the repayment agreement.
It’s worth noting that the amount you want to borrow must always be put into consideration. The value of your car or the commonly called – equity in the value will set the limit of the amount of money you can borrow. If your car has a high value, so will be your title loan.
The lenders will in most cases lend you money they are sure they can get it back easily if they were to sell your car in case you default the payment.
With car title loans, there are no prepayment penalties, so it’s okay and not costly if you want to pay off your loan earlier.
Be Careful of Rolling Over :
A lot of title loan cases end up in rolling over. This means that you decide to prolong your payment by another 30-day loan. The disadvantage of rolling over with your title loan is that it gets very expensive and every time you extend the loan you are penalized for new loan fees. There are cases where the process of extending a car title loan is controlled by the law.
Unlike the interest rates that you usually pay on credit cards, title loans have a very high cost despite the fact that there are laws that limit the interest rates. You, therefore, end up paying back more money than you actually borrowed.
The Risk of Losing Your Car :
Getting a car title loan sounds so good but there is always a big problem which is the risk of losing your car to your lenders. This happens in the event that you can’t pay back your lender. Your car will then become their possession and they sell it to get back their share of the money that they lend to you.
Car title loans are different from bank loans, typically they have easier requirements. Here are the key dos and don’ts you need to know to apply for a title loan.
What You Do Need To Apply FOR A Title Loan :
You will need the following before going for a title loan:
Vehicle title with your name
Valid driver’s license
Proof income
Proof of residence
These requirements will be qualified in the following manner:
Vehicle Title with Your Name :
Since the title loan is being given to you, the title of your car must be in your name, and lien-free or something close to lien free. What’s a lien-free car title? It simply means that you have total ownership of the car; it’s completely paid off with no outstanding balances or loans against it. Certifying that your vehicle is lien-free is important because the amount of money you are given on the loan is on the basis of the value of your vehicle at the time of application.
A Valid Driver’s License :
For proper verification of your identity, your valid driver’s license is required. In addition, the names on the form of identification must match the name on the title of the vehicle in order to issue the loan.
Proof of Income :
The companies that give you loans don’t necessarily depend solely on credit scores. Rather, you will be asked to show your proof of income like:
Paystubs
Bank statements
Monthly allowances such as retirement accounts
With proof of income, you basically tell the lender how much you can afford to pay back.
Proof of Residence :
Since title loans aren’t given to every region, you just have to prove your current residence and also certify that you have been an ongoing resident of your current residential area for the past two years. This same requirement is still used to verify your identity.
What You Don’t Need To Apply For the Loan :
There are so many misconceptions about what you need to apply for a title loan. Mostly, you might think that you need:
A good credit score
A bank account
A high-paying job
However, contrary to popular belief, none of these requirements are essential anywhere when applying for a title loan.
A Good Credit Score :
You don’t need a perfect credit score for you to get a title loan. A good credit score doesn’t necessarily prove your eligibility for a loan.
A Bank Account :
Are you worried that you don’t have a bank account? You don’t need to be. You will be provided with a check for your loan amount without having to give your account number from you.
A High-paying Job :
This is one of the most popular misconceptions that is among many people. There are flexible payment options for a realistic repayment schedule and the amount you’ll feel comfortable accepting.
With the right kind of documents, you can easily get a title loan. You do not need to have a high-paying job, a good credit score nor even a bank account. All you need is a clean car title and the right kind of financier willing to lend you the money.
Read Also :
Top 5 Types Of Startup Business Loans
Planning to investigate some small business loans? What are the best options out there?
Most importantly, how can these loan options help you?
Contrary to popular belief, it is more complex than filling out a form and getting your loan approved. That too from the very first source!
There is eligibility, which you must fulfill from your end, and criteria that the small business loan providers must ensure.
These are subjective to individuals and the business they are trying to build.
For example, which provider should you go for when you need a quick loan of a larger or smaller amount?
So, without any further ado, let’s get into the blog post
What Are Small Business Loans?
What are exactly small business loans? The criteria? Is it different than other forms of business loans?
Small business loans are classified under money lending for commercial purposes Like any other business loan.
There are several reasons why you would consider lending. Do not worry if it is for operational expenses and you fall short!
Not everyone accesses such loans just for their initial business investment or to extend their business to new grounds. In fact, it is common for people to underestimate their expenditure margin when they are starting their business.
In fact, in 2020, 56% of all small business loans were to manage operational costs. While only 31% of loans were for expansion opportunities.1
The Best Small Business Loans
Here are the best small business loans to investigate:
1. SBA 7(a) Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of Acceptance SBA 7(a) Loan680+Two years$100,000+$5 million5-10 business days
This government-backed loan program offers competitive rates and long terms for various needs.
Pros:
Low interest rates
Long repayment terms
Cons:
Lengthy application process
Strict qualification criteria
2. Kabbage Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceKabbage Business Line of Credit640+1 year$50,000+$250,000 Same day
This is a revolving line of credit with a quick application process for managing cash flow.
Pros:
Fast funding
Flexible access to funds
Cons:
High APR
Limited revolving credit line (although that is how they advertise).
