Bad credit is a major concern among people today, and nearly 25 percent of Americans struggle with bad credit scores. This can damage their ability to get a car, buy a house, and even run a small business.
All small businesses require funding in order to thrive in the industry, but many entrepreneurs are routinely denied access to loans due to poor or nonexistent credit histories. Fortunately, there are a variety of lenders who cater specifically to individuals with poor credit, enabling business owners of all financial backgrounds to access the funding they need.
Family and Friends
Your family and friends know you personally and are eager to watch your business succeed. By seeking out loans or investments from the people you know best, you can access the capital needed to launch your business venture regardless of your credit score. However, don’t expect your family and friends to offer you loans at no interest.
While interest rates will likely be lower than other loan options, it will increase their confidence and assurance in lending to you if you promise to pay a small interest rate in exchange for their generosity. Be professional with your presentation, and treat it as you would any other business deal by presenting them with a sound business plan and strict repayment terms.
Merchant Cash Advance
Merchant cash advances provide a convenient option for business owners struggling with poor credit. With a merchant cash advance, you are provided with a chunk of capital in exchange for offering the agency a percentage of future credit card sales.
The repayment terms consist of a fixed monthly rate that automatically deducts from your account each month. Interest rates for cash advances vary drastically, so conduct research into a variety of agencies to ensure you receive the best deal available.
Micro-loans
There are a variety of micro-lenders available that can get you a small business loan, even after the banks have turned you away. Micro-loans range in size but are often around $5,000 to $25,000.
Most micro-lenders are willing to accommodate those with poor credit and by repaying the loan on time, it can even help improve your credit score for later. Interest rates vary, so peruse a variety of micro-lenders to source the lowest rates possible.
Find a Cosigner
Sometimes, all it takes to have your application approved is finding a cosigner with good credit. Perhaps you have a business partner, a friend, or a family member who would be willing to cosign on your loan. A cosigner will provide added assurance to the loan agency that, should you ever default on the payments, there is another individual capable of paying what is due.
When searching for a small business loan, bad credit can seem like a deal breaker. However, there are a variety of lenders that cater specifically to individuals who have been turned away by the banks. Micro-lenders offer loans of up to $25,000, enabling you to access a substantial portion of needed capital, even if your credit score is suffering.
For those in need of smaller short-term loans, merchant cash advances can provide a convenient alternative to traditional bank loans. No matter your credit score, there are lenders available who are eager to help you succeed. For all your working capital needs, contact Credibly.
Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job and moving to a country where it’s so cheap you don’t need to work? International Living advises people on how to do just that in its magazine and website, which shows readers how to find, embrace and celebrate the best the world has to offer—from good-value living to great foods to warm year-round weather to interesting cultural traditions. The company has just announced itsAnnual Global Retirement Index, listing the 25 cheapest and best places to live around the globe. And this list isn’t just for retirees: It’s a great resource for anyone who has ever thought of moving abroad.
“Americans today are looking long and hard at their own values, and at the way they spend their days and many are coming to the conclusion that they need a change. They want more time with family and friends, more time to pursue their interests, more freedom to arrange their days the way they prefer,” says Jennifer Stevens, International Living’s executive editor. “But it can be hard to know how to afford that life. Overseas, in the right places, it’s easy. It can provide a path to that better-balanced, more affordable life folks are craving.”
Granted, the concept of encouraging Westerners to escape the high cost of living by moving to developing countries has received some backlash, with critics calling this “modern-day colonialism,” but International Living says that living well for less is only one reason a destination finds a place on its Global Retirement Index. “We live in an ever-more-connected, global world. And here at International Living, we celebrate that. We give readers the practical tools they can use to embrace a more international life,” says Dan Prescher, senior editor at International Living. “Being an expat isn’t about recreating your U.S. life in a new place. It’s about creating a new life in a place that excites and suits you, where you can expand your horizons and enjoy an adventure that you wouldn’t have back home.”
According to Prescher, International Living points people to communities where they can feel safe and comfortable, where the local culture is inclusive and welcoming. In addition, International Living actively encourages people to learn the local language when they settle in a new country, to become integrated into their communities, to embrace the local traditions and to honor and celebrate the cultural habits and holidays there. “The most successful—the happiest—expat retirees we know appreciate that their dollars stretch, sure. But what these expats say they love most about their adopted homes is the excitement that comes with learning a new culture—they celebrate the new experiences they’re having, the new music, the new foods, the new traditions, the new connections,” says Prescher. “They become integral parts of their communities with a network of friendships that includes as many locals as it does fellow expats.”
For instance, one place that has recently started courting expats is Thailand, which helped put the country high on this year’s list, thanks to a new visa program.
So read on to find out about the top 11 places on the list that will make your dreams come true. To see the full list of 25 locations, you can read the Annual Global Retirement Index here.
