The Bogo Times : finance

Most of us have been in a tight financial spot at one time or another. Some of us might have even taken out a loan or two to get out of a bind. One of the more common loans that people take out is a title loan (or a car title loan), which is a type of secured loan where you put the title of your vehicle up as collateral. Once the loan is repaid, the lender will return the vehicle title to the borrower. If the borrower defaults on the loan, then the lender will repossess the vehicle and sell it to cover the borrower’s outstanding dues.

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Because lenders typically do not check the borrower’s credit history for this type of loan, the main drawback of title loans is the higher interest rates they require. So once you take out a title loan, you would want to pay it off as quickly as possible.

Here are a few tips to help you pay off that debt, asap:

Figure the payments into your budget.

You would want to avoid having to pay off your title loan longer than you have to. It might be tempting to roll your loan over into another term (if you can’t pay the whole amount off within the agreed-upon time frame). However, rolling over your loan will only raise the interest even more and will only prolong your financial suffering. So, pay off your loan on time by regularly setting aside funds for it.

Be honest.

If you are having a hard time paying off your title loan, contact your lender and let them know. Maybe they would be willing to renegotiate the terms of your loan. Most lenders will be open to this since you paying off your title loan will be in their best interest as much as it is yours.

Refinance.

If you really are having trouble paying off your title loan, you can replace it with a loan with lower interest rates. Simply put, take out a loan to repay another loan. However, in order for that to make sense, you need to make sure that the second loan you are taking out to repay your title loan really does have a lower interest rate. Perhaps getting a fixed-rate loan from your bank will help. Or you could visit your local credit union as another option.

Sell your car.

Now, this may prove difficult since you do not have a clean title for your vehicle because you’ve put it up as collateral for your car title loan. However, difficult does not mean impossible. You can sell your car, use the proceeds to pay off the title loan, and use the rest to buy a cheaper vehicle.

These are just some of the ways you can pay off your title loan quickly. One important thing to note is to never default on your loan unless you really have to. Remember, defaulting could mean losing your vehicle. It is important to pay what you owe and to do your research when choosing loans.

This article was originally published on Payment1.com.

10/02/2019 10:24:00 AM No comments

Our views on money are greatly influenced by how we were raised and what money concepts we were made to believe growing up. Most of us were introduced to the same sequence of life events: going to school, moving on to college, and then finding a job. This particular format made us think that once we’ve found a job, we won’t have to worry about money anymore. And, boy, were we wrong.

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Most of us who are actually lucky to have found jobs live from paycheck to paycheck. This means having enough money to pay the monthly bills, have enough food on the table, go out a few nights every month, and possibly get to travel once or twice every year; but you know for sure you’d want more out of this life if you had the chance. You want to try out new dishes at fancy restaurants without having to live on instant noodles in the next few days. For sure, you want to travel more, fly business class, and stay in hotels with more than 3 stars. You definitely want to have enough funds to save and invest.

How we go about our finances is deeply rooted in the mindset we are accustomed to. Therefore, transforming this mindset is a great step in improving the way we deal with financial matters. Here are a few tips on how to start your own transformation.

Revisit the way you talk to yourself about money

The story we tell ourselves every day becomes our very life, so be mindful of your script. Examine your inner dialogue and see if you have been too hard on yourself when it comes to money matters. Transform this inner chatter by adopting more hopeful and positive insights. If you have been beating yourself up for the student loan debts you haven’t finished paying off yet, try focusing on how much you’ve paid, rather than how much you still owe the next time you think about it. It’s simple, but it’s a start.

Always remind yourself that you are treading your own financial journey

This is important to remember especially in this day and age when we have all-day access to the life of others -- or at least the way they curate it online. It’s easy to feel a pang of jealousy when you see your feed filled with travel photos, new purchases, weddings, and babies. Social media have been notorious in making people feel depressed, so never lose sight of the fact that you own your financial journey; because if you do, you might end up spending money on things you don’t need just to “keep up.”

Avoid emotional spending

Speaking of spending money on things you don’t need, we sometimes spend money to regain some sense of control. However, after using all that money and see how the impulsive buy messed up your monthly budget, you lose your sense of control again. The cycle goes on and on. When you find yourself scouring online shopping sites at the end of a very stressful workday, stand up and take a walk instead; and remind yourself that buying a second parka jacket (which will probably end up sitting unused at the back of your closet) will just stress you out more down the road.

Change your debt mindset, too

It may be hard to be positive about all the money you owe, but you can give it a try if it means lifting the weight off your shoulders somehow. Decide that you want to get out of debt soon and make a debt plan, complete with timelines, action items, and personal deadlines. Create a tracker of your progress in paying off your debt and view it exactly like that: progress. You are moving forward and out of debt, and soon enough you will have more funds to move around with.

