Financial Directory Lists Lenders and Helps Canadians to Gain Ready Access to Capital

YourLoan.ca offers new financial listings to visitors who are looking for flexible borrowing solutions and worthwhile financial products.

 

Toronto (PRWEB) October 24, 2012

Art Branch Inc., the parent company of YourLoan.ca today announces the publication of new financial listings, targeted at people who are interested in learning more about finance.

Created by the content development team at Art Branch Inc. the new financial listings are published on YourLoan.ca, a website that offers information about different financial products available to Canadian borrowers. The listings showcase a diverse set of financial service companies, thus offering value to visitors.

“There are many viable lending alternatives apart from what the big Canadian banks offer. Canadians deserve to know about them so that they can choose a lender that suits them,” said John Williams, marketing consultant at Art Branch Inc.

Compared to smaller players, the large banks offer fewer financial options to small businesses. The big Canadian banks use standard lending criteria while credit unions and other financial establishments rely on personal interactions with customers. Developing and maintaining a long-lasting relationship with a small bank increases the availability of financing. This results in better interest rates and a lower likelihood that collateral or cosigner is required. Relationships with borrowers are more important for small players than for large financial institutions. The big banks establish criteria and procedures to be followed by all branches. This is how they monitor the lending process and keep control over loan officers. Thus, large lenders rely more heavily on centralized decision making, financial statements, and computer models. Small banks do not face the same coordination and control problems. They rely on community ties and personal interaction. Small banks have less rigid lending criteria and offer flexible financial solutions to individual borrowers and small businesses. In many cases, their financial products are cheaper than what the “Big Five” have on offer.

YourLoan.ca adds over 500 new financial listings to give more choice to Canadian visitors. The directory includes large and small lenders and offers descriptions of their products and services.

About YourLoan.ca: YourLoan.ca is one of the oldest Canadian financial directories offering finance listings and financial guides since 2005.

About Art Branch: Art Branch Inc., located in Toronto, Ontario, is the publisher of YourLoan.ca and has produced several consumer oriented websites targeting Canadian and worldwide audience. The goal of Art Branch is to provide visitors to company sites with free, useful guides, helping consumers to make educated choices.

Savings Calculator Helps People to Invest Smartly and Increase Their Personal Wealth

CanadaBanks.net offers a new savings calculator to Canadians who are looking for wise money management moves and are eager to get started on the investment path.

Art Branch, Inc., the parent company of CanadaBanks.net announced today the release of a savings calculator (http://www.canadabanks.net/Savings-Calculator.aspx), intended for Canadians who are interested in saving and investing.

The new calculator was created by the content development team at Art Branch Inc. and was tested internally and by a small group of external users. It is a simple tool that can help Canadians to understand the basics of saving and investing. In times of post-crisis deleveraging, more and more people avoid making risky financial decisions and embrace the idea of saving and investing wisely.

“Saving went out of favour during the last decade, but since the global financial crisis hit, things have changed. Many Canadian consumers are deleveraging and trying to save instead of spend. Ultimately, this will be very positive for the Canadian economy,” said John Williams, marketing consultant at Art Branch, Inc.

Saving and investing is an asset building strategy that brings good financial returns. Asset building helps people to escape poverty and move up the economic ladder. Investing over a long period creates a safety net and allows families to cope financially in times of economic hardship. People with no assets are more likely to miss phone, utility, and housing payments. They are more likely to operate uninsured vehicles and are unable to afford good medical care. Many people are liquid asset poor, with no resources to subsist if they lose their job. They cannot afford to buy healthy food products, are often uninsured, and put off visits to the doctor. Having assets, on the other hand, is correlated with better physical health, emotional wellbeing, life satisfaction, and social connectedness with family members, neighbors, friends, and organizations.

The new savings calculator is a free financial planning tool for people who want to achieve financial stability. Compound interest can help people to achieve their financial goals, but many are not aware of this. Their savings grow quickly if they find a decent rate of return.

The aim of the calculator is to educate Canadians and help them learn how to save and invest. Users enter the initial savings amount, the yearly yield, the compounding frequency, and the number of years to grow. The calculator then shows the future value of their savings.

About CanadaBanks.net: CanadaBanks.net is an informational resource created by Art Branch Inc., focused on the Canadian banking industry.

About Art Branch: Art Branch Inc., located in Toronto, Ontario, is the parent company of CanadaBanks.net and has produced many consumer oriented websites targeting Canadian and worldwide audience. The goal of Art Branch is to provide visitors to company sites with free, practical guides, helping consumers to make educated choices.

Credit Card Guide Helps People to Avoid Exorbitant Fees and Sky High Rates

CreditCardReview.ca offers a low-interest credit card guide to people who want to avoid super-high borrowing costs that can ruin them financially.

Toronto (PRWEB) October 16, 2012

Art Branch, Inc., the parent company of CreditCardReview.ca announced today the publication of a low-interest credit card guide (http://www.creditcardreview.ca/low-interest-creditcards-9/), intended for Canadian consumers who are looking for affordable credit solutions.

