Tag Archives: finances

Dec18

Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

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Car Loans VS Dealership Financing: Which Is Better For You?

You usually have two roads to travel down when you want to buy a car:

  • Buy it outright with your own money
  • Seek some sort of financing option

Most people can’t use 100% of their money to buy a car so they go down the financing route, though this also throws a fork in the road:

  • Buy your car using an auto loan
  • Buy your car with dealership financing

Both are very viable options, but which one is better from a personal finance standpoint? Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they compare:

Car Loans Explained:

A car loan is one of the most straightforward auto financing options available. You approach a lender, apply for a loan, and receive enough money to cover the full cost of your purchase. Deposits/down payments are required – and this is usually a secured loan, meaning the car itself is collateral. In essence, if you fail to repay the loan, the lender can repossess your vehicle.

A very simple idea that comes with some massive benefits:

  • You own 100% of the car straight away
  • Car loans tend to come with lower interest rates, making them less costly
  • You gain the flexibility to buy your car from any dealership or brand

There are only a couple of downsides to a car loan, particularly when compared with regular dealership financing. It normally requires more effort to find a suitable lender and apply for your loan – and lenders are strict when it comes to accepting applications. Still, if you’ve got a great credit history, then there’s no need to worry about approval.

Dealership Financing Explained:

With dealership financing, you normally approach a car dealer and buy a vehicle from them, using their financing product. You pay a deposit, and then the dealer charges monthly payments based on the vehicle’s value and how much you already paid. The interesting thing here is that you’re normally locked into a 1-4 year deal. When your term ends, you either pay a balloon payment to own the car or take out a new deal on a new vehicle.

Dealership financing is popular for a couple of key reasons:

  • It’s fast and easy to set up
  • You normally get better deals than buying a car outright with a loan
  • It’s easily accessible
  • You can cycle through brand-new cars every few years

However, the main downside is that you do not own your car. The dealer will retain a majority share of your vehicle unless you pay the balloon payment at the end. This means you lack any flexibility when it comes to modifying your vehicle – and you’re also often forced to go to specific garages for servicing.

Which Is The Better Option Financially?

Speaking from a strictly financial standpoint, car loans are the better choice. You have lower interest rates, gain ownership of the vehicle right away, and have a longer term to split your repayments, making them more manageable. Truthfully, dealership financing only makes sense if you like cars and want to buy a new one every few years.

If you’re on the market for a new car, explore your financial options carefully and don’t rush into a decision you’re not fully comfortable with!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec11

Can You Truly Be Prepared For A Financial Emergency?

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Can You Truly Be Prepared For A Financial Emergency?

Financial emergencies can strike any of us at any time. Whether it’s due to a personal injury, an incident on the road, or a sudden major household cost we can find ourselves scrambling to get our finances in order and to avoid falling into debt any more than we need to. Today we’re going to look at some of the preparations you can put in place to make sure that you’re better able to handle those emergency costs when they do arise:

Build An Emergency Fund:

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to make sure that you have some safeguards in place well in advance. First and foremost, put together a savings goal to establish an emergency fund. These should typically cover three to six months of essential expenses, including housing costs, groceries, transport, and other non-negotiables. That way, you can make sure that you have enough of a cushion to get through crises that are as major as even a job loss.

Buy The Insurance That You Need:

Insurance is often overlooked until a crisis hits, but having the right policies in place can prevent emergencies from becoming financial disasters. Make sure that you’re investing in the essential coverage, such as home or renters’ insurance, health insurance, and car insurance (that covers as much as you need), and consider additional coverage, such as income protection to ensure you’re protected even if you’re put out of work for a while. Keep an eye on your policies, checking them yearly to make sure they cover the most probable issues you might face.

Know When You Need A Lawyer:

Sometimes, a financial emergency may stem from an event that wasn’t your fault or responsibility. Whether it’s an injury at work or a car accident, having the number of a reputable lawyer can make a big difference. With a personal injury lawyer, for instance, you can make sure that the person responsible for your injury is also made responsible for your medical bills, as well as any money that you might lose as a result of being put out of work. A good lawyer can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and navigate insurance claims more effectively, too.

Keep Your Credit In Good Shape:

While you typically want to avoid having to borrow in order to deal with sudden expenses, sometimes you might have no other readily available option. Keeping your credit score high can offer a significant advantage, allowing you to utilize loans or credit cards with good interest rates, instead of having to rely on more unreliable sources of funding, like payday loans or secured loans that could lead to much worse financial outcomes and higher interest payments.

Emergency situations are an unfortunate part of life and the best thing you can do is be prepared to face them!

Featured Image By: Pexels