It takes effort and courage to change your money mindset, and these tips can get you started. In a nutshell, these tips emphasize that in order to unlearn negative views on money, you must stay on top of your inner dialogue and thought patterns with regards to your finances. By doing so, you are leaving room for more productive and positive ideas on how to elevate your financial situation.

This article originally appeared on Payment1.com.

9/12/2019 06:45:00 PM No comments

Home improvement can be costly. Renovating a space that is less than 1,000 square feet can cost up to $18,000. Improving an older home can cost even more, especially if the plumbing, wiring, and other features are not up to current standards. If you are moving around a certain budget for home improvement, careful research and planning, as well as creativity and resourcefulness can come in handy.

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But before setting a budget for home renovation, consider how you are financing your home. Whether you are paying in cash, taking out a loan, or applying for credit, your budget for home improvement must be well within your remaining funds every month.

Now, here are a few tips on renovating and styling your home while still working around a budget.

Declutter First

The first thing that you want to do is clean up. Throw away, donate, or sell things that you no longer need. Whether you want to do it Marie Kondo style and pick out which items spark joy and which don’t, or go by the good old rule that says if you haven’t used it for more than 6 months, time to let it go, you have things to throw away, for sure. Cleaning up enables you to better visualize how you are going to rearrange your furniture and store some of your belongings. Plus, you can save a few bucks by selling some of the items you’ve decided to let go of.

Demolish-It-Yourself

You can save a few dollars and reduce labor costs by doing the demolition yourself. If it doesn’t need expertise, such as removing a cabinet or pulling up a tile, consider doing it yourself rather than hiring someone to do it. Just make sure to do it very carefully to avoid injuries.

Buy fixtures and finishes yourself

Contractors usually charge an hourly fee to do the shopping for you and even put a mark-up on the price, so be clear with them that you want to do it yourself.

Shop for sales

Not everything needs to be brand new. You can save a lot by taking the time to look for used and refurbished items on the market. This can significantly reduce costs for appliances and finishes. You may also want to consider restoring or upcycling some of your furniture instead of replacing them. For example, instead of buying a new sofa, you can update your vintage one with a new fabric or a neat upholstery.

Do the painting yourself

Having a room painted by a professional can cost up to $300. Painting is easy and only requires basic knowledge on how to apply coats, so do your research if you don’t have a lot of experience in painting.

Decorate

Use traditional decorations such as candles and mats that don’t cost much to enhance the overall look of your house. Spruce up rooms with on-trend curtains or blinds. Stylish rugs need not be expensive, either. There are companies that allow you to create your own carpet and rug design for less than you expect. You don’t have to spend a lot for your house to look luxurious.

This article was originally published on Payment1.com.

9/03/2019 07:35:00 PM No comments

Being a first-time car owner is an exhilarating experience. For sure you’ve spent months, even years, planning, researching, and saving for this important purchase, and now you finally hold the keys! Now what?

Whether you purchased a brand new car or a second-hand one, you need to know how to care for it. Proper car care means less need for repairs, which means fewer expenses down the road. Here are a few tips for first-time car owners like you.

Start by taking the time to read the owner’s manual.

Manuals of anything are long and boring, which is why most of us skip it. Your car’s manual may not be the most interesting read, but it contains vital information about your car such as its features, maintenance schedule, the fluid or oil to use, and tire pressure, among others. If you have a second-hand car and the manual did not come with it, search the Internet for an online copy.

Organize your car documents.

As early as now, keep your car documents organized and tidy. Put all your receipts for car maintenance services and repairs in a filing folder or envelope so that when the time comes when you decide to resell your car, you have proof that your car is well taken care of.

Keep your tires properly inflated.

The ideal pressure level for your tires is indicated in the owner’s manual, so yes, it’s really important that you read it. Tires that are not properly inflated will wear your car faster, waste gas, and degrade the car’s handling. Check your tire’s pressure at least once a month and before going on a long trip.

Don’t skimp on carwashes.

Regularly having your car washed preserves the integrity of your car. Have your car waxed after every wash, too. Your car is vulnerable to bird droppings, road grime, and splatters among others, so it’s best that you give it a proper cleaning on a regular basis to maintain the quality of your car paint.

Follow your maintenance schedule.

The owner’s manual suggests how often you should avail maintenance services such as oil change and timing belt replacement. You can prolong the life of your car by staying on top of car maintenance.

Join the club.

Being a member of a motor club has a lot of perks like discounts at partner establishments. Aside from that, they also offer 24-hour roadside assistance in the event that you get a flat tire or your car breaks down. Some auto insurance companies have an affiliated motor club. Give your agent a call to ask about it.

Secure your emergency roadside kit.

This should include a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, flashlight, jumper cables, gloves, extra batteries, rags, duct tape, tire gauge, foam tire sealant, and tow rope, to name some of the most important things. You should also have a rain poncho, warm blanket, and drinking water in your car at all times.

