Tag Archives: budget

Buy a Car, Help the Economy!

Car shoppers looking to get a new set of wheels are doing more than upgrading their ride. They are improving the economy.

American auto makers have been posting record sales for their first quarter, and according to a report from Ward’s Automotive Group, auto purchases are exceeding a 14 million annual rate for every month so far this year. These numbers are translating into American auto makers reopening production plants, keeping their plants open during times of the year when they would be typically closed and keeping more Americans employed.

Car sales are often a good indication of how healthy the overall economy is. A decrease in car sales is an early indicator of trouble ahead since it shows that people don’t feel comfortable spending the money on a car. Let’s use an example of a consumer, John Smith. John Smith has an older car that has the occasional problem, but he doesn’t necessarily want to spend the money on a new car. Why wouldn’t he want a new car? Maybe he works a commission-based job and sales are slow, or his workplace is going through cutbacks.

Let’s say that John’s car breaks down, and it isn’t an easy fix. He has to get a new car, and in the meantime, he takes the bus to work. The bus runs late a couple of times, and John gets fired for tardiness. Now, John feels even less comfortable spending money on a car, but at the same time, he is still relying on public transportation to get to job interviews. John will be limited to jobs located close to public transportation and might miss out on higher paying opportunities because the daily commute is too difficult.

By not having access to a reliable car, John’s financial problems snowballed very quickly. On the other hand, studies have show that having access to a reliable car can lead to less dependence on public assistance and upward mobility in the work force. When all of these data and studies are added up, the conclusion is that Americans have yet another incentive to spring for a new car: They are improving the economy!

Are you looking for a new or used car? Are you worried that your credit isn’t good enough? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest trends in the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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Average Price of New Cars On the Rise

Earlier this week, we showed why buying a used car is smarter than buying new. The value of a new car will depreciate very quickly only a few years after buying it, so the owner will get a better return on a used car vs. a new car if they eventually have to trade it in. As it turns out, Forbes is talking about the new vs. used car debate as well. A few days after we published our blog, Forbes published an article about the rising average price of a new car.

According to Forbes, the average cost of a new car or light truck is $30,303. The average cost has gone up $1200 from 2011, making a new car an even pricier investment with less potential return. To be fair, the cost of used cars has gone up slightly as well, but in most cases, buying a good used car is still the best choice in the long run.

The good news for car shoppers is that Approved Loan Store has access to a wide inventory of used cars with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re buying your first car or looking for something to accommodate a growing family, Approved Loan Store’s Special Finance Representatives will help you get into a car. Challenged credit is not a problem. Fill out Approved Loan Store’s secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest news and trends in the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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The Top Names in Auto Reviews, All in One Place

After years of searching Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and MSN Autos for the best cars on the market, consumers can now get the most relevant vehicle reviews all in one place.

TotalCarScore.com is being dubbed the Rotten Tomatoes of car sites, and the similarities are striking. When searching for a car on Total Car Score, readers will get the TCS review plus an average score based on reviews from some of the top review sites. Unlike Rotten Tomatoes, though, TCS users can customize the sources that TCS is using to calculate the score, so if they didn’t agree with MSN Autos’ review, they can view the average score without MSN Autos.

After browsing the site, I think that car shoppers are really going to love the features that TotalCarScore offers. Aside from reviews, there are links to the manufacturer, online forums for owners, the owner manuals, and comparison tests. We love it because Approved Loan Store has access to a wide inventory of cars, and no matter what make or model, we can find it. Once our Approved Loan Store customers have set up an appointment with their Special Finance Representative, they can go to TotalCarScore.com and figure out which makes and models could be right for them. That way, they can come into their appointment prepared, and they can get into a great car quicker!

Are you ready for Approved Loan Store to get you approved? Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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When It Comes to Cars, Buying Used is Buying Smart

In the first quarter of 2012, car sales are still on the rise with used car sales making up a large percentage of those sales, and according to Business Insider, the trend towards used cars is a smart choice.

