Your credit report is a big part of whether or not you can borrow money from lenders. It gives lenders an idea of how creditworthy you are and helps them figure out how much of a risk it is to lend you money.
Here are some of the most important ways that your credit report affects your ability to borrow money:
1. CREDIT SCORE
Your credit score is based on the information in your credit file. This number shows how good of a credit risk you are. It depends on things like how well you have paid your bills in the past, how much credit you use, how long you have had credit, what kinds of credit you have, and how many new credit accounts you have. If your credit score is higher, it means that you are less likely to have problems with your credit and this makes it easier for you to borrow money on good terms.
2. LOAN APPROVAL
Before deciding whether or not to give you a loan, lenders look at your credit report. They look at your credit history, which includes any missed or late payments, defaults, bankruptcies, or accounts in collections. Lenders are more likely to give you a loan if your credit file shows a history of responsible borrowing and on-time payments.
3. RATES OF INTEREST
Your credit history also affects the rates of interest that lenders may offer you on loans. Lenders look at your credit score to figure out how risky it is to give you money. Most of the time, if you have a good credit score, your interest rates will be lower because you are seen as a more reliable borrower. On the other hand, if you have a low credit score or a history of credit problems, lenders may charge you higher interest rates to make up for the risk they see in you.
4. TERMS
The terms of a loan depend on more than just the interest rate. It can also change how the loan is set up. If your credit report shows that you are a higher risk, the lender may ask for a co-signer, a bigger deposit, or a shorter amount of time to pay back the loan. On the other hand, if you have a good credit history, you might get better terms, like more time to pay back the loan or fewer requirements for security.
5. BORROWING LIMITS
Lenders may also look at your credit report when deciding how much you can borrow. If you have a good credit history and a high credit score, you may be able to borrow more money. But if your credit file shows that you are more of a risk, lenders may limit how much they will lend you or ask for more security.
It is important to keep an eye on your credit file, look over your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus, and fix any mistakes or problems you find. By making payments on time, keeping your credit usage low, and taking care of your debts, you can build and keep a good credit history. This will make it easier for you to borrow money on good terms.
At Financial Management 101 – we are committed to providing YOU with excellent financial education, training and support so that you can live the life you truly desire. Join our LEARNING HUB today!
What are 3 ways to change your poor money habits into good money habits?
Changing poor money habits into good money habits is essential for financial stability and success. Here are three effective ways to achieve this transformation:
1. Create a Budget and Stick to It
Developing a budget is the foundation for managing your money effectively. Start by tracking your income and expenses to get a clear picture of your financial situation. Categorise your spending and identify areas where you can cut back or make adjustments. Set realistic financial goals and allocate a portion of your income towards savings and investments. Regularly review your budget and make necessary adjustments. By sticking to your budget, you’ll develop discipline and make conscious spending decisions, which will help you break poor money habits.
2. Set Up an Emergency Fund
One of the reasons people fall into poor money habits is the lack of an emergency fund. Unexpected expenses or emergencies can derail your financial progress and lead to debt or poor financial choices. Establishing an emergency fund acts as a safety net, providing financial security and reducing the need to rely on credit or loans. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. Start small, automate regular contributions, and gradually increase the amount over time. An emergency fund will help you break the cycle of poor money habits by providing a financial buffer.
3. Educate Yourself About Personal Finance
Improving your financial literacy is crucial for developing good money habits. Invest time in learning about personal finance concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Read books, follow reputable financial websites, and listen to podcasts or watch videos that provide valuable insights into money management. Understand the principles of compounding, diversification, and risk management to make informed decisions. By educating yourself, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to change poor money habits into good ones.
Remember, changing money habits takes time and consistent effort. Stay committed, seek support from friends or family members, and celebrate small wins along the way.
At Financial Management 101 – we are committed to providing YOU with excellent financial education, training and support so that you can live the life you truly desire. Join our LEARNING HUB today!
Being a student of learning means that you’re constantly growing as a person.
I believe that it shouldn’t matter what stage of life you’re in, whether in work or personal – you should never stop learning, as this enables you to stay open to new opportunities and experiences that life has to offer.
If you want any part of your life whether it be in your relationships, financial, physical or emotional to be changed or improved then you must be a student of learning.
Whatever area within your life is causing you pain or unhappiness, then go and research how you can go about changing it.
Read books, listen to podcasts, study those you admire and look at the straits that you want to be more like.
When it comes to financial matters and ways to improve the health of your money, look for coaches and people who understand money and how they can teach you to become better money managers.