The mix of old and new in Panama City.
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1. Panama
Why: One of the world’s safest, most affordable and most welcoming countries, Panama tops the Annual Global Retirement Index for 2022. It’s actually the 11th time that Panama has taken the top spot in the 31 years that International Living has been publishing the list. “It’s no surprise to me that this tiny powerhouse has—once again—taken the number one spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index,” says Jessica Ramesch, International Living’s Panama correspondent. “When it comes to overall benefits and value, Panama is very tough to beat.” Some of the advantages: The currency is the U.S. dollar, the medical care is top-notch, the infrastructure is first-rate, internet access is good and the country is easily accessible from the U.S.
Over the past couple years, there have been some ups and downs in Panama (and all over the world), but the country has rebounded. “These days it’s back to business here. The country is busy welcoming tourists, new residents and new investment, too,” says Ramesch. Panama actively woos foreigners: You won’t pay income tax on funds earned outside Panama, there are several easy options for getting a visa or residency and real estate taxes are really low.
Where to Move: Panama City is Central America’s most modern metropolis, but that’s not all the country has to offer. “The cool mountain towns of Cerro Azul, Sorá and El Valle are a one- to two-hour drive from the city. The unspoiled Caribbean beaches of Portobelo are about two hours away by car. Or I can fly to my favorite Caribbean archipelago in an hour,” says Ramesch. Two other places to note: the lush highland haven of Boquete and Coronado, a beach town just an hour’s drive from the capital. “I like [Coronado] so much I bought an apartment there, and am packing up to move as we speak” says Ramesch. “Coronado is home to one of Panama’s most active and welcoming expat communities. I’m not even there yet, and I’m already getting invites to potlucks and happy hours.”
The Cost: More and more retirees from the U.S. and Canada are looking to Panama, where even foreign pensioners with legal residence get 15% off hospital bills, 20% off prescription medication, 15% off dental and eye exams and 20% off medical consultations. Panama’s famed Pensionado program makes it easy for you to become a legal resident if you have a social security or corporate pension of at least $1,000 a month. A couple can live well, depending on their lifestyle, starting at $1,753 a month in Panama City.
Picture yourself living here: in the hills of[+]GETTY
2. Costa Rica
Why: Coming in second on the list for 2022 is Costa Rica, where the national motto is "Pura Vida" (pure life). “Sure, the secret has long been out about Costa Rica’s popularity. But that does not stop millions of visitors and new foreign residents from discovering its special brand of enchantment, lured by the country’s tropical climate; lower cost of living; friendly locals; affordable medical care; vast real estate options; and, of course, its natural beauty for which the country is famous,” says Kathleen Evans, International Living’s Costa Rica correspondent.
In a region that can have political and civil unrest, Costa Rica is safe and stable, with a progressive government. “For example, LGBTQ same-sex marriage is legal and women’s rights are mandated,” says Evans. And while the pandemic has been challenging, it has resulted in positive initiatives like a new digital nomad visa and an updated law to attract retirees that includes perks like a lower threshold for investors and the ability to import two cars and a shipping container of home goods tax-free.
Where to Move: There’s something for everyone, thanks to a dozen climate zones and hundreds of microclimates, but one of the most appealing is the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste. In this “Blue Zone,” there’s a high population of centenarians (100+ year-olds), thanks to healthy diets, natural water, sunshine, active lifestyles and strong familial and friendship ties. Other popular areas include the capital of San José, the temperate Central Valley, the jungle landscapes in the south and the Caribbean coast.
The Cost: “A couple can live comfortably, but not necessarily extravagantly, here for around $2,000 to $2,500 a month,” says Evans. “This includes renting a two-bedroom home/condo with North American amenities, air conditioning, plus groceries, entertainment, transportation and healthcare.” A single person can live on between $1,600 and $2,000 a month.
3. Mexico
Why: Third on the 2022 list is Mexico, which has been a popular expat spot for at least 50 years. “Mexico is close—it’s the United States’ neighbor, after all—and easy to get to by either driving or taking a direct flight into one of the country’s many international airports,” says International Living correspondent Jason Holland. “There’s low-cost, top-notch healthcare, including a well-regarded government system. The weather is great from coast to coast. It’s a modern country with high-speed internet, good highways, reliable electric and water and good cellphone service.” Another bonus: It’s easy to become a resident, thanks to reasonable income requirements. To get temporary residence in Mexico, you must have a monthly income of around $2,100 a month or $36,000 in the bank. Permanent residence requires around $2,700 a month or $149,000 in the bank.
