Category: Banking

Only 48% of small businesses in the US have the financing they need to operate. This may be because they don’t know the business startup loans available to help fund the company. 

So, what is a business startup loan? And what types are there? Keep reading to learn more about how to fund your startup. 

Before Applying For a Business Startup Loan: 

Before you apply for a business loan, you need to know what you’re going after. How much can your company afford to pay back? How much do you need to get started? 

You should also consider your business credit score. A low score will mean you are less likely to get the loan. Read more about each: 

Determine How Much You Need and How Much You Can Afford

Entrepreneurs need to understand their own financial needs before applying for a business loan. This is because it helps them determine if they can actually afford the money. It also ensures they are aware of all of their expenses.

Many people think that they can just apply for a business loan and get funded. They don’t consider the amount of money they need or what kind of interest rates they will be on their loans. This is not true and it can lead to financial disaster in the long run.

Get a Good Business Credit Score 

A business credit score is a key factor in determining whether you are eligible for a loan or not. It is important to have a good business credit score before applying for a loan.

You must know how to get a good business credit score before applying for a loan. There are various ways that you can do it. Those include using your personal credit cards responsibly. paying your bills on time.

It also helps to keep your business current with taxes and other fees if you are operating. A business with a good credit score is more likely to get approved for a loan than one with a low credit score.

A good credit score can help you get approved for loans more easily and in fewer steps. It also helps you avoid unnecessary fees and interest rates of loans.

Types of Business Startup Loans to Apply For 

When you apply for a small business loan, you have a lot of options. The following three are the most common loans: 

SBA Loans

The SBA is a government agency that offers loans to small businesses. They give out loans to applicants who are in the early stages of their business and don’t have enough collateral to secure a bank loan.

The SBA provides startup loans to assist with the costs of starting or expanding a business. These loans are for entrepreneurs who have not been able to secure other financing options. 

It is a business loan guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The money can be used for a variety of purposes including equipment and inventory. You can also use it for buying land, buildings, and construction.

Personal Business Loans

Personal business loans are a great way for startups to get started. They allow entrepreneurs to access capital without having to go through securing venture capital and other forms of loans.

There are two types of personal business loans: secured and unsecured. A secured loan requires collateral like property or equipment. If the loan is not repaid in full in time or if there is a default on the loan agreement, the property will be seized. Unsecured loans do not require collateral and can be repaid in any form

Microloans 

A microloan is a small loan taken out by people with a low credit score and bad credit history. They are usually given to new entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Microloans are an easy way to raise capital for startups. However, they come with some restrictions. 

Microloans are often given in the form of grants or interest-free loans for up to 12 months. But if you plan on taking out any other loans from the same lender, you will have to pay back both microloans at once.

How to Fund Your Business If You Can’t Get a Loan 

Some startups just can’t get a business loan and struggle with funding. There are a few options you can try to fund your business: 

Ask Friends and Family

Most people don’t know how to ask their friends and family to help fund their startup business. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you are just starting.

We recommend that you use these three tips:

• 1Be specific about your goals and what you will do with the money
• Give people a chance to contribute
• Keep it short and simple

You mustn’t pressure anyone to feel like they have to help. Asking never hurt, but prepare for a no and to move on. 

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a form of funding that allows you to raise money from a large number of people to finance your project. It is a way for anyone with an idea, product, or service to raise funds from the public.

Crowdfunding can fund all types of projects, including those related to startups and small businesses.

Grants

Grants are a great way to fund your business without having to pay for it. They are usually offered by governments or non-profit organizations in the form of money.

There are many types of grants available for entrepreneurs. These include government grants, business grants, and angel investments. Once you find out which one is best for your startup, apply for it!

Learn More About Startup Finances 

This article covered business startup loans and your options as a business owner. We hope you have a deeper understanding of how to fund your startup. 

At CFI, we have expertise in many areas of finances. Whether you need help with startup funding or investment strategies, we have articles to cover each topic. 

Are you interested in learning more? Check out our finance blog. 

Congratulations, you’re a grown-up!