Recently I undertook an exam, the Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management. The reason I did this was that I’m already talking to people about ways they can reduce their mortgage (a major debt in their life) so I decided to educate myself further on how I can truly make a difference and advise people with more knowledge about how to become mortgage-free sooner.
So whatever you’re looking to improve: research, study and look into ways on how to make those changes.
The way to a better future is to work on you.
Look at the areas that aren’t working and ask yourself where can I learn more about this so I can change the outcome.
And finally, GET YOURSELF A COACH. Look at our athletes and our favourite sporting teams and how they employ coaches to help them be on top of their game.
A financial coach, as in myself, is someone who’s trained to guide, motivate and teach you how to make sure you’re managing your money wisely.
Regular coaching will ensure you are working towards your goals of becoming debt-free, financially happy and making healthy choices with your money.
Financial education is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Check out mymonthly coaching program to ensure you get on top of your money game and for a limited time, you can join my program for a little as $1. Go on do yourself and your money a favour and join my monthly coaching program today.
See you on the inside.
In the meantime, here’s to your financial health wealth and happiness.
Yes, I believe there is, otherwise everybody would be living without financial stress and having no money problems at all.
But that’s not the case, so there must be a secret?
What is the secret to financial health?
Well, let me explain more what the term financial health means.
Having financial health is about having the money to enjoy things you love.
It means having money work to your advantage and not just to your bank or financial institutions benefit!
AND…… it certainly means not having any financial worries or stress relating to money.
What you were taught or brought up to believe about money, has shaped you today.
This means the difference between having awesome financial health where you’re able to pay your bills, have money in the bank and live without financial stress.
Or, living from pay check to pay check stressed out and worried that if something happens like loosing your income, you could be in some financial strife.
Here are seven ways to know if you are in good financial shape and have awesome financial health.
1 Firstly, you don’t spend every dollar you earn, but have money left at the end of pay day
2 Secondly, you have a savings account with money it and ready for “just in case” emergencies like loosing your job.
3 Thirdly you’re able to pay more than your minimum mortgage repayments and you are well on your well to paying this sucker down before the end of your loan term.
4 Fourthly, you are paying your bills on time and before the due date
5 Fifth, at the end of each month you have a zero balance on any credit cards
6 Sixth, have money regularly put into an investment portfolio, whether it be for shares, managed funds or for property investment for example, and
7 Lastly, annual holidays are saved up and paid in full before heading away.
Making sure you work towards good financial health will mean the difference between living a very comfortable and happy life during your retirement years OR relying on government support living in poverty.
So do you feel you have awesome Financial Health? No, then time to do something about it don’t you think?
What I offer is a full coaching service that’s super affordable while you get the support, knowledge and help you require to make better financial decisions.
If money stress is causing you problems then check out how you can work with me below.
If you’ve recently lost your job or you feel you’re about to, here are some things you can do right now to make sure you survive during the uncertain weeks or months ahead.
Okay so you need cash and you need to earn it fast.
There are 3 basic things you need to make sure you have secured during this rough uncertain and unpredictable time and that is:
Make sure you have food on the table for you and your family.
You have shelter. A roof over your head to weather out this nasty health disaster.
Protect your mental health and wellbeing.
Here are 5 ways to make sure you’re going to survive;
1If you have a mortgage broker now is the time to make contact with them if they haven’t already got in touch with you to discuss your home loan options.
If you feel you don’t have someone who you can trust in this area then I’ll drop you the name of a broker who is loyal, trustworthy and has the homeowner’s best interests at the forefront.
A point to note is that I don’t have any affiliation with this company, nor do I receive any kickbacks. I’ve just known them for a very long time and they’ve shared many tips with me to help my clients pay down their home loan debt as fast as possible, all without any strings attached.
2 If you’re not comfortable talking with a mortgage broker then get on the phone with your bank or lending institution and negotiate a deal that sees you freezing your monthly mortgage payments for the next couple of months.
What the bank will do in most cases is hold of taking payments for a short period of time, or they may even negotiate with you just paying interest-only payments.
Once this storm has passed, they will get you making small additional payments on top of your regular mortgage payments, once things go back to the “new normal” and you’re earning an income again.
3 Get in touch with your credit card provider and see what they can do for you to hold off making any monthly credit card payments. There may be something they can do to stop the cash bleed going towards paying your debts while your cash is in short supply.
4 If you’re renting then get on the phone and talk to your landlord to see what they will do to help take the strain of worrying about how you can afford to keep the roof over your head.
