Category: Financial

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Tips for Launching Your Business as an ECOpreneur

Tips for Launching Your Business as an ECOpreneur

If you’re passionate about environmentalism and interested in entrepreneurship, you might worry that you would have to give up on your principles to open a business. But “ecopreneurship” could be the right path for you! From making donations to hosting educational events in your community, this guide from Save First Financial Wellness outlines everything you’ll need to do to embrace ecopreneurship.

If you’ve always dreamed of launching your own business, and you’re ready for ecopreneurship, turn to Save First Financial Wellness to help turn your dream into a reality.

Legal and Administrative Tasks

First things first – you’ll need to check a few legal and administrative items off of your to-do list before your official launch!

Building Your Business

Now, you can start growing your business. Here’s how to do it while keeping your operations eco-friendly.

  • Typical packaging is often wasteful, so package your products with one of these eco-friendly options.
  • Live out your values by keeping the utility bills for your retail space low.
  • Want to save paper? Conduct most of your marketing efforts online!
  • Figure out a fair price point that keeps your products accessible to customers who want to shop at sustainable small businesses.

Connecting With Your Community

You want your business to make a positive contribution to the world. Community outreach will allow you to do just that.

  • Get to know other ecopreneurs in your area through networking.
  • Partner up with an environmental charity to raise money for important causes.
  • Bring people into your retail space for educational or philanthropic events!

Figuring out how to manage your business in an eco-friendly way can be challenging. But it isn’t impossible by any means. With a little perseverance, you can become a successful ecopreneur by providing a product or service that makes the world a better place!

Resources: How to start an LLC

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Low Credit Score Loans

Low Credit Score Loan

A low credit score shouldn’t stop you from applying for an auto loan. Keep in mind as you’re driving down the freeway that one of every five cars around you is financed with a low credit score car loan. If you secure that loan before you step onto the dealer lot, you don’t even have bring up your credit score. You secured the loan with just a few keystrokes.

https://www.firstfinancial.com/low-credit-score-loan/

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The fully accessible guide to starting a business with a disability

https://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/accessible-guide-for-disabled-entrepreneurs.php

Although entrepreneurs with disabilities can face unique financial hurdles, the benefits from self-employment far outweigh these challenges. Our experts have assembled a guide providing insight on the options and resources available to entrepreneurs with disabilities, such as:

  • Programs designed for entrepreneurs with disabilities
  • Key steps in developing a business plan
  • Building credit and funding your business
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Read This Before You Make The Leap To Homeownership

Read This Before You Make The Leap To Homeownership

Buying your first home is a big deal. Excitement aside, there is lots of preparation to do and many things to consider before you make the transition from renter to homeowner. Keep reading for tips and advice on how to walk this road without wandering astray.

Question Everything

Before you reach out to a real estate agent, it’s best to ask yourself if you are really ready for homeownership. Architectural Digest asserts that your best bet is to pursue a home purchase only if you plan to be at the same place for at least five years. You’ll also want to take an in-depth look at your finances to make sure you can afford the expense.

Owning a home costs more than just the monthly mortgage — you have to pay to maintain it and keep the lights on, too. And, like when you apply for rent, your mortgage lender will want to know that you can comfortably afford your mortgage payment. To do this, they look at many factors, including your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history, which can quickly get your mortgage application rejected, and the property itself.

Just as your lender will look at the value of the home, you also have to consider the type of property you plan to purchase. This is because some loans are better suited to certain properties and buyers. A rural housing loan, for example, may be used by low-income buyers to purchase a certain type of dwelling in a rural area. First-time buyers with little money down may want to opt for an FHA loan, which requires a lower credit score than a conventional loan.

A Narrow Path

Once you have answered the questions of whether you are ready to own a home, and if you can afford it, you can start the house hunting process. Get ready, because this can actually get overwhelming quickly. You can reduce stress and anxiety by narrowing down your selections based on your finances and needs.

In addition to price, The House Designers says to keep your search focused on homes that have the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need. If you like to cook, avoid houses with tiny kitchens. Pay close attention to location, and get familiar with local school zone maps – never assume that your house is zoned for the school you desire just because it’s close.

As you filter your search, there will be fewer homes to choose from, but that means you can focus your attention on properties that are more likely to work. Another tip: talk to your spouse or partner before making your priorities list. You may find that you have wildly different ideas on the type of house you want, and it’s best to come to a compromise before you drive yourself crazy taking turns looking at houses that one of you despises.

In Order And Ready To Sign

Now you’ve found a house that everyone loves, the hard work can begin. With your down payment in-hand, it’s time to make an offer. The real estate climate can help you determine whether you want to offer asking price, less, or more. Your realtor can also help you look at the home and comparable properties to make a fair and objective offer.