Yesterday, Business Insider published their top 10 money mistakes “that everyone makes.” Most of the usual mistakes were on the list like paying a large interest rate on a credit card that gives miniscule cash rewards towards savings or buying the newest gadget on the day it goes on the market. Number 2 on the list, though, was buying a new car instead of a high-quality used car.

If I had to guess, I think consumers feel a bit safer buying a new car than a used car because a used car has history. They are afraid of buying a car that has hidden problems, or they have a certain level of pride that they don’t want to buy a used car.

Here is why Business Insider’s advice is completely right.

First of all, the value on a new car will drop very quickly. Car shoppers will pay through the nose for a new car, and if they go to trade it in even a few years later, they will get a fraction of what they initially paid. A new car is not a great investment. Second, there are so many fantastic used cars available at low prices, and car buyers can get the vehicle checked out by the dealership or a third party if they still feel unsure about buying used.

Approved Loan Store has access to a large inventory of used vehicles, and with our special financing programs, we can help car shoppers get into a great car, even those with challenged credit. Fill out Approved Loan Store’s auto loan application online here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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Missing Air Bags, Other Hazards Face Private Car Buyers

The price might be right for cars on Craigslist, but car buyers could be putting themselves at risk for hidden problems like missing airbags.

Today, a CBS affiliate in Oregon ran a story about how used car buyers need to be wary of missing airbags, particularly with private sellers. Sometimes the airbags have been stolen, and other times they were deployed and never replaced. Car buyers can’t even trust that the airbag light on the dashboard will indicate a problem. Thieves and scam artists have found a way to trick the airbag system so that the car buyer has no idea anything is wrong until it is too late.

Doug Hansen, an airbag repair technician, was interviewed in the report, and he had a chilling story for any car buyer, especially for parents buying a car for their teenagers. Hansen recounted, “We had a gentleman buy a car for his daughter going away to college. Bought it in a parking lot from somebody he met on Craigslist, and they brought it in and it was about 29-hundred dollar repair bill to make the car whole again, safety wise. The system was a fraud. His good deal wasn’t such a good deal anymore.”

Buying a car through Craigslist or a private buyer might seem like a bargain, but these hidden problems could end up costing thousands of dollars in repairs. In an accident, they could also lead to injuries or worse, the loss of life. You don’t have to take a chance to get an affordable used car. Approved Loan Store can help, even if you have challenged credit or no credit. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest news and consumer education by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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Reuters: Lose Weight, Improve Car’s Fuel Efficiency

If you want your car to be more fuel-efficient, Reuters has a novel idea: lose weight.

A recent statistic shows that gasoline consumption has gone up along with the needle on American’s scales. According to the study, Americans in 2012 compared to Americans in the 1960s are wasting 1 billion gallons of gas in their cars.

Where are those 1 billion gallons going? Well, Americans in 2012 on average weigh more than Americans in the 1960s, and it takes 1 billion gallons more to power their cars. Across the country, Americans could be getting a better gas mileage on their cars and spending less at the pump by getting their weight down to the average American’s weight in the 1960s.

Of course, you can’t turn a gas-guzzler into a hybrid just by dropping a dress size, and Approved Loan Store can help you find a more fuel-efficient car in your price range. Fill out an auto loan application online here, and keep up with the latest news from the auto industry by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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“Smart Tires” Adaptable to All Driving Conditions

So far, 2012 is a year full of auto innovations from the rotary shifter to the pedestrian air bag, and now, German scientists are working on all-weather tires that would work on snow and ice as well as they work in off-road driving.

This cutting-edge project is being conducted by researchers at the University of Applied Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. Their so-called “smart tires” are fitted with electronic sensors that can tell the difference between a variety of road conditions, and the tire’s profiles will change and adapt for optimal driving.

