03.07 2011

Refinance Auto Loan

Emily Glazer, of the Wall Street Journal, featured MoneyAisle in her column surrounding auto loan refinance on Sunday.

Glazer explains the typical scenario of consumers receiving initial dealership financing for their car loan, but getting skimped when it comes to the low advertised rates. But, there is a way to get a second shot at that ideal financing she says:

“You may be able to get better terms on a car loan by refinancing, however.

MoneyAisle.com lets you compare various loan and rate offers from banks and credit unions. You’ll need to plug in your loan balance; monthly payment; your automobile’s make, year and mileage; your ZIP Code; and your credit score.

The site then gives you a list of loan offers from three to 20 financial institutions. Read more…

02.07 2011

Cheap Memory Means Big Savings

In 2005, The New York Times reported that, “A 512-megabyte memory card can sell for as little as $34, though it is generally about $50.” Today, you can buy a 16-gigabyte flash memory card for less than $25. That’s a drop of 97%! In addition to helping you post more on Facebook, this cheap memory can save you big. Before memory was this cheap, I spent too much time writing down notes and recommendations to remind myself of what to buy/read/ next. Now, I can just take a pic for later. Here are some ideas on saving big with the click of a button:

  • Snap pics of books: Instead of reaching for that bestseller at the bookstore, snap a pic as a reminder to check it out at the library. No more ISBNs or writing down the author. I hav

Read more…

01.07 2011

Taking out a loan for a new car requires the same homework as purchasing a house


In New York Daily News Jean Chatzky discusses the lack of research done on behalf of the consumer on finding the best financing for their new car, in comparison to the research done on the car itself.
“We look at miles per gallon, safety ratings and interior space. We take it for a test drive. And then when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, we do it, sometimes without a thought to whether the interest rate is the best we can get.”
Chatzky continues to explain that simple research on the value of their credit score can save consumers a lot of money over the life of their new purchase. Read more…

29.06 2011

Do I Have a Credit Card Problem?

A few years ago, I definitely had the beginnings of a credit card problem. With the average American family carrying about $8k in credit card debt, I may not be the only one! Credit cards arent a problem in and of themselves. They help you build a credit history for one thing. But you have to use them wisely. Here are a few signs that your credit card habits have gotten you in hot water:

1. You blow your budget. You often spend more than you can afford.
2. You put basics on your card. If you have to pay for groceries or other necessities with credit, you are likely living beyond your means.
3. Impulse buys are your thing. If you buy things you dont need in the heat of the moment, you could be at risk of overspending.
4.

Read more…

25.06 2011

The Ugly Underbelly of the Personal Loan

Over at “Surviving and Thriving,” Donna Freedman recently blogged about her experience lending money to a friend. Her post resonated with me as I have had a similar experience. So while we talk a lot about different types of loans in the world of personal finance–be it car loans, mortgages or payday lenders–we often neglect to discuss one of the most common lending practices: the personal loan.

Shakespeare is quoted as saying, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” and I’m inclined to agree with him. I’ve been on both sides of the coin and it’s not an easy situation to be in. Having borrowed $5,000 from my father to help fix up a newly purchased condo, there was always an undercurrent of judgment. Read more…

23.06 2011

What to Pack on the Apartment Hunt

I just spent a solid week pounding the hot June pavement on my apartment hunt. I’ve shared preparation tips already, so here’s a detailed list of what to pack in your car, purse or backpack:

  • Personalized checklist: Divide a sheet of paper into a grid with empty boxes. In the left-hand column, list the specific things that you’re looking for, which may include “walking distance to the subway” or “allows dogs bigger than 30 lbs.” Check off which specifics each apartment has. Print off a few sheets so you can remember what you saw.
  • Digital camera: See above and a prior post for why pictures are really worth 1,000 words.
  • Your important docs: Come prepared to spring on an apartment that you like, especially in fast-paced markets like New York and San Francisco. This means a

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22.06 2011

What is the importance of establishing business credit?

A business credit is needed by a businessman either to set up a new business or to expand a running business. Various banks are available to provide you with credits for your business but you should choose a bank which can provide you a good rate of interest. The business credit allows you to know all the details and important financial handlings required for your business. If you can show the bank that your business is successful, then you can become a treasured customer for the bank. It not only makes you feel better but also adds a good grade to your reputation.

If you are having a new business plan then you have to show your bank the prospective success which sometimes might be a little difficult.

Read more…