Students are always having a tough time when they get into college because they do not have enough funds. In that case, they are left with no options but to take students loans. However, taking loans is not the end of your problems because then you have to worry about repaying them back on time and live comfortably during your student life. There are a few things that you can do to make your student loans repayment a bit easy. Here are some pointers for you.
1. Crowdfunding:
Crowdfunding is getting very popular these days. Whether you are an ambitious businessman or a student wanting to pay your way through the tuition fee of college, crowdfunding is a great way to overcome your financial issues. Raise funds from your inner social circle, including your family and friends, as a kind of graduation present from them to you. GoFundMe and Zerobound are sites that will help you raise such funds towards the student loan debt, and in exchange, you have to volunteer for some community work.
2. Borrow Federal Student Loans:
If you think that the loan debt is unavoidable, you can always consider borrowing federal student loan first. The major reason is that federal student loans are usually not that expensive and are easier to qualify for as well. There are far more repayment options for you in federal students loans as compared to the private student loans. You will also have protection programs in federal loans also. For example, if you lose your job, the federal loan program will offer you the option to defer payments. Click here to know more about it.
3. Total Student Debt Should Be Less Than Your Income:
There is a set of rules that you must follow. Your expected annual starting salary should be more than your total debt from your student loans at the time of graduation. How else will you be able to repay your loans AND survive through your normal life? Many students take student loans so they can afford college, but it is advised that students should keep not take too many loans. What you should do is not to take out more loan than your salary. Don’t take out more than your first year’s salary. What you can do is to keep the costs to a minimum and attend the college that you can afford comfortably. If you are able to do it as such, you might be able to repay student loans in less than ten years.
Financial experts advise that if you are out of your federal loan options, you should consider a private student loan. However, if you will qualify for one private loan, you can qualify for more of them. You are the customer, so you should always ask for any benefits the loan provides. If you have any medical issues, you should buy college tuition insurance. The option will protect you from taking on more loans in case you get ill or have to withdraw.
4. Make A Budget:
Most of the kids during their school and college years do not have any source of income, so you just have to keep living like that in college until you have a stable income. Build up an emergency fund for yourself, and start saving money for the things you want to buy. Remember, living modestly right now will help you in the longer run.
When you graduate out of high school, it can be overwhelming, but it is important to remember to see the bigger picture here. These hacks will help you manage your student loans efficiently.
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The ever-increasing interest rates have many people wondering about a potential recession that could be just around the corner. While some might think that there is no good place left to invest your money, we are here to tell you that you can potentially expand your investment horizon and set up this year for better returns later on.
Here are three great investment platforms to invest your money and generate profit in the long run.
Read on to learn more!
What Is Meant By Investment Platforms?
An investment platform refers to a digital tool or service that helps investors access as well as manage different financial instruments. It can either be a stock, a mutual fund, a bond, or an exchange-traded fund. Such platforms offer a user-friendly and convenient way for investors to purchase, sell, and monitor their portfolios.
Investment platforms can be found in multiple forms, such as online brokerage, peer-to-peer lending platforms, and robo-advisors. Each platform type caters to multiple investment strategies as well as requirements, thereby providing a ton of fees, support services, and features. But as for now, it is significant to opt for the right platform for making investments.
Investment Platform Types You Should Know
Investments are mostly categorized under closed-end funds, unit investment trusts, and mutual funds. All such investments have their own set of challenges, risks, and benefits. Well, it’s pretty much the same case for investment platforms. Before setting foot, it is significant that you discover its primary types:
Robo-Advisors
These tend to be the automated investment management platforms that make use of algorithms for creating as well as managing portfolios. Typically, the portfolios are customized according to the investor’s financial goals and risk tolerance. Some popular robo-advisors are Wealthfront, Digital Advisor by Vanguard and Betterment.
Platforms For Online Brokerage
Digital brokerage platforms refer to online services that let investors buy and sell different financial instruments like bonds, mutual funds, and stocks. Instances of popular brokerage platforms are Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and E-Trade.
Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Thirdly, there are cryptocurrency exchanges are those platforms that let users trade, buy, and sell online currencies. These can be Ripple, Ethereum, and Bitcoin. To name a few famous Cryptocurrency exchanges, Kraken, Binance, and Coinbase deserve mention.