Detlef Riemer, the head of the research team, spoke about the project at the Hanover Fair and was very enthusiastic about the project’s possibilities. “The driver no longer has to think about adapting their tires,” he explained. “The tire itself ‘thinks’ too.”

While the tires aren’t ready to hit the market yet, Approved Loan Store has access to a vast inventory of cars ready to take on rough weather and off-road driving, and Approved Loan Store can get you approved whether you have bad or no credit! Fill out an auto loan application online here, and keep up with the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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Auto Loan Approval-By-Phone: Why Approved Loan Store Doesn’t Do It

At Approved Loan Store, we get asked all the time why we can’t give car loan approvals over the phone and why our customers need to bring their driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of income, and other identification to their appointment. Yesterday, there was a perfect real-life example in Dedham, Massachusetts, and we would like to share it with our readers so they understand why approvals-by-phone simply don’t happen.

Arthur Roberts wanted to get a new car. His previous car had been repossessed, and he was looking to get a car loan. Rather than take less-than-favorable rates or a cheaper car, Roberts forged documents from Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office and a credit bureau claiming that he had been the victim of identity theft. As a result, he got approval for a $22,000 car loan.

It wasn’t long until the law caught up with Roberts. He was indicted last March, and yesterday, he pleaded guilty to one count of larceny by false pretenses and three counts of common law uttering. He was sentenced to two years in jail, but due to medical reasons, he was put on three-year probation. The conditions of his probation are that he has to report any purchases made over $3,000, provide his quarterly credit reports to his probation officer, and inform his probation officer if he applies for credit.

This is why approvals-by-phone do not happen. There is too much of a risk that criminals will submit other people’s personal information, claim that they earn a higher income than they really do, and commit fraud just to get a car. At Approved Loan Store, we set up appointments for our customers to meet with a Special Finance Representative so that we can verify all of your personal information. We do not and nor will we ever stand for illegal activities, and the best way we can prevent that is by insisting on approvals in-person and with the proper documentation.

Are you having trouble getting approved for a car loan? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our auto loan application here, and keep up with the latest news and consumer education by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook and following Approved Loan Store on Twitter.

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Approved Loan Store: Car Loan – Meeting with Your Special Finance Representative

At Approved Loan Store, we take the hassle out of car buying. We make the process easy, even if you have challenged credit. Still, we want our customers to understand our process and why we are the best way to get into a new or used car quickly!

The first step is filling out our convenient and secure online auto loan application here. Once you fill it out, you will hear back from one of our friendly Approved Loan Store representatives within 24 to 48 hours. They will verify the information on your application and let you know if you are picked for our loan program. If you are chosen, you will be scheduled to meet with an Approved Loan Store Special Finance Representative to look at vehicles and discuss your financing options.

Now, we get more questions about the meeting with a Special Finance Representative than any other part of the process, so we wanted to answer some of the more frequently asked questions here.

1. What do I need to bring with me to the appointment?

Bring your driver’s license, Social Security Card, a proof of residence, and proof of your income. Proof of residence can be a utility bill or bank statement that has your current address on it. For proof of income, bring two recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer stating how much you make and whether you are paid weekly or bi-weekly.

2. Do I need to buy a car if I set up an appointment?

Absolutely not! Approved Loan Store will work very hard to put together the best deal for you, but you are not obligated to purchase a vehicle if you meet with a Special Finance Representative.

3. Approved Loan Store set me up with Special Finance Representative located at a Kia/Chrysler/Mazda dealership, but I want a different brand of car. What do I do?

No worries! Your Special Finance Representative might be located at one dealership, but they can pull cars from any of Approved Loan Store’s certified locations. You are not limited by brand make or model. Tell your Special Finance Representative what car you are looking for, and they will do their best to get you that car! Remember, any make, any model!

4. Why do I need to set up an appointment?

Our Special Finance Representatives are busy folks, and they meet with lots of people like you on a daily basis. If we didn’t schedule appointments, they wouldn’t be able to work with you one-on-one and give you personal attention.