3. OnDeck Term Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceOnDeck Term Loan600+1 year$100,000+$250,000 24 hours
This loan offers short-term loans with quick approval, which is ideal for fast access to capital.
Pros
Fast Funding
Discounts for repeat customers
Cons
High interest rates
Frequent repayments
4. BlueVine Business Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceBlueVine Business Line of Credit600+Six months$100,000+$250,000 24-72 hours
Flexible line of credit with fast approval, useful for managing cash flow.
Pros
Quick funding
No early repayment fees.
Cons
Higher rates for lower credit scores.
Limited to revolving credit.
5. Fundbox Line Of Credit
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceFundbox Line of Credit600+Six months$50,000+$150,000 As fast as the next business day
It provides a simple, quick line of credit ideal for immediate cash flow needs.
Pros
Easy qualification
Quick access to funds
Cons
Lower Loan Amounts
Shorter Repayment terms
6. Lendio Loan Marketplace
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceLendio Loan Marketplace550+Six months$50,000+$5 million On the loan amount
This type of loan is a great help to small business owners. Rather than just one loan, this is a marketplace that connects businesses with multiple lenders for various loan types.
Pros
Wide range of loan options.
Easy comparison of the offer.
Cons
Can receive multiple calls from lenders, which can be irritating.
Not all lenders have favorable terms.
7. American Express Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAmerican Express Business Loan660+1 yearNot specified$50,000 3-5 days
This fixed-rate loan is available only to pre-approved American Express Business Card members.
Pros
Fixed rates
No origination fee
Cons
Only available to pre-approved members.
Relatively small maximum loan amount.
Therefore, if you plan to get a small business loan in the foreseeable future, getting an American Express Business Card is better.
8. Accion Opportunity Fund
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceAccion Opportunity Fund550+1 yearNot specified$250,000 1-3 weeks
Offers loans to underserved small business owners, including minorities and women.
Pros
Focus on underserved businesses.
Personalized support
Cons
Longer approval process.
It may have a higher interest rate.
9. Credibly Small Business Loan
LoanCredit ScoreMinimum YearsMinimum Revenue (Yearly)Maximum Loan AmountTime of AcceptanceCredibly Small Business Loan500+Six months$15,000/month$400,000 24-48 hours (about two days)
Provides working capital loans and merchant cash advances with flexible terms.
Pros
Fast funding
Flexible repayment options
Cons
Higher cost of financing.
Frequent repayments
Small Business Loans With Separate Criterions
Now, we will be delving into the different criteria and which small business loan provider would be best!
1. Startup Needing Initial Capital
"I just started my business and need funds to get it. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Fundera by NerdWallet
Offers access to multiple loan options, including startup loans, even with lower credit scores and minimal business history.
2. Expanding An Established Business
"I’ve been in business for two years and want to expand. What loan should I consider?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
Ideal for established businesses needing significant funding for expansion, with favorable terms and interest rates.
3. Need For Quick Cash Flow Solutions
"I need quick access to cash to manage cash flow. What’s the fastest option?"
Best Loan: Kabbage Business Line of Credit
Offers quick application and approval processes, with funds available on the same day for urgent cash flow needs.
4. Managing Seasonal Inventory And Expenses
"My business is seasonal, and I need funds to purchase inventory before the busy season. What loan fits this need?"
Best Loan: OnDeck Term Loan
It provides short-term loans with quick funding, ideal for managing seasonal inventory purchases and expenses.
5. New Business Owner With Limited Credit
"I have a low credit score and a new business. Are there any loan options available for me?"
Best Loan: Credibly Small Business Loan
Accepts lower credit scores and offers working capital loans, making it accessible to newer businesses with limited credit.
6. Needing A Flexible Line Of Credit
"I want a flexible financing option. This is to cover unexpected expenses as they arise. What should I look for?"
Best Loan: BlueVine Business Line of Credit
It offers a flexible line of credit with fast approval. Plus, it is suitable for covering unexpected expenses.
7. Seeking Low Interest Rates And Long Terms
"I’m looking for a loan with low interest rates and long repayment terms. What’s the best choice?"
Best Loan: SBA 7(a) Loan
It is known for its low interest rates and long repayment terms. Therefore, it is ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective funding.
8. Socially Responsible Business Owner
"I want to support a loan provider that helps underserved communities. What are my options?"
Best Loan: Accion Opportunity Fund
Focuses on providing loans to underserved small business owners. In fact, it also includes minorities and women, with personalized support.
9. Looking For A Fast And Easy Application Process
"I need a loan. However, I don't want to go through a long application process. Which loan is easy to apply for?"
Best Loan: Fundbox Line of Credit
Offers a simple, quick application process with funds available before the next business day.
10. Needing A Small, Short-Term Loan
"I need a small amount of money quickly for a short-term need. What’s the best option?"
Best Loan: American Express Business Loan
It provides small, fixed-rate loans with a quick approval process, which is ideal for short-term financial needs.
Related: How To Use An SBA Loan For Business Purchase
Eligibility For Small Business Loans
You might find the best loan provider. However, when it comes to eligibility, rejection can be common.