Platforms For Peer-to-Peer Lending
These platforms are designed to facilitate loans between businesses and individuals, cross-sectioning conventional financial entities. Such platforms establish connections between lenders and borrowers, leading to potentially higher ROI for investors.
Investment Platforms That Are Becoming Popular In 2023
Hold your breath as you are going to discover some smart investment platforms that have been doing the talk in 2023. Due to their ease of use, these platforms are most likely to get popular in the coming years, too. So, check them out here and make a smart investment:
Cryptocurrency
Suppose you are looking for ways to improve your financial situation. In that case, you might want to look into cryptocurrency, which is essentially digital money that relies on blockchain technology and is secured through cryptography.
In case you are new to cryptocurrency, you will want to know how it works, which is what we are about to tell you. Regarding blockchain, the ledger keeps track of transactions, including intellectual and physical assets.
The access is distributed amongst the “authorized” users, and all shared information is transparent and instant. Also, the information cannot be tampered with, even by the administrator. If this sounds good, you might want to check out CoinCulture: Your Source for a Detailed CoinSpot Review and find interesting news and reviews about the competitive and profitable industry.
Security is a basic part of blockchain, which ensures that your money and profit are completely yours.
Invest In Gold
Another way to improve your financial situation is by investing in Gold. In fact, investing in Gold and Silver is considered a smart strategy against inflation. Over the long run, Gild doesn’t only maintain its value but also maintains its purchasing cost despite the potential fluctuations in the dollar.
Moreover, the high inflation periods serve as an excellent time to boost your allocations to Gold. You might already have an idea about how the stock markets work. When an economy goes into recession, the stock market slumps, too, which means that real estate can lose its value, too. This is where the importance of Gold comes in.
During the recession, Gold can establish a diverse portfolio, which further reduces your exposure to riskier assets.
High-Yield Savings Accounts
In case you haven’t heard about a high-yield savings account before, you should know that it pays the investors interest on their cash balance. Like any other savings account at any physical bank, a high-yield account is instantly accessible for cash.
A savings account is a brilliant option for those looking forward to a contingency plan. Also, if you want to avoid the risk of losing your money while investing, then a high-yield savings account might be just the right option for you.
However, before you start investing in a high-yield savings account, you will want to assess your finances and create a budget. The key to having a budget is that you will have a clear overview of your incoming and outgoing money. And you will know where you are overspending and how you can cut your expenses.
Once you have a better overview of your incoming and outgoing money, you will find it easier to stick to a budget.
The Bottom Line
Investment platforms have a pivotal role to play in the current financial landscape. Not only does it provide investors with the resources and tools needed to manage their portfolios, but it also builds an opportunity for having a passive source of income. By comprehending the most popular investment platforms, it’s your chance to boost your investments.
So, what are you waiting for? 2023, 2024, and the subsequent years have proven lucrative for the investment industry. Make hay while the sun shines, or you can lose great opportunities to circulate your money.
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If you need funding - and need it fast - sometimes traditional funding methods do not do the trick. The loan is either too slow, requires too many pre-requisites to qualify for the loan, or you can’t seem to figure out where to ask. We have the best alternative for you that provides fast capital with few strings attached!
Benefits of private money lenders for your business
If you are interested in really making a name for yourself as a realtor or in the real estate business, you need to make sure you have a constant flow of cash and capital to continue renovating houses, purchasing properties, and dealing with clients.
However, if you don't want to go into your own personal debt, you need to use new funding methods that can let you spend the money it takes to flip houses for a profit. But who should you use? Consider using private money lenders to help spur on your business and create long-term potential!
Fast approval rates
Instead of typical bank loans, where the approval rates and the process can take between weeks - and even sometimes months - using private money lenders is a much quicker process. If you want to buy a property that you are going to flip within the next week, you need money in your hand fast - and private money lenders like Asset Based Lending can do that for you.
You have time to improve your property
The second reason that you should consider using private money lenders for your business with the flexibility offered with this type of loan. Since a hard money loan is given by private investors, you can change the terms of the loan based on the individual situation and the people involved.