Get a good local mechanic.

Ask around, get recommendations, and research on well-qualified mechanics around your area. A good and reliable mechanic is hard to come by, so if you’re lucky enough to find one, keep a good relationship with them and make sure that every transaction is done with trust and respect.

This article originally appeared on Payment1.com

8/05/2019 01:18:00 PM No comments

Getting out of debt is not an easy journey. It takes time, discipline, and sacrifice to successfully do it. For one, it takes a significant change in financial lifestyle and spending habits if you are determined to get out of debt. This means cutting back on eating out, buying new gadgets and jewelry, and taking vacations -- all made more difficult to do by targeted ads everywhere, any time of the day.

While it is undoubtedly one of the most daunting tasks you’d have to do in your life, getting out of debt is possible, provided that you are committed and serious about this life-changing decision. However, just like any endeavor, you are bound to make mistakes. Here are some you would want to avoid to keep yourself on track in overcoming this financial challenge.

Mistake #1: Setting an unrealistic budget.

After committing to paying off your debt, possibly within a time-frame you have set for yourself, you set a monthly budget to work around with now that you are putting aside cash for debt payments. Do not make the mistake of setting an impractical and unrealistic budget to make room to pay for debts. Make sure to take into account all your financial needs such as groceries, housing, utilities, insurance, retirement, emergency fund, and other important parts of your budget. Make sure that the new budget is not too far away from the one you’ve been following for years. Ease your way into it and evaluate if you can set aside a few more bucks for debt payments in the next months.

Mistake #2: Doing the old spending habits.

Since you are working around a new budget, you will need to adjust your spending habits. Start with the little things such as drinking coffee and eating breakfast at home and preparing packed lunches every day. If you shop for new clothes every week, try to limit it to once every month if you can. You might have to remove your browser bookmarks for online shops for now to avoid the temptation.

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Mistake #3: Cutting into your emergency fund and retirement savings.

Do not stop allotting money for your emergency fund. With or without debt, you need three to six months worth of monthly expenses for emergencies. Also, continue contributing 5 to 10 percent of your monthly salary to your retirement fund. When it comes to retirement savings, time is your powerful tool, so putting it off or stopping can hurt your retirement years.

Mistake #4: Paying off all debts at the same time.

It’s possible that you have more than one source of debt -- may it be credit cards, mortgage, or student loans. It would help if you prioritize paying off the debt that incurs the highest interest. Religiously stick to your budget and pay off your debts one by one, starting with one that has the highest interest.

Mistake #5: Doing it alone.

It’s understandable if you do not find seeking the advice of relatives and friends regarding your finances a good idea. The good news is you don’t have to. There are nonprofit organizations you can get free help from. Credit counselors from these agencies can provide suggestions on debt settlement and management, credit consolidation, and debt-relief programs.

This article originally appeared on Payment1.com.

7/24/2019 05:41:00 PM No comments

Credit cards can either make you or break you. If you do not handle your credit card usage responsibly, credit cards could ruin your credit score. However, when used the right way, they can help you build good credit standing and open you to more financial freedom. But how can a small square of plastic help you build your credit scores? And why does a good credit standing matter?

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Your credit standing is based on your credit history, which is a record of your past financial behaviors (i.e. do you pay your dues on time?). It tells a potential lender your likelihood of paying them back and tells them how trustworthy and reliable you are. Your credit history is recorded in your credit report, which indicates your risk as a borrower through a numerical value called the credit score. If you have a bad credit score, banks and other businesses may not want to do business with you or would offer you terms that may be harder than if you had good numbers on your credit report.

So how can you achieve good credit standing using your credit card?

Being a responsible spender when using your credit card will ensure that you will build good credit standing. But here are a few things you need to know.

First off, you’d need a credit card. Choosing your first could be tricky. A good rule of thumb to follow is to apply for a credit card that suits your credit score or your capacity to pay. You would not want to have a card with a credit limit you cannot pay off in full. Also, apply for cards that do not have annual fees and take note of the perks. These things can lighten your financial burden.

If you already have a credit card, always pay on time. Remember that little thing called credit report? If you pay your dues late, this will reflect on your credit report, and when it does, this could lower your credit rating. Use your credit card to pay for little expenses that you know you can pay off, like your groceries. Using it frequently can help you build credit, and as long as you pay your dues on time, it will help you build a good credit score.

Pay in full. Credit card interest rates can get insanely high. If you only pay the interest per month, your credit card debt will only get bigger. Try to pay in full, and if you cannot, at least pay more than just the minimum due.

Never spend more than what you have. If you are eyeing that new phone that’s over $1000 but you don’t have that thousand in your bank, don’t use your credit card. Treat your credit card like a debit card. This way, you are sure you can pay off your debt when your bill comes due.