Tag Archives: history
Decoding Financial Gobbledygook
Thank goodness for the proliferation of Internet websites on loans. They have made life so much less complicated for all those lesser mortals who find it so tough to understand (so-called) simple concepts like redemption penalties, collateral, secured homeowner loans, unsecured loans, and so on. I no longer have to look to friends in the finance field to advise me on what loans to take and what not to. The world being driven by the cyber world these days, everybody has to learn to think for themselves. It was while trying to sift through the financial jargon that passes for English on the cyber world that I found the answers to many of my queries. Of course, I had to look through almost a dozen different websites and spend a couple of hours before finally reaching a complete understanding of the words that loan companies try to get our business with.
For starters, I managed to find out the difference between secured homeowner loans and unsecured loans. Now, secured loans of any kind are usually secured against some asset. Most often, this asset is a home. On the other hand, unsecured loans need no such security, which is one reason why the time taken to get hold of an unsecured loan is reduced considerably. After all, you could be giving the name of any property anywhere in the world and proclaiming that it is your own. Obviously, that is not going to work. So, you have to provide several documents to prove to the loan providers, that the property is your own. Most people who already own homes resort to secured homeowner loans because, in spite of the paperwork required, such loans are quite easily managed.
Finally, I understood what is meant by the term “collateral” (also a Tom Cruise movie). “Collateral” basically is the term used to mean “security”. So the house that secures the loan for you, works as your collateral. In case you are unable to repay the loan on time, you will have no choice but to bid goodbye to your home.
As regards an unsecured loan, it becomes easier to get one if you have a good credit history. People who do not have a history of good credit are usually treated like prodigal sons. They are made to pay quite a high rate of interest, getting loans is that much more severe, and in general, even getting a loan is a task and a half. But now that you have understood some of the concepts, you will find it easier to weigh and evaluate each loan.
College Student Credit Cards: Friend or Foe?
There is much debate surrounding college student credit cards. Some swear up and down that they’re a disaster waiting to happen while others vehemently object and insist they are a must-have financial tool for college students. Which side is right?
When deciding whether college student credit cards are good or bad, you need to weigh the facts. These three truths will help you come to your own conclusion.
1. Aggressive Marketing
College student credit cards have gotten a bad rap when it comes to their marketing tactics — and some would say that it’s for good reason. You can’t hit a single college campus without coming across at least one application for college student credit cards.
That being said, while the applications are definitely readily available (to put it lightly), no one is forcing college students to sign the application. It’s the responsibility of a parent to instruct their children on wise financial decisions.
The credit card companies are marketing their product — that’s what they do. Parents need to do their part and make sure that they instruct their children in the ways of the credit world.
2. They’ve Got to Grow Up Sometime
Everyone has to grow up sooner or later and college student credit cards can provide some priceless lessons in the world of adult finance. For the first time, college students can be responsible for their own spending and their own monthly bills.
Yes, college student credit cards can provide the potential for disaster (but so can a number of situations that students encounter in college). Just because student credit cards have the potential to be misused, it doesn’t mean that they will be. Have some faith in today’s college students!
3. Paving the Way
Once a college student graduates, they’re going to need some things (a place to live and a car to name a few) and they’re going to need credit to get the things they need. If they don’t start building their credit history in college, when are they supposed to do it?
If a college student wants to be completely prepared when they graduate, they’re going to need to work on building a solid credit history while they’re in school. College student credit cards can be the means to that end.
If you know a college student (or are a college student) who has been debating about whether college student credit cards are good or bad, consider the above three facts and remember, it’s not college student credit cards themselves that are good are bad — it is who is using them and how they are being used that make the difference.