When your offer is accepted, things will move quickly. You’ll have a home inspection, appraisal, and will be in constant touch with your mortgage lender. There may be some back and forth, especially if issues are found with the property or if it appraises for less than you’ve offered.

It usually takes between four and eight weeks to get to closing day, which is when you pay your part of closing costs and take possession of your new home.

Your realtor is the best person to help you through the process, which may be smooth sailing or a bumpy road, depending on your credit and homes available in your area. Careful preparation is the key to success. The above advice can get you started and will hopefully give you a few things to think about before you take the plunge.

Image via Pexels

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7 Things You Should Know About Having a High Risk Merchant Account

7 Things You Should Know About Having a High Risk Merchant Account

Having a high risk merchant account is a necessity for some businesses. Learn more about this type of account with these seven facts.

If you have an online business, accepting credit cards as a form of payment is absolutely critical to your success and your bottom line.

But if your business is considered high risk, finding the right match can be a daunting task.

So, what do you need to know about having a high risk merchant account before you begin looking for the right company to serve your needs? Here are nine things you should be aware of before you make a commitment.

1. Determine if Your Business is Considered High Risk

Before you select a merchant processor, you need to know if your business is even considered to be high risk. The criteria can vary widely between providers, but one of the first things they look at is if your industry typically has a high rate of fraud or chargebacks.

If you’re not operating from the United States, this is another potential indicator of high risk. Certain categories like firearms, drug paraphernalia, or even auction sites may also be considered high risk. Find out if you fall into this category first so you can be prepared for the next steps.

2. Prepare for Higher Fees and Longer Contract Terms

If you have a high risk merchant account, you can expect to pay more in processing charges and billed account fees. The reason is that your processor is taking you on as a risk, so they’re passing the cost of that risk on to you.

You’ll also likely have to keep your contract with the processor longer than you would if you were not a high-risk client. On average, high-risk accounts must stay with the same processor for three years or even longer.

An auto renewal clause is usually included which can force you to remain an ongoing customer for periods of a one-year minimum after each renewal. If you want to cancel, you’ll likely get hit with an early termination fee.

3. Check Available Plans for Your High Risk Merchant Account

Merchant processing plans can vary, so shop around until you find one that offers terms you can live with. Traditionally, these fees are charged on something called an interchange-plus pricing plan, although your rates will be higher than a low or no-risk account.

Find out if you can get a flat-rate pricing plan which will make billing a lot easier. If you discover that a merchant processor is charging extremely high per-transaction charges, you may want to steer clear. Compare rates and plans until you find one that’s within a reasonable amount.

4. Be Aware of Rolling Reserves

The term rolling reserves refers to money that is set aside from the proceeds of your sales in order to cover certain expenses. These reserves will help pay for things like chargebacks, and they’re put in place to protect the merchant processor.

Since many high-risk accounts tend to go out business, these reserves are there to cover any unexpected costs to the merchant processing company. If you’re new in business, you can almost guarantee that this is a requirement. However, as time goes on, the rolling reserves should decrease as long as your account remains in good standing.

5. Read the Fine Print

Any reputable merchant processor will give you a contract that spells out all of your fees and terms. Make sure you read this thoroughly before you make a commitment.

Look closely for different clauses that could cause you to pay even more than you expected. Some companies claim to specialize in high-risk accounts so they feel that they can charge their merchant accounts exorbitant fees. Do your homework and never sign anything until you’re completely comfortable with the terms and the cost.

If you’re ever in doubt about a potential merchant processor, ask your fellow business owners who they recommend. You can also read reviews online to find out which ones most high-risk customers are happy with, and which ones to avoid.

6. Security Measures will be Added

A quality payment processor will add some layers of additional security to your account. This can actually benefit you since it will help prevent fraudulent transactions and dishonest chargeback claims.

Requiring things like CVV2 verification is a good thing since it protects you and your processor from fraud. Ask your provider about what kinds of security measures they take to protect themselves and your business from unscrupulous transactions.

7. Develop a Good Track Record

If you really want to lower the costs associated with a high risk merchant account, work diligently to prove your salt. This could mean anything from reducing or completely eliminating chargebacks to consistently showing a profit for a long period of time.

The longer your business does well and maintains its reputation, the better off you’ll be in the eyes of the merchant processor. Some providers may even reward their high-risk accounts with lower rolling reserves over time or even reducing fees as time goes on.

Ask several potential merchant processors what kind of benefits they offer high-risk accounts if they do well. You might be surprised at the progress and positive benefits you can reap once the business is more established.

Success is Possible

Even if you operate a high-risk business, there’s no need to despair. With a few helpful bits of information and a little research, you can find a quality high risk merchant account that will serve your needs well.

Visit our website for more information about: High Risk Merchant Services.