This means that if you want to get a long-term financing method to help you with a more extensive house renovation, you can speak with them and negotiate a deal where you earn more funding to make the necessary changes to your property to earn a profit.
Credit scores are not valid
The third benefit of using private money lenders near me instead of bank loans is that you do not have to worry about your credit score!
Whether your credit score has always been poor, or your credit score suddenly dropped due to applying for too many new lines of credit, you may find that your credit score is too low to qualify for the bank loan you need. When it comes to private money lenders, don't worry - they do not take your credit score into account! The only thing the private money lenders care about is the value of the property and the potential for renovation.
Bonus: Consider reading our guide on boosting credit scores. Hope it will help out.
Conclusion
If you're considering using traditional bank loans for your real estate property, choose something else - private money lenders. Not only will this funding method help you get quick approval, get cash in your hand fast, and avoid using pre-requisites like credit scores, but you can immediately begin working on flipping or renovating the house to turn a profit!
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Before entering into marriage, you and your soon-to-be lifetime partner should talk about finances. Both of you might have different ways of handling your finances.
Settling down and starting to grow a family is one big responsibility that both of you will share. One may be frugal and minimalist, while the other is the opposite. Your differences, if not taken seriously, like by discussing it, might cause a collision.
Just let me share one fact about what happens in marriage nowadays. Few are getting married. Many are getting divorced. And according to Forbes, one of the factors why couples end up divorcing is money issues. Unsettled issues!
It's not the main factor, but somehow, it contributes tension to the couple. And we don't want to let that happen to you. This article aims to help you understand what a couple should do in creating your budget.
Take this opportunity to know what couples should do in handling money. These best-picked tips will guide you in building your budget.
Vital Tips For an Effective Budget-
Communicate at all times:
Discussing financial matters is vital, and it's the only way to know each other, especially in handling money.
Let's face reality. Not all couples have the same spending habits. One might want to save more and choose to live a simple lifestyle, while the other might want the opposite.
As you can see, managing your finances contrasts with the other. With that scenario, both of you might encounter some financial struggles while building your budget goals.
Through proper communication, you can set things up with an open mind. But both should adjust each other's expectations. This way, you can organize everything and meet one's goal.
Remember, this isn't a simple game to win. It's a real-life game that both should work together as one.
Categorize your budget:
If both of you feel like your goals are somewhat overwhelming, you have to remember that you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.
By simply categorizing your budget, you can have a more exact path to follow. You can see which to prioritize and which is more necessary. Do it one step at a time.
As you continue to discuss things, one should jot down everything. This way, you won't miss or forget some information or idea.
Identify your household needs:
Both should identify your household needs. This way, it will become easy for you to categorize them. List them down. Afterward, you order them to either mandatory expenses, significant, nice, or unnecessary.
Don't forget to include your existing debts on your list. May it be a mortgage loan, credit card, other outstanding debts, car loans, utility bills, food, and other different personal needs.
After listing things, you can now identify which category it is.
Mandatory expenses and significant ones should be your top priority. The rest will be considered as your minor focus.
You might be wondering what mandatory expense is? In layman's terms, mandatory means something that obliges you to perform. That means "mandatory expenses" are something that obliges you to settle.
For instance, debts that should be settled fall to mandatory expenses. Whatever type of debt it is, it will be considered mandatory spending.
Settling debts might be overwhelming. Why not consider paying your debts in full using a personal loan from a licensed money lender Tampines? It's a form of debt consolidation. It merely means combining your debts into one.
For example, you consolidate all your credit card debts and pay them using a loan from moneylender woodlands. You settle your debts in total, with lower interest and one monthly payment.
If there's something you are paying because you need it, you can categorize it as a pressing need.
Important or significant things refer to your basic needs. Foods, clothing, water, electricity, internet connection, and the likes are your basic needs.
Nice things give you fun and convenience, but not that important. For example, car accessories, upgrading or changing phones, buying too many dresses. Everything's look nice but not necessary.
Unnecessary things are simply those that don't have value. For instance, you purchased an online subscription that you seldom use for leisure. It's a total expense that you don't benefit anything. And it only cost you money.
Spending money to buy trendy things, eat at a restaurant, and travel around is not bad. As long as you know to discipline yourself. You can never deprive your happiness in reaching your goals.