That means that your money is doing more than just sitting in a savings account. You’ve got an IRA and you’re investing in real estate. Heck, you might even have some stocks or bonds.

As a savvy and forward-thinking person, you are already aware that interest rates are the price of borrowing money. These rates affect everything from auto loans to mortgages. When there are increased interest rates, lenders make more money on each loan.

But what does all this mean for your wealth?

We’re going to dig into this question to see how recent increases in interest rates might affect your current and future expenses. Keep reading to get the scoop.

The Federal Reserve Bank and the Overall Economy

The Federal Reserve Bank is a private bank that works independently of the federal government. It’s responsible for setting interest rates and regulating the banking system. When there are economic problems, they can lower or raise interest rates to help stimulate growth in the economy.

In May 2022, federal interest rates rose by half a percentage to 0.75% – 1%. This may increase to around 3% by the end of this year if we stay on track with our current economic situation and the inflation rate continues to rise as predicted. So you should continue to keep up to date on how this latest federal reserve hike are impacting business loans and mortgages.

Your Existing Loans

It is important to know how the new interest rates will affect your monthly payments if you already have a loan. If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, for example, there won’t be much of an impact on your debt since it does not change based on market conditions. However, if you have a variable-rate mortgage or student loans, higher interest rates could mean that your payment amount will increase and become more difficult to handle.

To avoid any surprises in the future, consider refinancing at a lower rate now while they’re still available. This can help reduce the cost of borrowing and improve overall savings. Plus, if there are other options available, like shorter terms or even no prepayment penalties, refinancing may be well worth it!

Credit Card Debt

If you have credit card debt, your interest rate is likely to increase because of the Federal Reserve’s rate hike. This is because credit cards are based on the prime rate, which moves in tandem with the federal funds rate.

If you have outstanding balances on multiple credit cards with different rates, consider merging them into one debt with a fixed interest rate that better matches what you pay now. That way, your payments will remain stable whenever your current card adjusts its rates.

The Housing Market

The housing market is one of the biggest economic drivers, so it’s no surprise that any changes to this sector would impact your wealth.

When interest rates increase, it becomes more affordable for you to buy a new home. On the flip side, renting may become more expensive as landlords pass along their rising expenses by raising rents (or evicting tenants).

Increased Interest Rates and the Stock Market

When the Federal Reserve Bank raises interest rates, it can have a positive impact on bank stocks. In fact, when the Fed raised interest rates in December 2018, bank stocks performed very well. Reason: When the Fed raises interest rates, savings accounts can earn more money and people are likely to use banks more often.

The stock market as a whole does not react favourably to rising hikes from the Federal Reserve Bank though. Instead, it goes down because of inflation eroding away at investors’ returns.

There’s no guarantee how your investment portfolio will move if interest rates go up. However, it is good practice that you regularly rebalance your portfolio so that any potential losses remain minimal.

Bonds and Other Fixed Investments

When you invest in bonds, you are lending money to the issuer of the bond. The issuer pays a fixed rate of interest on this loan (known as “coupon payments”), which is paid at regular intervals (usually monthly). Most bond issuers are corporations and governments, although they can also be other entities, such as mutual funds.

When interest rates rise, the price of bonds decreases to attract investors. Issuers might even be forced to reduce the interest rate they pay out in order to attract investors.

Personal Spending

It’s not uncommon for people to panic when they hear the word “interest rate hike.” But it’s important to remember that interest rates affect all sectors of the economy. While they might have a negative impact in some areas, there are others where higher rates can be beneficial.

Some people may choose to spend less when interest rates are high, but this could also be a good time to invest in certain areas. For example, if you’re thinking of buying a home, a higher interest rate may mean that you’ll have to pay less each month for your mortgage. It will also likely mean that the value of your home, along with other investments you make during this time, could appreciate at a faster-than-average rate.

Wealth management during this period of inflation can be difficult, but if done correctly, it can lead to financial stability.

Protect Your Wealth in Any Economy

As you can see, increased interest rates have a lot of implications for consumers. But don’t worry—by paying attention to these trends and making smart decisions about where to invest your money, you can still work to grow your wealth.