The new guide was created by the content development team at Art Branch, Inc. and is the result of extensive research on popular Canadian credit cards. The guide was published on CreditCardReview.ca, which presents in-dept reviews of credit cards available to consumers and small businesses in Canada. The section was added in response to requests from visitors and features reviews and comparisons of low-interest credit cards.

“Affordable credit is very important for Canadian consumers and small businesses; however, many can’t borrow funds at reasonable rates. Canadians who are looking for credit but are unable to get an unsecured credit line from their bank may want to look at low-interest credit cards,” said John Wilson, marketing consultant at Art Branch, Inc.

The new guide presents 17 low-interest credit cards offered by AMEX, VISA and MasterCard. Costumers have the opportunity to compare interest rates and annual fees and will find a comprehensive review for each product.

Some people have fair or less-than-perfect credit scores, and this makes them unlikely candidates for a low-cost credit line from their bank. While there are better borrowing options than a credit card, a low-interest card is a good choice compared to payday loans and other products with extremely high interest rates. Some people villainize credit cards, and there are urban legends and annoying myths about them. The truth is that using a low-interest card can help people in lean days. Financial setbacks happen for many reasons – death of a partner, major illness, demotion, and divorce. Even the rich and famous have been hit by tough times, and some celebrities live under huge amounts of debt. While an emergency fund can cover financial gaps, few people can afford such luxuries. A low-interest credit card is a good option for people who are coping with a major, life-changing event. It is not a tool to rectify one’s financial woes, but it allows recession-hit people and those in financial straits to borrow at reasonable rates.

About CreditCardReview.ca: CreditCardReview.ca is a Canadian credit card directory that offers information on the major banks and credit cards in Canada, along with many useful credit card related articles and guides.

Personal Finance Blog Helps Canadians to Sharpen Their Money Management Skills

Financialized.ca helps Canadians to understand financial matters and develop a positive attitude toward budgeting, saving, and financial planning.

Toronto (PRWEB) August 15, 2012

Art Branch, Inc. announced today that Financialized.ca (http://www.financialized.ca) celebrates 2 years of blogging. The personal finance blog is intended for Canadians who want to find more about personal finance and budgeting.
While the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 has been gradually abating, many people are still in dire financial straits. Canadians needed a good personal finance blog to guide them in the world of finance, and this is how Financialized.ca was born.

“Personal finance is a topic everybody should learn about, no matter how much money they make. Understanding how to manage your personal finances better will give you an edge and will make your life much easier.” said Peter Todorov, President of Art Branch Inc.
Financial literacy gives people the right tools to make good financial choices. Educated consumers are less likely to use high-interest credit cards and other costly means of borrowing. Financial education helps people to set realistic goals, develop spending budgets, and choose the most appropriate investment and savings methods. Informed consumers are able to understand financial matters, use and manage resources in their best interest, and improve their financial fortunes. At the same time, many people are unable to create a simple budget – a basic skill that can help them to control their expenses and avoid debt. Budgeting is a basic skill that puts one ahead of the crowd.
Truly, many people are interested to learn more about budgeting and personal finance but cannot afford to pay for a finance course. Others do not have the time to read a book or they are unsure where to start. A good personal finance blog summarizes the important finance topics and presents complex concepts in an easily digestible form. This is the goal of Financialized.ca, which was created as a personal finance guide for Canadians who want to manage their finances more effectively. Given that the Canadian educational system does not give people enough financial knowledge, personal finance blogs like Financialized.ca can go a long way in helping consumers to understand important financial topics.
About Financialized.ca: Financialized.ca is a Canadian personal finance blog that aims to deliver exceptional value to Canadians looking for personal finance information and tips.
About Art Branch: Art Branch, Inc., a Canadian corporation, publishes Financialized.ca and has produced several business oriented websites targeting Canadian audience. The goal of Art Branch is to provide visitors to company sites with free, useful guides, helping them to make educated decisions.

YourLoan.ca Financial FAQ Explains the ABC’s of Finance as a Way to Achieve Financial Freedom

A new financial FAQ, improves financial literacy, helps Canadians to learn the basics of finance, and simplifies decision making.

Toronto (PRWEB) August 14, 2012

Art Branch, Inc., the parent company of YourLoan.ca announced today the publication of a financial FAQ section (http://www.yourloan.ca/loan-articles/), intended for people who want to learn more about finance.
The new FAQ section is created by the content development team at Art Branch, Inc. and is the result of extensive research. The section contributes to the wealth of information published on YourLoan.ca, which lists over 4,000 financial companies in Canada and gives Canadians the opportunity to find more about different forms of financing. The FAQ section is thus intended to offer information on all important finance topics. Canadians can learn about different budgeting and debt management strategies as to get rid of debt and improve their financial situation. The section explains how interest works and overviews various forms of financing. Visitors learn how to compare different loans and choose the best financial product for their particular circumstances.
“Financial education is now more important than ever and yet the Canadian educational system doesn’t do enough in this regard. Having basic understanding of how financing and budgeting work can greatly improve the lives of many Canadians.” said Peter Todorov, President of Art Branch, Inc.

