For those who haven’t heard of credit ratings before, it is basically a lenders way of deciding how safe it is to give you their money! The lender scores you on a set criteria (which is never published) to see how credit-worthy you are.

It’s based on a number of things such as your borrowing and repayment history, any CCJ’s, any current credit agreements, time at address, and whether you are on the electoral role.

So……..what’s next?

Firstly, I would highly recommend getting a free credit report from Equifax.
I started by getting a free trial, and now I find it worth my while to subscribe to a credit reference service so that I can check my report at any time. It lets me see outstanding credit balances that I have, and also allows me to ensure that no one has set up any borrowing facilities fraudulently in my name.

Once you have looked at your report, then why not purchase their score report, which actually scores you…so you know how likely you are to get accepted for credit.

So how to improve my score:

1) Ensure you are on the electoral roll, and this is reflected in the Equifax report

2) Ensure all of your lenders have your current address

3) If you have any unused credit facilities, such as credit cards which you have paid off the balance, then shut it down. If you have credit available to you then you may be less likely to be approved for future credit.

4) Ensure you do not default on payments. If you have a secured loan then you may find yourself losing your house – which is far worse than just having a bad score!!! Make your monthly payments on time.

5) Be careful who you “get into bed with”! If you decide to set up a joint bank account with your loved one – then ensure they have a good credit rating! Once you set up a current account, or get a mortgage with someone, you then become financially linked. So beware!

6) Don’t apply for lots of finance loans within a short space of time. If you get rejected, then wait a few months before re-applying. This can seriously mess up your score, and happened to me a few years ago.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit Equifax and make the most of their free trial. I found a free trial so helpful in sorting out my finances, spotting errors, and ensuring I maximised my chances of getting the unsecured loan I required to buy my motorbike!

The common thought is that getting a loan for your new car purchase is pretty easy and straightforward. However, it is not so. There are a few ostensibly minor variations which can be actually cost you a lot of money. Therefore, it is worthwhile checking various loan offers that may distinguish the desirability of one loan over another.

Finding a car loan with the right benefits and interest rate can be the difference between you buying the car of your dreams or simply a car that you can afford. So, it is important that you give yourself solid answers to these questions:

• What is your current financial situation?
• How you expect your finances to changeover in the coming years?
• Which car you want?
• Do you think it is likely that you will want to refinance at some time during the life of the car loan?

Before choosing a car loan, there are several things that should be kept in mind:

• Credit History —- there are several lenders that may lend you money even if you have bad credit, but they may penalize you to pay high interest rates.
• Compare Rates —- rates vary and there is no sense spending even a dollar more than you have to so get several quotes before you buy your car.
• Transfer Balances —- be sure to look for hidden fees and transfer balances that my not be apparent at first glance.
• Required Information —- lenders will require your financial information such as whether you own or rent a home, how much your payment is how much money you own on credit cards, etc.
• Pre-Payment Penalties —- if such a penalty is built into the loan contract, the lender will penalize you, by charging a fee, if you pay the loan off early, whether through refinancing or by any other means. So, if you think it is likely you will want to refinance at some time during the life of the car loan, this is clearly an important consideration.
• Simple Interest Loan —- never agree to a car loan that is not a simple interest loan.

Also, don’t forget to ask the following questions while looking for the right car loan:

• What interest rate can you offer?
• What is the allowed time of repayment?
• What down payment will you make?

Remember to go through the car loan contract thoroughly and be sure you understand each and every word. If you don’t, take your time and ask any expert. But don’t let anyone rush you through the process. In this way, you could get the car loan that is right for you now and in future too.