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5 Reasons to Take a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial

5 Reasons to Take a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial

Applying for a Loan Approved

Did you know First Financial can offer you no credit auto loan options? Learn all about them in this detailed article.

According to reports by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 107 million Americans have auto loan debts. This data shows more Americans have car loans than mortgages.

Borrowers able to get auto financing at reasonable rates access larger and amounts than before. This sounds appealing to individuals with a solid credit history, but what if you are just starting off in the world of credit and have no history at all? The good news is that even with poor credit you can still get car financing by opting for a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial.

But how can this happen? Read on to find out.

5 Reasons to Take a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial

First, you need to understand the meaning of a No Credit Auto Loan. As the name suggests, this is a car loan extended to an individual with either no credit history, poor credit or limited history. Therefore, you can get an auto loan even without having a credit history, or with a bad credit history.

Below are the reasons why you need to take a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial.

1. Fast Approvals on All Subprime Cases

Can you get a car loan with bad credit? This is a question asked by many people and you might be surprised to find out that of nearly 50% of American borrowers have a tarnished or limited credit history.

In other words, their credit scores lie in the subprime category, which means they have limited options for accessing loans. This category of people will find First Financial their best option since they can place their application regardless of their situation, whether its bankruptcy, poor credit, or no credit.

If you want to make a major purchase like a car or a truck and your credit history is not appealing, then this is the best website to turn to. You will be able to access the loan in the convenience of your laptop at the lowest possible rates you can ever imagine. The process is easy and confidential and you are sure to get a quick email response to update you on the progress of your application

2. Able to Manage Your Loan in the Comfort of Your Laptop

First Financial is an online lender which means it is accessible 24/7 anytime, anywhere. Some of the conveniences you are certain to enjoy:

  • Deposit payments using your laptop or handset.
  • Read your statement anytime on your devices.
  • Update your account profile which includes changing your logins for better security.
  • Compare interest rates of different dealers in the site.

First Financial believes that obtaining a No Credit Auto Loan should be hassle-free because this is a long-term financial decision you are making. You should not be under duress by auto-dealers whose main concern is the interest they get for every client they bring on board.

Working on your car loan from home will give you the freedom to check on different prices and options available so that you are sure to make an informed decision.

3. Reasonable Qualifications for Auto Financing

The requirements of getting an auto loan without credit on this website are so easy you may think it’s too good to be true. While the requirements are stringent enough to avoid liability to the borrower, they are also “loose” to ensure that most of the applicants get approved. The following are the only qualifications for auto financing:

  • Applicant should be a U.S. or Canadian resident of legal age-18 years and above.
  • Gross monthly income of $1,500 if the credit score is less than 625.
  • If the applicant has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, he/she should have completed the “341 Meeting of Creditors.”
  • If the applicant has filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy, he should show an “Authorization to Incur Debts” from the trustee.
  • Commitment to buy a car from their various approved car dealer partners.

Even if you have been declared bankrupt, you have a reason to smile because First Financial will sort you out. Such financial hurdles will no longer deter you from obtaining a loan for your vehicle or truck.

4. Special Package for Military Personnel

Members of the armed forces both on active duty or retired and struggling with bad credit may wonder how they may qualify for a car loan. First Financial has tailored made auto financing programs that helps them to obtain auto loans in spite of their poor credit scores.

First Financial understand the difficulties encountered by these military men and women in their effort to maintain safety and that is why they have specialized programs dedicated to them. Military auto loans are different from normal civilian loans because they are often offered on lower interest rates, require lower down payments and come with special discounts.

The rate of approval is high mainly because of the stability of their income. Military workers should not put off buying a car because of the demand of their duties but should embrace this enticing opportunity

5. Having Access to a Wide Range of Dealers

As mentioned earlier, First Financial is an online provider of bad credit car loan that partners with hundreds of authorized and licensed car dealers. This site will allow you to shop for dealers while comparing prices and interest rates.

To crown it all, you will be able to get several preapprovals using only one application. So don’t allow yourself to be limited by the car dealers or the financial institutions in your area, browse through our website for an array of choices.

Get a No Credit Auto Loan with First Financial

It may seem daunting at first but it is not impossible. A few tips will help you navigate the murky waters of credit even with no credit history to back you up.

Engaging a co-signer with an excellent credit history in your auto loan will increase your chances of approval. Also, a reasonable down payment will show the potential buyer that you are serious about buying a car despite your bad credit history and may serve to reduce the total cost of your loan. Finally, shop around to explore the options available in the market and compare various interest rates and the payment plans that suit your budget.

Remember, First Financial will offer you the best financial support irrespective of your credit history. Apply for your No Credit Auto Loan today in less than three minutes.

 

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