Financial education helps people to balance their budgets, save for retirement, spend on a holiday or trip, buy a house or furniture, choose the right investment instruments, and much more. Educated consumers make wise financial decisions and are able to avoid excessive debt. Financial responsibility and money management skills are essential today given that there are more debt options. Consumers can choose from a variety of financial providers – mortgage companies, credit card issuers, credit unions, banks, and insurance firms, all of which try to attract clients. Consumers are faced with tough choices and this makes financial education even more important. At the same time, the importance of financial education is overlooked by many Canadians who lack understanding of basic financial concepts. This often results in unmanageable debts, foreclosure, bankruptcy, and broken families. Learning the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing can improve the financial fortunes of many people, and the new financial FAQ is a valuable tool to this purpose.
About YourLoan.ca: YourLoan.ca is one of the oldest Canadian financial directories offering finance listings and financial guides since 2005.
About Art Branch: Art Branch Inc., located in Toronto, Ontario, is the publisher of YourLoan.ca and has produced several consumer oriented websites targeting Canadian audience. The goal of Art Branch is to provide visitors to company sites with free, useful guides, helping consumers to make educated choices.http://www.yourloan.ca/

CreditCardReview.ca New Infographic Addresses the Prevalence of Credit Card Fraud

The Canadian banking industry suffers huge losses due to fraudulent activities in the underground marketplace.

Art Branch, Inc., the parent company of CreditCardReview.ca announced today the publication of a new infographic (http://www.creditcardreview.ca/credit_card_fraud_canada_infographic.php), targeted at credit card holders in Canada.

Developed by the web design and content development teams at Art Branch, Inc., the infographic uses data by the Canadian Bankers Association. It is a valuable addition to CreditCardReview.ca, which helps Canadians to make wise credit card choices.

“Credit card fraud is a serious problem, which affects many Canadians. Not many people know this, but the Canadian banking industry loses hundreds of millions of dollars to credit card fraud each year.” said Peter Todorov, President of Art Branch, Inc.

The infographic gives a snapshot of credit card fraud in Canada, along with total annual losses and average loss per account. It provides data on the yearly losses of the banking industry due to cross border and domestic fraudulent transactions, account takeovers, fraudulent applications, and other fraud. In addition to highlighting the most common forms of fraud, the infographic helps Canadians to get an idea of the costs associated with credit card fraud. Many people are not aware of these crimes, the prevalence and forms of fraud encountered, and the financial impact of fraud on Canadians and the banking industry.

The targets of fraudsters are processors, merchants, hotels and restaurants, and individual cardholders. Criminals and crime groups are organized, operate across borders, and use sophisticated software and tools. What is more, criminal organizations are quick to respond to fraud prevention measures and initiatives. They use a variety of methods for data theft such as malware attacks, ATM skimming, virtual criminal markets, SMSishing and whaling, and many others. Credit card fraud and cybercrime have gained momentum and should be given serious consideration. Being aware of the prevalence and forms of credit card fraud is important as it helps Canadians to avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent transactions.

About CreditCardReview.ca: CreditCardReview.ca is a Canadian credit card directory offering information on the major banks and credit cards in Canada, along with many useful credit card related articles and guides.

Taking out a Loan to Buy Land

A land loan allows the borrower to buy a plot of land and build a home in the future. As a rule, the interest rate and down payment are higher than for conventional mortgages.

Financing for unimproved real estate is largely a local marketplace. This is unlike mortgages where competition is intense, with different financial institutions offering loans. Financing often comes from the seller, and the terms and interest rate are negotiable. A 20 percent down payment is usually required, and the seller holds a note for the balance. Another option is to apply for a home equity loan, especially if the sales price is not high. The mainstream financial institutions are not big players when it comes to buying land; so, you may want to look for financing from a community bank. The title insurance companies and real estate agents in your area should know which financial establishments offer loans for land.

As a rule, you will have a better chance of getting approved if you plan on building a personal residence, there are improved properties nearby, and you make it clear that you will apply for a construction loan as well. If you plan to build in three months, you can do a 90-day note. In this way, the amount due will be rolled into a construction loan, and you will pay interest only.

It should be noted that different factors impact the terms and conditions, including the intended use, the zoning, and the size and location of the parcel. Some banks charge the same points and interest rate for the purchase of row land and for construction. The loan can be interest-only or amortized over a pre-agreed term. This depends on the borrower’s financial circumstances and needs.
Financing is usually offered to self-employed and salaried people who seek to buy a residential plot of land. Some financial institutions require that the property to be financed is within municipality limits. Loans are mainly offered for the purchase of residential and not agricultural land. Furthermore, some financial institutions require that the borrower begins construction within a specified period of time, which can be from 6 months to 1 year. For more information go to http://www.yourloan.ca/