Alternatives to personal loans

Acquiring a personal loan is intended for financing and managing a person's financial needs. For taking finance, a person may apply for a loan or a credit card to purchase shares or any asset like home, vehicle etc.

But, before deciding about the financial goals, a person must assess his or her financial situation. While using credit card or personal loan in financing, proper plan for management of debt burden is imperative.

Correct information should be given in the credit report because the chances are high that incorrect information and mistakes on credit report have an adverse effect on the personal loan. The most common errors that occur in the credit report are outdated information, which can stay on the report for seven years, and inaccurate marking like erroneous late payment, repossession and bankruptcy.

Prior to applying for a loan with a financial company, it must be ensured that best rates and terms are selected especially for first time borrowers. First time borrowers must initially determine how much to borrow and for how long to take for repayment. Lenders usually impose higher interest rates for loans on small amounts and so it makes better sense to apply for higher amounts of loans and use the surplus cash to invest with higher rate of interest. If that is frightening, it is advisable to write a budget of all the expenses including monthly bills and daily living costs. Then the expenses should be subtracted from the net income and 75 percent of the left over amount can be set apart for the monthly loan payment keeping the rest 25 percent as a buffer for other expenses.

The amount to be borrowed can be determined on the basis of the purpose for which the personal loan is taken. The length of the time taken for repayment of the money borrowed is the term of the loan. The longer the loan term, the lesser the monthly payments and more the interest rates.

In fact, there are viable alternatives to personal financing that can save money. For example homeowners can explore mortgage products and refinancing also will help to some extent. For a relatively lower amount, applying for a credit card can come in handy for people with poor credit if the intention is to pay off the debt in a short span of time. Borrowing against 401k is a wise decision. It is also equally important to get a copy of the 3- in 1 credit report which provides a complete analysis of profiles as reported by three major credit reporting agencies. If the application for personal loan has been rejected, it is advisable to wait for one or two months before applying again because if applied in more than one source, multiple inquires will adversely affect the credit score.

Apart from all these hassles, to avoid dealing with emergency purposes-most of the personal loans are for this purpose -it is good if a small "emergency fund" is developed by entailing a few dollars away every month as savings.
Autor: Lesley Lyon
Source: Free Articles

ATM Security

by: Robert Young

ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they neversaw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:

- Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high traffic areas. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden, such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high-speed thoroughfares.

- Choose an ATM that looks and 'feels' safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach and ATM on foot, be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number, keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious male ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches, terminate your transaction and leave immediately, evin if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the per! son and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine, put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.

- If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine, the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the driver's side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If an armed robber confronts you, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.

- If lights are around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine.

- Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places.

- Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public.

- Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction.

- Don't fight with or attempt to follow the robber.

- Drive or walk to a safe place and immediately call the police.

Stay safe! Visit www.UrbanSafetySupplies.com and www.HiTechHiddenCameras.com for all of your self defense and security item needs.

About The Author

Robert Young is the owner and operator of Urban Safety Supplies and Hi-Tech Hidden Cameras. Stay safe! Visit www.urbansafetysupplies.com for all your security item needs. Stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and more! Also visit www.hittechhiddencameras.com and see our hidden cameras, spy, and surveillance equipment.

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