With careful planning and a clear idea about your spending habits, you can take control of your money situation. Check out our other blogs to learn more about how to protect your assets during periods of economic instability.

Did you know that over 20% of small businesses in the U.K. don’t make it past the first year? One of the biggest contributors to this is using the same account for their business and personal finances.

When you’re just starting as an entrepreneur, it can be tough to figure out the best way to manage your finances. Do you keep everything separate? Do you combine your personal and business money?

While there’s no one right answer, most small business owners find it best to open a bank account specifically for their business. This is one of the most essential business banking tips to consider.

Here are seven reasons why you should consider doing the same:

1. Makes Tax Preparation Easier HMRC

Separating your business and personal accounting makes tax preparation easier because it helps you differentiate what is and isn’t taxable income. This can save you a lot of time and money when it comes time to file your taxes.

It also helps you automate your tax preparation process. With separate finances, it’s easier for your accountant to link all business-related transactions on your account to your tax preparation software.

With a separate account, you don’t have to spend countless hours sorting through different expenses, trying to figure out which are personal and business-related. This makes it easier to determine deductions come tax season.

And a bonus benefit is that it minimizes your risk of being audited. The HMRC is more likely to audit business owners who mix their personal and business finances.

2. Automates Your Bookkeeping

Keeping track of your business finances can be a daunting task. But when everything is in one place, and all transactions are automatically recorded, it makes the process of bookkeeping much simpler.

Bookkeeping automation also means you have a more accurate record of your business finances. This information can help you make informed business decisions to improve your financial health.

3. It’s Easier to Get Business Loans

When you have a business bank account, lenders know that you’re serious about your business. It also shows that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your finances. This makes it easier to get a business loan to expand or grow your business.

Having a business bank account also shows that you’re able to handle money responsibly. This is an important trait for any business owner looking for additional financing. The last thing a lender wants is to risk their money on a business that may not be able to repay the loan.

4. Helps You Manage Your Expenses

When you have a business account, all your business transactions will be organized in one place. This makes it simpler to keep track of your spending. It can also help you stay on budget and make informed business decisions.

When you have a business bank account, you’re also able to receive payments from customers. This makes it easy for them to pay and reduces the chances of them forgetting. It’s also a great way to build customer loyalty.

When you’re looking for a business bank account, it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Make sure to compare interest rates, fees and other features. Don’t forget to ask about the bank’s lending capabilities.

5. Protect Yourself from Business Debt Liability

When running a company, it’s important to protect yourself from business debt liability. By opening a business bank account, you can help ensure that your personal finances are not liable for any business debts.

Business debt liability is the legal responsibility of a business owner for the debts of their company. This can include personal credit cards, lines of credit, and loans taken out in the name of the business.

If the business goes bankrupt or defaults on its payments, the creditors can go after the business owner’s personal assets to cover the debt.

A business bank account helps to protect your personal assets by keeping your business and personal finances separate. This way, if the business goes bankrupt, the creditors can only go after the assets of the company, not your personal belongings.

6. Show the HMRC That Your Business Is Not a Hobby

A business bank account provides a clear separation between your personal and business finances, making it easier to track your business expenses and income. When you file your taxes, having a business bank account can help prove that your company is a legitimate business and not just a hobby.

If you are self-employed, it’s important to have a business bank account to track your business income and expenses. A business bank account can also help you save money on taxes.

By deducting your business expenses from your business income, you can lower your taxable income.

7. Helps You Establish Business Credibility

When you’re starting a small business, it’s important to establish credibility with your customers and vendors. One way to do that is by having a business bank account. A commercial bank will take you more seriously when you’re doing transactions and may be more likely to give you a loan if you need one.

Having a business banking relationship also shows that you’re a professional and are serious about your business. Additionally, a business bank account helps you look more professional.

It looks much more professional to have all of your transactions taking place through a dedicated business bank account instead of mixing your personal and professional finances together.

Follow the Above Banking Tips

When launching your first business, it can be tempting to mix your personal and business finances. After all, starting a business is a lot of work and opening a business account isn’t a priority for many.

