Scooter or Car?

Jul 30
2010

Finding your car expenses are too expensive? Yes surely a car is ideal for family use, but how about when you are going to work each day or just to the local supermarket? You don’t need a car, these days petrol prices aren’t the cheapest, the days of filling your tank with $20 are gone! So why not downsize to a scooter?

There is an increase of environmental concerns, there are thousands of cars on the road each day, imagine the amount of pollution that is constantly hovering around us. Not only this it is now a struggle to find parking all over Melbourne, unless you are willing to pay for parking you will be moving your car every hour to minimize your risk of getting fined! Scooters are small and compact you can just park them at bike racks. Another highlight is that you don’t even have to wait in traffic. You can speed by traffic jams and get to your destination faster and many scooters are now made for gas consumption which is a cheaper option rather than petrol. What’s not to love?

The maintenance of your scooter should be of high concern, things like checking your oils, tire pressure and battery should be done every month.  Every six months you should check and change if needed your tires and breaks, these components are important for your safety, you don’t want your scooter to lose control resulting in injuries. Remember you will be using it as much as a car and this only has two wheels!

Before making a decision weigh up the benefits of using a car or a scooter and seek for ways in which to save in the long run. Maybe it will involve having both and using each for different occasions at the end of the day it is what you prefer more!

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New Year’s Resolutions

Jul 29
2010

Happy new financial year! Now is a great time to start afresh by reviewing your financial goals and putting strategies into place to achieve them.  If you plan and take action, you could really hit the ground running for 2010/11.  You may have a tax return, or an end of financial year bonus or a new pay increase which can contribute to you achieving these goals.

This applies to whether you looking at upgrading or downsizing in a new car or even refinancing the residual at the end of your loan term. You can do this wisely and prudently if you have a proper strategy and stick to it.

Consider the following tips in getting the best deal possible on your next car:

Cash Up

Try saving your tax returns and bonus towards a deposit in your new wheels.  By doing this you reduce the amount of exposure you have on the goods and make yourself more appealing to the lender. Lenders are conservative and want to know that their risk is reduced if in case the loan goes ‘pear shaped’. By saving a good deposit, you give the lender more of a reason to say ‘approved’.  It shows thought and planning has gone into the process of purchasing the car.  With refinancing of residuals, don’t just accept what the current financier is offering you.  Seeing a broker may add a few extra steps to the process, but it could work out to be a very worthwhile exercise.

Match the loan repayments to your budget

Before you go out looking for a new car, determine what you want to spend in accordance with your monthly budget.  There is no use falling in love with a car that will cost you repayments of $700 per month if you only feel comfortable paying $500.  Be realistic and factor in a “buffer”, that way if your circumstances change, it is still easy to meet the minimum repayments.  Use a budget calculator, spend some time analyzing your circumstances and then make your decision.  There are great deals on all the time, you won’t miss out.

Think outside the interest rate

When you do get the car loan, make a promise to make additional repayments where ever possible.  You may be finding that the loan you are going for may not reward you for extra payments but sting you with fees instead.  Try to get a loan product which enables you to make these additional payments so that when next financial years comes around and you have some extra cash, you can place this on your loan and effectively reduce the amount of interest you pay in the long run for the car loan. Choosing the best car loan requires more than finding the best interest rate.  Features such as the ability to make additional repayments can save you hundreds or even thousands.

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Tips for buying a boat

Jul 28
2010

If you are looking a purchasing a new boat make sure you have done thorough research in order to make sure you get exactly what you want. Start by make a list of likes and dislikes of boat activities, this will eliminate various models and help you in narrowing down to the ideal product. Keep in mind the manufacturers recommendations, specifically the number of occupants and the maximum weight. You don’t want to be making a purchase then realizing that it’s not the right one for you.

Are you a first time buyer?

It is a good idea to buy a used boat just in case you realize boating isn’t what you enjoy. You can still find a decent boat that has been well maintained and serviced for a great deal. Remember, majority of people use their boats in their spare time, so most of the time boats sit.

When reviewing a boat, go by your first impression. If the boat looks well maintained it is highly likely the owner has been looking after it. Don’t hesitate to lift any objects on the boat; you would be surprised what you’d fine. If there’s any sign of discoloration or rust it is highly likely the boat has been uncared for.

