First Alliance Blog

You went to apply for a loan, positive you would be approved, only to be told by the financial institution that you need a cosigner. That can feel like a blow to your confidence. You may even be wondering what a cosigner is exactly. How do you choose someone to be your cosigner, and more importantly, what can you do if you can’t find a cosigner? Here we layout the basics of needing a cosigner for your loan.

A personal loan can provide you with the funds that you need to buy equipment for your hobby. However, it is important to note that there are several things that you will need to know before taking out a loan. Learning all that you can about loans before you take one out will ensure that you will get the best deal on one.

More people are taking out auto loans than ever before. According to a 2017 report, over 107 million American adults have an auto loan. That’s 43 percent of American adults!

If your debt levels are becoming burdensome and you’re struggling to make monthly payments it might be time to consider either refinancing your debt or a debt consolidation loan. These two debt management options are both relatively quick and easy ways to bring your debt under control. We will explore their differences along with examples of when each option, debt consolidation vs refinancing, might make the most sense for your situation.

Life is short, and you understandably want to enjoy life on your own terms. Many people have a dream car that they would like to cruise around in regularly, and they keep their dream of ownership in the back of their mind for years. You could be included in this group of dreamers, or you could take practical steps to make it affordable to own the car that you really want.

When you are struggling with large amounts of debts owed to multiple creditors, it’s understandable to want to ease the burdens and simplify your finances. There are a variety of debt management options out there and it’s important to understand your choices. Two very common solutions people consider when dealing with out of control debt are debt forgiveness plans or a debt consolidation loan. Here we review what debt forgiveness is and what a debt consolidation loan is, and then discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

When you lease a car, you only pay for a portion of the car’s actual cost while acquiring a new or used car. So, if you are leasing a car, then you only pay for that portion of the car that you have used over the years of your lease agreement. Many people choose to lease a new car, as it allows them to get a higher value car, while not being required to pay the whole price of the car.

Many people often ask, "Should I get a home equity loan?" An equity loan, whether it is a home equity loan or a line of credit, is similar to a second mortgage and offers a way to conveniently resolve financial setbacks. Although home equity loans and lines of credit are both are good options, each one has benefits and limitations. It is important to understand the difference between a home equity loan and line of credit before making a decision on using one or the other. 

Buying a home may signify different things for many different people. However, the most common of those things is the dream of owning a home, a place where memories are made. Of course the financial implications are perhaps the most obvious concern, the emotional side of buying a home is often overlooked. These six tips for buying your first home can help you manage the financial and emotional sides of buying your first home.  

Buying a car is both an exciting and daunting adventure, especially when you’re considering a used car. There is a lot of research you should do before you buy, to ensure you find a reliable vehicle that will meet your needs and your budget. However, thanks to the internet there is a plethora of resources available for finding a reliable used car or truck. Here are our recommendations for how to find a reliable used vehicle.