Where to Move: Three times the size of Texas, Mexico has a lot to offer. “There really is a place for everybody in Mexico, from bustling beach resorts to quiet country villages to picturesque colonial towns to major metropolitan areas,” says Holland, who recommends the Pacific, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coasts. “The beaches in places like Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen are beautiful and the weather is warm and humid, cut by sea breezes year-round.” Or you can head inland to the Colonial Highlands and cities like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, which have temperate year-round weather.
The Cost: Cost of living is tied into lifestyle, but most couples can live well in Mexico for around $2,000 a month, which covers everything, including housing, transportation, healthcare, utilities and food. “Some people get by on much less because they live very much like locals, others spend a whole lot more—if you want luxury and high-end, Mexico certainly has it,” says Holland. “The popularity of a place, whether it has a big expat group or is a tourist destination, can also impact prices.”
4. Portugal
Why: “This tiny country in the southwest corner of Europe has something for everyone,” says Terry Coles, International Living’s Portugal correspondent. “Vibrant cities full of Old World charm, miles of golden sandy beaches, green, rolling hills, some of the best healthcare in the world, low cost of living and safety.” Plus, since English is taught in schools starting at the sixth-grade level, many locals speak some English, which makes moving here a little easier.
Where to Move: Just an hour north of Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha is a mid-sized city with a cobbled downtown and a sizeable expat population. Want something a bit more rural? Check out the Alentejo region, which includes the cities of Beja and Évora. Don’t want to have a car? “Then city life in either Lisbon or Porto might be for you,” says Coles.
The Cost: Although it depends on many factors, you can estimate that you can live on about one-third less here. A couple can live comfortably, but not lavishly, in Portugal on $2,500 per month. If you want to live in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais or the Algarve, you should bump that number up to $3,000 or more.
5. Colombia
Why: “Colombia checks many of the boxes for those wanting to live in a place with a lower cost of living, excellent healthcare, close proximity to the U.S. and Canada and climate options to suit practically every taste,” says International Living correspondent Nancy Kiernan. It’s also the second most biodiverse country in the world, which adds to the appeal. And Colombia is more developed than many other countries in Latin America, with major cities offering modern products and services.
Where to Move: Expats are attracted to Medellín, thanks to its near-perfect climate (its nickname is “The City of Eternal Spring”). The mountain areas of Bucaramanga, Pereira and the Coffee Triangle also have a more temperate climate and no humidity. Bogotá is much cooler. Looking for a tropical escape? Think about the coastal areas of Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
The Cost: Your dollars go far here. A single person can live on as little as $1,030 a month, while a couple can live for less than $2,000 per month. “Of course, your cost of living will depend on your lifestyle and where you choose to live,” says Kiernan. “I can tell you that my living expenses are 60% less than they were back in Maine. Just the fact that I don’t have to pay heating or cooling costs has saved me about $3,400 per year alone.”
Federal University of Technology Akure Admission List for 2021/2022 academic session has been released. This is to inform all candidates who participated in the 2021/2022 Post-UTME that they can proceed to check if their names are on the Provisional Admission list of successful candidates
The list of admitted candidates has been uploaded online via JAMB CAPS Candidates are to follow the procedure below to check;
Click on 'Admission Status' to see if you have been offered admission.
Candidates who have been offered admission are to proceed to click"ACCEPT" or "REJECT" to indicate acceptance or rejection of the admission offer.
For those whose status is showing "Admission Still in Progress" or "Not Admitted", you are advised to keep checking as the status may change anytime soon.
NB : Clicking"REJECT" is an indication that the offer of admission has been rejected by candidates
We understand that the attributes of an investment property differ from what you are seeking in a home you will live in. Location and price are key to finding the ideal property so, let Les Maisons Partners serve as your guide through the process..
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Renovating and Selling Your Property
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The next time you get cornered by a needy friend or family member needing to borrow money—or the next time your heart compels you to lend out of generosity—here are some basic rules to keep in mind.
First of all, don't get carried away.ou may be elated at the opportunity to share your riches with everyone, but keep in mind that you probably want to keep some for yourself, too. Depending on which family member or friend you're lending to, chances are you may never see the money again.
On that note, only lend the money you can afford to lose. "Only lend up to the amount of money you’d feel comfortable placing on the table in a game of roulette or craps," says Next Avenue. nce you decide how much your debtor can be trusted with, write it down. Record how much you've lent, when it should be paid back, how it should be paid back, whether there will be an interest charge, and have both parties sign it. However formal it may seem, it will prevent any misunderstandings and feelings of being exploited, it will serve as a reminder, and ultimately preserve your relationship and your wallet.
Cheryl Krueger, owner of Growing Fortunes Financial Partners in Illinois, suggests that you consider charging interest if you are lending a larger sum of money. In this risky business, charging interest will give you something to be excited about, plus your borrower won't feel like such a scrounger. Best of all, you will avoid any tax problems.What you may not realize is that if you aren't charging interest, you are making a taxable gift of the interest that you waived," she says.