Before contacting the seller think of questions you can ask like: Is their anything that needs to be repaired now?  Has the boat ever been in an accident? What accessories are included? Review numerous boats, asking the same questions, once you have a fairly good idea of which boat is the one for you determine a reasonable price and negotiate with the seller!

To obtain a boat loan contact natloans on 1300 628 562 for all your boating finance needs.

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Can I buy a car using my credit card?

Jul 26
2010

The first thing that comes to mind when buying a car is, “where am I going to get finance from?.” If you are planning on spending over $5,000 sure go ahead and contact your local financiers for more information. However, if you are looking at purchasing a product and don’t want to use a financier, your solution is waiting for you right in your wallet, your credit card.

Credit card rates use to have quite high interest rates, as the market is constantly competing against many companies the rates have now decreased making it more appealing to consumers. Before making the decision of a car loan OR using your credit card remember to:

  • Shop around for the best interest rate, although some credit cards have low interest rates there are still high rates out there
  • You will be paying a surcharge for every transaction made, when purchasing a car this surcharge can be up to 2.5%
  • Purchasing your car on your credit card may affect your ability to pay your day-to-day expenses
  • Don’t go over your limit, you don’t want to position yourself in a situation where you can’t cope in paying off your bills
  • If your credit card gives you reward points in return this may be the purchase you’ve been waiting for, in order to win that trip overseas or a free television

There are many things you have to take into consideration before making your final decision, make sure you do all the appropriate research even it means speaking to a financier for an opinion. At the end of the day you want to make sure you have made the best decision for you.

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Steps to getting a better deal with your finance – Part Two

Jul 19
2010

In Part One of ‘Steps to getting a better deal with your finance’, we covered two of the six points you should consider before taking out a consumer loan:

  1. Work out what you can afford to borrow
  2. Shop around for the best deal by using a broker

Following are some other useful pointers:

  1. Know what you’re dealing with:  Make sure you know what you are signing before you go ahead.  An experienced and reputable broker will be happy to go through these details and any other questions which may arise.  Check the terms and the conditions of the loan contract, including any fees and penalties if payments are missed and what happens if you choose to pay off the loan early.
  2. Get help if you cant pay your debts:   It is important you meet the payments you are required to make but when difficulty arises, burying your head in the sand is not the best solution.  Act quickly by contacting your credit provider or broker.  There are many places you can go for help including financial councillors.
  3. Complain if things go wrong:  Try to resolve any issues you can with your broker or credit provider first.  If you are not satisfied take your complaint to an independent dispute resolution scheme.

More information on all of these points can be accessed at our web site which is www.natloans.com.au or calling 1300 628 562.

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Steps to getting a better deal with your finance – Part One

Jul 19
2010

Consumers should be well aware that there have been changes to consumer credit as of 1st July. Consumer car loans, personal loans, home loans, credit cards and overdrafts are now being regulated by ASIC under a single, nationally consistent  regime.  The new laws have been designed to better protect interest of borrowers and improve the standards across the board. In the past, its been very easy for borrowers to get into debt with the wrong loan products.  Following is a simple guide on what to think about before deciding to take out a consumer loan:

  1. Work out what you can afford to borrow: It’s always a good idea to establish what we can realistically afford to borrow in monthly repayments. Natloans has a budget calculator which assist you in working out where you money goes now and how much is left over.  Always remember to factor in interest rate rises and anything that may affect your income in the future.
  2. Shop around for the best deal: By going to a large reputable broker such as Natloans, you are able to obtain access to a large range of products with just one simple phone call or application.  Its important to know that the more you apply for products when you shop around, the more likely you effect your credit rating and give yourselve a ‘busy’ credit file.  Natloans has access to a large range of lenders and products.  They do the work for you to compares interest rates, features, and any hidden nasties to ensure you obtain the best deal possible.  It can make a huge difference to what you end up paying so it’s really worth while going to a reputable broker.

Why you should keep an eye on your credit history…

Jul 19
2010

Looking at purchasing a new car but you take one step back and realize that one telephone bill you refused to pay is what is holding you back? Well there are ways to prevent such cases or work around them in the long run.

What you must remember is that when dealing with a consultant you must be as honest as you can, they will find out if you are giving them inaccurate information. Whether you contact your local bank or a finance company they will most likely check your credit history to see if you have ever been bankrupt or had any defaults. What people don’t realize is that simply delaying bills it can be listed on your file and make it that more difficult in getting finance. Undesirable information can remain on your file for up to 7 years!! So next time you are due to make a payment be sure to have your money ready to go, even if it means paying it a few days earlier.