Most cases they are going to be in the same situation, worried that if you move out how will they afford to keep up their ongoing mortgage commitments on the property you’re living in. It’ll be up to them to negotiate with the bank to see what they can do on the other side to hold off future mortgage payments until things become a little more financial.
5 Now you’ve made contact with your bank or lending institution, next you have to see where you can find some cash or get some part-time work to make sure you survive during this traumatic time.
With the coronavirus pandemic impacting almost every business, some entrepreneurs are thriving and looking at ways to support their employees during this difficult time.
There are some industries that are still hiring and in fact looking to increase their staffing requirements because they’re in areas where they are in high demand during this time.
Supermarkets are one example as soon as they stack the shelves they are empty again. Some of the areas they are hiring and looking for are packers, bakers, customer service staff – check your supermarket’s website to see what they need.
Fast food deliveries have seen an increase in demand due to self isolation requirements and companies like Uber eats have seen an increase where they are looking for more drivers.
There’s a job board I discovered this week called Jora which is an Australian based search engine for jobs. Unlike traditional job boards, individuals can search through thousands of career opportunities, all sourced from many job sites from around Australia.
They list updates every 24 hours with new job opportunities. The site even breaks it down into job type, salary, location and job titles. Go check out it.
Here’s the link to Jora Australia just click on it and see if there’s something for you.
Other ways to get extra cash is;
You could look around the house to see what’s cluttering your home that you could sell online.
Or if you’re crafty and creative, how about sell your stuff online at sites like Etsy.
What about if you’re a cafe owner who a person who can bake. Why not teach someone how to decorate cupcakes, or another favourite baking item of yours and get paid for it by setting up a class online. People are basically in isolation looking for new creative ways to fill in their time.
You could also look to partaking in online surveys or focus groups and get paid to give your opinion.
Another is to sell your expertise online, whether you’re a tutor, teacher or have an expertise that you could share or teach online and get paid for it.
Why not look at some freelance work at sites like Fiverr, Upwork, Craigslist to name a few. Check out these sites as there may be something you’re good at and get paid for.
Affiliate marketing is another way, if you have a blog or website, you could get paid for advertising someone’s business on your site.
6 Okay next look to see where you can cut all unnecessary costs.
Go through your bank statement and see what you’re spending your money on.
What subscriptions do you have that you can go without for a while that will save you any money big or small?
I recently did this exercise as I often have things I’ve subscribed to that I don’t use any more. So because I hate giving good money away, I cut about 4 subscriptions and put $80 back in my pocket per month.
One of these was to suspend my audible account for the next 90 days as I have enough books in my library to keep me going for a year.
It may not sound like much but saving $50 or $100 will make the difference when you need to put food on the table or keep the roof over your head.
If you’ve got an iPhone go through the settings tab on your phone and check out your apple account to see what subscriptions have slipped through the cracks.
Gym membership is a big one at the moment because you can’t go out so why not suspend or cancel it if you can.
What streaming providers do you need? Do you need everyone that’s on offer at the moment like Foxtel, Netflix, Stan, Disney or even Amazon Prime to name the ones off the top of my head?
Maybe decide on one or two and cancel the rest. Wherever you can save a few dollars do it.
You’ve got to be ruthless and tough. Just as I am sitting here writing this our daughter came in wanting to buy an online game for her iPad.
It may have been only $5 and she said I’ll use my own money. That’s fine but as I said to her do you really need it right now and why not see if you can save that money for a bit longer to can go without for the next month before you decide to shell out your pocket money.
If we can teach our kids now the importance of saving, when a time like this comes up in THEIR working life, they’ll have the skills to knuckle down and not spend on non-essentials.
Now is the time to teach your kids about the value of money and how looking after the cents will amount to huge amounts of dollars later in life.
Look at what you’re spending your money on and see where you can cut down on things.
Sadly, most don’t have 6 – 8 months worth of emergency money so look at ways to get some dollars in the door fast.
You’ll need to make sure you have about 90 days worth of money to see you through.
Your job right now is to get a job if you’re not working and bring in some money to take the pressure off.
This will help keep your spirits high and look after your mental well being and health.
There is nothing more stressful than financial worry and pressure, so do what you can and see if any one of the suggestions I’ve offered above helps you out.
If you need emotional support or looking for more information on how to take the financial pressure off, then join my FB Group where I will be here for anyone needing an ear, as well as, sharing more tips and information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime stay safe and healthy.
Reference: Mortgage Broker – Harry Bozin CLICK HERE for more info.