The US Internal Revenue Service expects the minimum interest charge, or the Applicable Federal Rate, to be 0.48 percent for loans up to three years; 1.82 percent for loans between three and nine years, and 2.82 percent for loans over nine years, according to Next Avenue.
Do you want to know more about different investment options which are available? Credit Health Care has come up with the best investment optionswhich you can start implementing.
Introduction:
If you were born between the early 1980s and late 1990s, you are a millennial and if you are a millennial, odds are you are not investing your money in the stock market. According to a recent Harris poll, 79 percent of your generation is not handing over hard-earned cash to Wall Street. The reasons why are varied, and not what you would expect that only 13 percent say it is because they are paying off school debt.
What are the best investment options that all the teenagers must knowabout? How much investment that any college student can make? Credit Health Care has come to you rescue by making a list of the points that you can start implementing.
Start to Invest Early
You should know that, when it comes to investing, do remember that ventures that are more volatile yield the highest return on investment . The investors, who have the time to recover if something were to go wrong, have the opportunity to make riskier moves.
Those who begin to invest late in life are often inherently more cautious with how they invest their money. Investment is not an easy thing and come with many ups and downs, so know the best possible option for you before you make the move.
Make a Investment Strategy
Create your investment plan and set specific and realistic goals. So, instead of saying you want to have enough money to retire comfortably, think about how much money you will need as part of your short-term and long-term goals.
Do calculate how much you need to save each month and choose your investment strategy and also develop an investment policy statement. Your investment expert can help you in this regard to find for you the best investment choices.
Must take Calculated Risks
Many investment experts need to take a calculate risk to expand their investment activities into a new competitive arena So, you must take calculated risks in terms of investment. Investment is a learning curve.
Financial growth happens when you take calculated risks with your money. You have to be willing to let your money go to work for you, but it does not work out that way, all the time so you need to take risks to make sure that you are taking the right risks.
Invest in your Education
All the teenagers must also invest on their own education. We have also discussed about student loan options in an earler post, so it is important to know the right choices which helps you take your career ahead.
Meanwhile, some parents may believe that it makes more sense not to save at all for their child’s future. The idea is that having no college savings also means having no assets to look for. So, do not forget to invest in education.
Check Online Investment Options
You can invest flexibly in exclusive investment opportunities not available on the open market and only available online. There are many options out there for investing your money online but you need to be aware about the rules.
The good websites on investment advice on the best investment options. There are many investment websites to pick from and it is important to decide on the best investment choice that you have in your front. Do also take professional help if required.
Do use Investment Apps
In an earlier post, we have already discussed about investment apps. There are many investment options for you to choose from. The micro-investing apps let you automatically invest small amounts of money. When you invest through an investment app, your money is typically tracked
With the growth of mobile market, the apps are designed specifically for novice investors and the technology is simple to understand, yet the features are comprehensive. So, go for your favorite investment app and start investing.
Always use Investment Calculator
Using financial calculator and also investment calculator is very beneficial for investors. Use this calculator and find out more on how to invest your money better in financial instruments based on your goals and time.
There are some things such as interest and tax rates cannot be predicted, these calculators are only intended to give you an idea of what your investment could be worth based on the different investing factors which add up to your investment portfolio.
Go for long-term Investments
Do remember that, a long-term investment is an account on the asset side of a company’s balance sheet that represents the company’s investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate and cash, that it intends to hold for more than a year.
Moreover, education, business, marriage, insurance policy, retirement pension are a few examples of long-term investment in our life from a very initial time. You can also start to invest in stocks which is very helpful and should be started early.
Also try short-term Investments
The investors should decide if they want to invest their money for short term and also should know how much they want to invest in the stock market. Moreover, if you are willing to go for this type of trading you should first try to look at the investment options available for short term.
You might get the maximum profits when you find the right stocks and so you have to find the right time and how and where to invest in the stocks. Getting the right information of the important investment concepts can also help you make the right planning in the market.
Consult Investment Advisor
It is very important to take expert assistance if necessary. Professional advice can help find an investment strategy that fits your individual plan, financial capabilities and life goals. However, that can only happen if you are completely honest with your advisor.
Think of a financial advisor as your financial healer, they cannot totally assess the situation and provide a recommendation until they have all the information. This includes your short term and long-term goals, tolerance for risk, time horizon and general knowledge of the investing world.
Things to Remember:
So, the tips are clear for you to invest. The points which are discussed are starting to invest early, making a investment strategy, taking calculated risks, investing in your education, checking online investment options, using investment apps, using investment calculator, going for long-term investments, going for substantial investment, trying short-term investments and also consulting investment advisor. Thus, the time has come to take the right steps towards investment.