Did you know?

Making numerous enquiries to various finance companies will lower your chances of getting finance. Consultants can view all your enquiries on your credit file. If you speak to the right people about how to go about eliminating your defaults they will guide you to take the necessary steps to buy your new car. Natloans specializes in helping individuals with bad credit. Yes! You may not be eligible for a loan straight away, it may be 3, 6, or up to 12 months later you will have second chance of driving away with a new car.

What you can do to improve your credit file?

  1. If you are aware of an unpaid default make sure it is paid completely before contacting a financier
  2. With your new loan make sure all repayments are paid before the due date and are not in arrears
  3. Don’t make too many enquiries to finance companies
  4. Ask your local financier for more advice

Natloans deals with hundreds of clients that have had previous issue with their credit files, they have helped individuals who have lost everything get back on their own two feet. Our consultants go above and beyond to find a solution for all their clients, do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 628 562.

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Do you want to be driving on water this Summer?

Jul 15
2010

Have you ever been lying down on the beach and seeing people zooming right past you on their Jet Ski? Well why sit and want to join them when you could buy your own and ride it whenever you want to! There are various things to consider when finding the perfect Jet Ski for you, it is just as important as buying a new vehicle. Firstly, you must think about how much you can afford and if you want to buy a heavy one in which is perfect for larger waves in the ocean or maybe something lighter that is ideal for lakes and rivers. If you are looking at a used Jet Ski make sure their previous owners have kept up with their services, inspect it and take it on a test drive (if possible), because remember you get what you paid for in the end. You want to be purchasing something that you can have years of fun with, not break down on you. However, if your budget is slightly higher and you can afford a new product the only fear you can possibly have is upgrading ever now and then, or perhaps upsizing to a bigger one. Another factor that must be address is buying insurance, when getting finance do not forget to see what deals and discounts you can obtain. Natloans offers a wide range of finance and insurance products to suit your needs, to find out more contact Natloans on 1300628562 or visit our website www.natloans.com.au, we will step you through the entire way and give you the best option available.

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Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway…

Jul 14
2010

Living a stressful life and you simply can’t take it anymore? Why stay at home where there’s always so much to do, and not be out traveling the coast with a friend or going for a relaxing drive there are so many places to see.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 650R is ideal for learner’s; it is now more modern and attractive than before. The Ninja is low on gas and holds its value for quite some time, so why not spend $10,800 on a brand new bike that will leave you exploring and everyone speechless of your purchase. If you are worried that it’s too much for your pocket, there’s no drama, you can find a used Ninja for only $7,995. It’s all about finding the best deal and bike to satisfy your needs. Is this not what your looking for? Are you on the lookout for something more powerful? Why not get a bike loan?

Maybe the Harley Davidson best suits you? Harleys have been around since the 1900’s, made for individuals who love to ride. Harley Davidson’s range between $15,000-$39,000, due to being such a reliable and popular brand this is why it is one of the most expensive brands. If you’re looking for quality, why not pay that extra?  At the end of the day you are the driver, you know which choice is best for you.

Natloans negotiates repayments that are reasonable depending on the type of client you are. For further information on how to go about choosing a bike amongst your budget visit www.natloans.com.au or if you would like to chat to a consultant contact us directly on 1300 628 562 and will be more than happy to have a chat.

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Ever had bad credit? Second Chance Car Loans

Jul 14
2010

Ever had bad credit?

In the past being bankrupt or having a bad credit file made it almost impossible to get finance anywhere. We all make mistakes, but how are we supposed to improve if we aren’t given a second chance? In today’s society the issue of having a few defaults on your credit file doesn’t eliminate the chance of purchasing your dream car – second chance car loans. It’s all about finding the right place to get finance where financiers understand exactly what you are looking for and are willing to go the extra mile in getting you the ideal loan.

Where can you find this type of service?

Brokers are specifically trained to guide their clients in finding the right car to satisfy their needs with the best interest rates possible. They aim to find the ideal lender that you are suited to, getting you a better deal than what you would have obtained on your own. A major advantage is the interest rates offered, brokers are able to negotiate with lenders for a lower rate than the Banks, this is the point of difference between a Finance Company and their competitors. Remember never, say never, there are people that are willing to give you and opportunity and guide you through with constant support in order to accomplish your dreams.

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