Unfortunately, this mistake could cost you dearly down the road. By opening a business bank account, you can protect yourself from business debt liability, show the HMRC that your business is legitimate, and establish credibility with your customers and vendors.

For more business finance and banking tips, subscribe to our CFI.co Print Magazine.

Between the different types of mortgages and the seemingly endless amounts of mortgage paperwork, buying a home may seem overwhelming. But how does a mortgage work exactly? We have all the answers to that mystery and more. 

No home or homeowner is the same, which is why it’s so crucial to understand how to get the best mortgage for you. From how the mortgage process works to some qualification tips, we’ve rounded up all the key mortgage basics. Let’s get started and get you one step closer to your new home.

How Does a Mortgage Work?

A mortgage is essentially a loan taken out from a bank or financial institution to give you funding for a home. You can choose to finance almost the entire home or do a combination of financing and money down.

Whatever money you put down on the purchase comes from your own cash reserves. Money down reduces the amount you have left to pay on the home through your mortgage loan. Your mortgage loan is given with interest rates that may vary or be fixed each month

A mortgage is also considered an instalment loan. This means the payments are paid monthly or bi-weekly in instalments. You’ll pay your principal balance as well as the interest, fees associated with the loan, taxes, and insurance. You may have a mortgage for 30-years, 15-years, or less if you choose.

As the years go by, your mortgage is paid down each month. Once your home is paid off, you’ll no longer have a mortgage and you’ll fully own your home. In the event that you sell your home before it’s paid off, you will need to pay off the loan at the time of the sale.

Failure to pay your mortgage could have serious consequences such as foreclosure. This is why the mortgage qualification process is put in place to ensure you’re in a loan and a home you can comfortably afford. This makes your mortgage less risky for you and your lender.

How to Qualify for a Mortgage

While qualifying for a mortgage may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. There are a few easy things you can do before you apply to help make the process easier. Creating a budget is a great starting point.

Your budget will help you and your lender determine what loan amount you’re most comfortable with. Start by laying out your expenses and income. Take a look at your down payment amount to see how much you’re comfortable putting down as well.

Next, it’s time to look at your credit and try to reduce any other debt you may have. This is where your budget can help you make a plan for paying off credit cards and reducing your spending. Your credit score will affect everything from your loan terms to your interest rate.

The higher your credit score, the better your interest rate will be. A lower interest rate allows you to pay more of your principal balance. This means more money is spent on interest each month.

Key Considerations When Shopping for a Mortgage

Another key consideration when shopping for a mortgage is how much you’re budgeting for a home. The type of home is also a factor.

A condominium, for example, may have an association fee you pay each month for amenities. This will get factored into your qualification, as it’s a fixed expense you’re responsible for.

If you’re purchasing new construction or a fixer-upper, your loan options may differ as well. When you have a home that needs a lot of work, you may choose to put less down on your home. This will allow you more cash for renovations and repairs.

As you’re going through the application process, look over all the loan options you qualify for. Your bank will need to know your budget, down payment, income, and other factors to help you find the best mortgage for you and your family.

Home Buying Tips

Before you apply for a mortgage, it can be helpful to take a look at your local real estate market. This will help you come up with your ideal home and budget.

You may find your budget gets you more than you think. You may also realize you need to prioritize your wish list.

This is a great time to make a list of what is most important to you in a home. For some, it’s the proximity to a certain school. To others, it’s the commute to work or the number of bedrooms. Your wish list will help you come up with a budget and a target price range as you start to house hunt.

As you start to look at homes, it’s also helpful to get a mortgage pre-qualification. This will allow you to make an offer on a home while knowing what you’re approved for. This helps you know where you stand while also making your offer stronger as a potential buyer.

Getting a Mortgage 101

Wondering how does a mortgage work? You’ve come to the right place. We have wealth management, mortgage, investment, and financial resources to help you make an informed decision.

Your home is likely one of your biggest assets. Read up on mortgage rates, the economy, and the housing market in our wealth management section.