But if you want to achieve your financial goals faster successfully, you have to be patient. Always remember that it takes strong commitment and determination to do it. Saving more, spending less will help you a lot.
Set money goals:
Setting goals means taking in-depth planning. It is about creating a path towards your goal, guiding you on how to achieve it.
Achieving your money goals is not impossible as long as you make a well-thought plan. To make it happen, both of you must cooperate with your plan.
Visualize what both of you want to have. Both should be specific.
Let’s say you are dreaming of buying a condominium property. In what location? How big should it be? Would it be a two-bedroom or three-bedroom unit? Such questions show what particular property you dream of having.
Aside from being specific, you evaluate whether it is realistic and achievable in your current state. Your partner dreams of having a sports car. The question is, is it realistic to get such a thing based on both financial capabilities?
The next thing you must consider is the time-frame. Home property is expensive and needs a considerable amount of money. If you aim to buy one, you have to set a timeline.
Just say, after two to three years, you will buy your dream property for your family. Within those three years, both will have to work hard and commit to saving a part of your income until you reach your specific goal.
The mentioned tips above will be the most thoughtful way to start building your budget goals. Otherwise, the case can probably push you to sacrifice valuable things. You and your partner should evaluate your money flow before you decide.
Determine how much you earn:
The next thing you do after setting your goals is to determine how much earning you have. There are types of income that we make - gross and net income. Among these two, net income is what you are going to use in creating a budget.
Gross income is a sum of money before your taxes and deductions. In contrast, the net income is your take-home pay.
The question is, are both of you work as a salaried employee or not? If you are an employee paid hourly, your income would likely be stable.
But if you work seasonally, or you are self-employed, that means you earn irregularly. That said, you have to track your income section monthly.
Track your spendings by having a meeting:
You both need to track your spendings. You can do it daily, weekly, or monthly. But for couples who have just begun to create their budget goals, it is recommended to do it every day. You can eventually do it weekly or monthly.
You talk about where your progress is towards your budget goals. You check every spending you take on different categories and manage what's left.
You can do less work by using some financial apps exclusively designed for couples to organize and track finances. It gives convenience and, at the same time, can make your meetings shorter and more effective.
The Grand Debate – Joint or Single Account
Any newlywed couple's financial choice is whether to open joint or separate accounts.
Now, many might love the idea of sharing finances such closely, or while others might run away from the idea.
There is not wrong or right about having a savings account. It is all about advantages and disadvantages based on your relationship with money and each other.
Some like more autonomy when it comes to financial reasons!
However, you should decide upon assessing both the pros and cons of the matter!
When it Comes to Joint Accounts
Many couples opt to open joint accounts as a way to keep their finances simple. With a joint account, each partner puts their income into one account, making it easier to manage household bills and expenses and work together to reach their financial goals.
It also promotes transparency and trust, and as everything is out in the open, you and your partner will both be on the same page when it comes to spending money.
Joint accounts can also make it easier to achieve long-term savings goals such as buying a house or traveling.
However, you will need to communicate well because if you have different spending priorities, this could cause tension.
In terms of Separate Accounts
On the other hand, keeping separate accounts can help partners feel more in control of their finances. This is especially true if one tends to spend more on hobbies or interests.
With separate accounts, both individuals agree on how much money they will contribute toward shared expenses (like rent, groceries, and utilities) and what they’ll keep for themselves.
While this approach allows for independence, it requires open lines of communication and clearly defined expectations.
Are you ready to begin your financial journey?
Creating a budget has to be undergone through in-depth planning. Start-ups aren’t easy.
Both of you might face financial challenges along the way. However, with concrete planning, if both are committed to achieving the goals, nothing is impossible. Follow what you should do, focus, and get it one by one.
You should also consider discussing bank accounts, and other matters early on.
In the end, some couples find that sharing a hybrid approach works best for them.
This is where they have one joint account for shared expenses and then each maintain a separate individual account for their own personal spending.
This way both individuals get some level of independence with their finances while still maintaining financial transparency.
The most important part here is to communicate on a regular basis and adjust along the way to ensure both individuals’ needs are being met and goals are being achieved.
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