5. What if I don’t get a car?

We work hard to get our customers into a car, but in the rare scenario that we can’t get you the car you want at the financing you want, we offer complimentary gifts just for making it to your appointment. Ask your Special Finance Representative for details.

6. Why do I have to meet with a Special Finance Representative? Can’t I get approved over the phone?

Without seeing proper documentation and doing a credit check, it is impossible to get approved for a car loan. Anyone that tells you that you are approved for a car loan over the phone is not being honest. Besides that, your financing depends on your credit score, what car you want to get, and other factors that need to be discussed in person.

7. Is there anything else I need to bring to my appointment?

This appointment is as much for you as it is for us, and you will get out of it what you put into it. With Approved Loan Store, you will get great customer service, financing options, and a huge inventory of vehicles, but you will get even more out of it if you come prepared and know the right questions to ask. An inquisitive consumer is a smart consumer, so never be afraid to ask if you don’t understand how much you will be paying, the APR, or how many total payments you will be making.

Still have questions? Feel free to call and speak with one of our Approved Loan Store representatives at 877-217-2217. Are you looking for a new or used vehicle? Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and check out testimonials from real Approved Loan Store customers here. You can also keep up to date on the latest news from Approved Loan Store by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

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“Clean up your credit overnight! Get the best rates without leaving the house, and pay no money down on a Mercedes-Benz!”

These days, a lot of companies are promising the world to people with challenged credit who are looking for a way back. One of the fastest ways to re-establish credit is through a car loan, so there is a high demand for car loans from people with challenged credit. Unfortunately, this means that some businesses will take advantage of that demand and take advantage of less-informed consumers. We wanted to clear up some misconceptions and misinformation that is spread about credit restoration and auto loans. If more consumers are educated, then less people will fall prey to these predatory companies.

First off, credit restoration is not an overnight process. Any company that offers an overnight solution or a new Social Security number with a clean credit record is lying. Worse, anyone that offers to sell a new Social Security number is committing a crime. These Social Security numbers have to come from somewhere, and some of these scam artists are selling children’s Social Security numbers. Foster children are especially vulnerable to these crimes because their personal information is passed around so much, and most parents wouldn’t think to check their child’s credit report.

The truth is that the credit restoration process can take as little as a month or up to half a year. By law, the credit bureaus have to be given about 35 days to respond to any credit report dispute, so the quickest way to gauge if a credit restoration company is legitimate is asking them how long the process takes. Also, credit restoration companies cannot charge upfront for services. Some companies get around this law by bundling credit restoration with other services, but they cannot specifically charge consumers for credit restoration work until they see results.

Another misconception about credit is that getting negative information taken off will automatically improve the credit score. A large part of a credit score is based on credit history, so getting a good credit score means having open accounts that have been paid on time consistently. (Once again, this is why an auto loan is a great option for people who want to improve their credit.) Still, some people expect their credit score to dramatically increase immediately after starting credit restoration, but any change in the credit score depends on the individual and their own credit history. One person might go from a 500-something credit score to low 700s while someone else will struggle to break 600. It is not a one-size-fits-all process, and every person will have a different experience.

When consumers understand how credit restoration works, they have an easier time picking out which companies are legitimately trying to help people with challenged credit and which companies can’t deliver what they are promising. Doing credit restoration in one week and getting an auto loan with premium rates the next week is simply not possible. At Approved Loan Store, we know that rebuilding credit takes time, and we offer real solutions, not fantasies. If you have challenged credit, we can help you in getting a car loan, and we can also advise you on reputable credit restoration services. The road back to good credit is tough and getting a car can be tough too. That is why Approved Loan Store is here to help, getting customers into a car and back on the road to good credit.

To learn more about our auto loan program, fill out our secure online application here, and stay up to date with the latest from Approved Loan Store by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Also, watch real Approved Loan Store customers talk about their experience on our YouTube channel.

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