Have you ever made a purchase of an automobile and thought the monthly premium was something that would be easy to handle. Yes, at the time, the notion of paying $300 per month did not seem like it was something out of your range of affordability. Then, 18 months went by and it seems like things have changed quite a bit. You cash flow is not what it used to be and that means making a $300 a month payment will be a lot harder than expected. What is the viable way out of such a scenario? The answer can be found in a single word: refinancing.
What is refinancing? It is the process of procuring a loan with the intention of paying off another loan. Often, this is done to lower monthly premiums or to acquire a lower interest rate or a combination of both. This does sound like a nice idea on the surface but is it as easy as some say it is. Honestly, under certain circumstances, there really should be no impediments to refinancing used auto loans with ease.
The way the process works is not complicated. If you have a source of income or assets and are reasonably able to pay the new loan amount then you should be approved with ease. If you made all payments on your previous auto loan and are in good standing, you should not have a problem. Those with a good credit score should also have no problems being approved for refinancing. No, the process is not as tough as some assume because if you are a good borrower odds are that you will remain one. As such, there is no reason to turn down such a borrower for an auto loan refinancing request.
By: Hector Milla
Posts Tagged ‘Cash Flow’
Refinancing Used Auto Loans With Ease
April 11th, 2010Car Loan Refinancing – When To Refinance Your Car Loan
February 15th, 2010
Want to save money? Lower your monthly payment? Then refinance your old car loan. Trade in your high interest rate loan for a lower rate, especially if your credit score has improved. You can also lower your payments by extending your loan terms, helping your cash flow.
Trading In High Rates
When rates drop, refinancing makes sense for both mortgage and car loans. Factor in the length of the car loan though when deciding whether to refinance. If you only have a year left on loan payments, then it won’t save you money to refinance since you have paid most of the interest up front.
You can also reduce your interest costs by refinancing for a shorter term. Reducing your loan by two years can easily shave over a thousands dollars off your interest charges, even with the same rate. Once again, you need to look at how long you have left on your original car loan to be sure you can save money.
Better Score, Better Rates
If you have improved your credit score since you first secured your car loan, you may find savings in better rates. So even if rates haven’t dropped for the general market, you may still qualify for better rates.
Besides making regular, on-time payments, you can improve your score by reducing your debt ratio. Your score also improves when none of your accounts are maxed out.
Lower Payment, Longer Term
Reduced rates aren’t the only reason to refinance. By rolling over to a longer term, you can reduce your monthly payment. Just remember that in the long run, you will be paying more for your car loan. However, when finances are tight, this option can keep you from defaulting on your loan or other bills.
Before jumping into a refinancing deal, be sure to investigate financing companies. Compare their APR, ask for free quotes, and read the fine print. Also check with your original lender to be sure there are no early payment fees. The best refinanced car loans are the ones where you save money. Taking the time to research financing offers will ensure that you find just such a deal.
By: Carrie Reeder
Interest Only Refinancing Loans
January 23rd, 2010
An interest only refinancing loan is a great way for savvy homeowners to maximize their cash flow. Interest only refinancing loans are different than a tradition refinancing loan. With a traditional refinancing loan, you pay both the principle of the loan and the interest of the loan. With interest only refinancing loans, the homeowner is given the option of paying both the principle and interest of the loan or only the interest, using the extra money that would have been spent on the principle to purchase or invest for other things.
Interest only refinancing loans can be very similar to traditional refinancing loans. For instance, both types of mortgages usually have the same interest rate, so you don’t usually save from one product to another and you can take out an interest only loan with either a fixed rate or adjustable rate.
For the most part, most interest only loans allow the borrower to choose between paying both the principle and interest or just the interest for a set term. For instance, your interest only loan will give you the option for the first 10 years of the loan. After 10 years have passed, you must always pay both the principle and interest.
Advantages of Interest Only Refinancing Loans
The main advantage of an interest only refinancing loan is that the homeowner can maximize their cash flow from month to month. For instance, need a few extra dollars one month, forgo paying the principle, some savvy homeowners even forgo paying the principle and instead take that money and invest it into their 401K or other investment vehicles.
Another advantage of these types of loans is for homeowners that intends to sell their home before the end of the loan term. Having extra cash flow when you need it can be a great way to buy the things you need most and since you will be moving before the end of the loan, with the sale of the home and its built up equity, you can easily repay your loan.
While interest only refinancing loans can be a popular alternative, they are not without risk. For those that rely on not paying the principle due to the fact that they have trouble paying their mortgage completely, this can signal trouble ahead. Make sure that if you choose this type of loan, you can handle the perks. Make sure you have control of your finances and refrain from digging yourself in a hole.
By: Connie Barker