Regarding personal loans, good mortgage lending (a property that you place as collateral when taking the loan) makes loan acceptance easier.
However, when it comes to business loans, the rules are a little different. The loan lender (bank or private) must closely investigate your business expenditure, cash flow, and profit margin.
If you do not have a steady personal and business credit score (unless you are building your business from scratch, in which case the rules will be different), getting your small business loan approved can be challenging.
Do not worry; this is not to scare you. However, ensure you take the time to investigate your and improve financial health.
Here are some of the absolute eligibilities when it comes to small business loans.
1. Your Business Needs To Be Nonprofit
Unfortunately, you cannot have a nonprofit organization and demand a small business loan. Your business must be making some profit through a steady income.
2. A Lucrative Business Idea, Aka The Cash-Flow
Since business loans do not depend on collateral submission, lenders are mostly concerned about the business idea.
Most importantly, is there a demand for such business in the market?
Will there be enough opportunities to build a steady cash flow?
Is there any stock market share for businesses with the same ideation?
The loan they offer you will depend on the potential profit you can make from that base. Plus, it must be backed by solid data.
3. Your Credit Score
Although we have already mentioned the credit score for each loan provider, you need to be serious about your creditworthiness.
Any loan provider will scrutinize your personal and business credit score. Any suspicious activity (including something as simple as an unpaid credit card bill) can put you under the radar. Eventually, it does not make you a good candidate for a loan.
In other cases, your business credit score also plays a crucial role.
What is your total business income?
Is it holistic with your business expenditure?
What is your business credit card transaction history? Are you able to balance your bills alongside your monthly operational costs?
...and many more.
You must submit all your financial documents, especially if you are planning to expand through different business locations and real estate. How your business funds are handled becomes crucial in such a case.
Secured & Unsecured Loan
Starting a business? Want a small business loan? Then, you should understand the importance of collateral in such a business.
Most importantly, do you even need to submit collateral to get your loan sanctioned?
Secure business loans will charge you some collateral (cash money, real estate property, gold bonds, etc.).
Meanwhile, unsecured loans do not charge any collateral.
Which is better as Small Business Loans
As someone just starting a business, I know the advantages/disadvantages of both kinds of loans will depend on your criteria and loan amount.
So, let’s discuss the overall pros and cons of both!
Secured Loans
Let’s begin with the kind of loans that require collateral.
Pros ConsLower Interest RatesLonger Approval RatesHigher Loan Amounts (because of the collateral)Risk of Losing AssetLonger Repayment Period (you can elongate your loan repayment term for two decades)Not everything can be collateral. It, after, depends on the bank.
Unsecured Loans
Now, let’s talk about loans without collateral.
ProsConsYou Need No CollateralAutomatically, the maximum loan amount is less.Quick Loan ApprovalHigher Interest RatesFlexible for all types of loansThe repayment period is a short
When Should You Get What?
For the ease of your own understanding, here is when you should get what!
Secured Loans Might Be Better If
You need a larger loan amount.
Can provide valuable collateral.
You want lower interest rates and longer repayment terms.
If your business has significant assets that can be used as collateral.
Unsecured Loans Might Be Better If
You do not have assets to offer as collateral.
Need funds quickly.
You prefer not to risk losing business or personal assets.
The business needs a smaller loan amount.
You can check the listicle above for a good idea of which secure/unsecured small business loans would be better for you.
Types Of Small Business Loans
These are the types of small business loans which you should investigate:
Term Loans: You borrow a set amount and pay it back over time with fixed payments.
SBA Loans: The government backs these loans, giving you good terms for your business.
Business Lines of Credit: You get access to a credit line like a credit card.
Invoice Financing: You can get cash based on your unpaid invoices.
Equipment Loans: This loan helps you buy business equipment.
Merchant Cash Advances: You get an advance on your future credit card sales.
Microloans: These small loans are often given by nonprofits to help you start.
Commercial Real Estate Loans: Use these loans to buy or fix up your business property.
Personal Loans for Business: You can use your personal credit for business needs.
Franchise Loans: These loans help you start or grow a franchise business.
The Final Note!
The choice between a secured and an unsecured small business loan ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
a secured loan might be more suitable If you have valuable assets and prefer lower interest rates.
On the other hand, if you need quick access to funds and prefer not to put up collateral, an unsecured loan could be the better option.
Always consider the terms and conditions carefully and consult a financial advisor to make the best decision for your business.
Things to remember before you get a small business loan:
Have a solid, chalked-out plan for how you will repay it. You wouldn’t want to lose your collateral.
Do not take hasty loans because you have fulfilled a business milestone. Remember, a loan is not a temporary fix; it is a debt for years to come. Therefore, be careful before sanctioning a loan.
Finally, be candid about your financial decision. Keeping it discreet to get a quicker loan approval will only cause you trouble later.
What do you think? Should getting a small business loan come after so many considerations, or should it be a little easier?
Do let us know in the comment section below!
Read Also:
Core Banking Solutions: A Game Changer?
Alternative Business Financing – What Is It And How Do You Do It?
Ways To Apply For A Personal Loan & The Reasons To Opt For This Loan.
