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The 4 Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund in 2019

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

If you're one of the lucky Americans who receives an income tax return, you're probably reeling with excitement! Tax season is upon us and that sweet cash will soon be in your pocket and ready to spend.

But maybe you want to do things differently this year. Instead of buying a new TV or going on a mini-vacation with the money, maybe you want to spend it more wisely.

Now that's smart thinking. Here are 4 great ways you can spend your 2019 income tax return!

1. Create Your Emergency Fund

Saving money is undoubtedly one of the wisest financial decisions you can make -- aside from going back in time and investing in Google, of course. But even if you don't have a healthy savings account in place, you can easily get one started immediately with your 2019 tax refund.

But this first step towards savings isn't just about gaining interest and preparing for retirement. An emergency fund is about preparing for the near future and anything it might throw your way. Sure, you might not experience the thrill of shopping with that money, but the peace of mind of knowing you have an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen circumstances can't be beaten.

2. Pay Down Your Debt

Whether you have credit card bills, a car payment, or even a personal loan, taking advantage of your income tax return and paying down your debt is an incredibly smart financial decision.

Some individuals receive considerably large tax refunds that can wipe out a whole mountain of debt all at once. Others may only receive a small amount, but any money paid toward eliminating your debt means you will be that much closer to financial freedom.

3. Cut it in Half

Don't have debt to worry about? Already have an emergency fund in place?

Maybe you feel like spending your 2019 income tax refund on yourself. And if the above applies to you, you probably deserve it!

Still, you should consider what using half of that money wisely could mean for you. By putting half of it in savings or toward a smart investment, you can feel even better about spending the rest however you choose!

4. Invest in Your Future

As we detailed in a recent blog post, becoming an investor in the stock market can be a superb option for growing your personal wealth. If you are already financially secure enough to not have to worry about your monthly bills, pouring your excess into investments can pay off in amazing ways.

That is exactly why choosing to use your tax refund to invest in the stock market can be a great choice for your future. Whether you find a specific company to invest in or simply go the mutual fund route, educating yourself and making wise investments is almost always as smart as a simple savings account.

For more excellent financial advice, check back next week to read more from the experts at Atlas Credit!

3 Reasons Why You Should File Your Taxes Early in 2019

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Many Americans dread tax season like no other time during the year. That's why so many people reason that they have plenty of time -- until April 15^th, as a matter of fact -- to get it done.

But why wait? The earlier you get the process started, the better!

Don't believe us?

Here are 3 reasons why you should file your taxes ASAP!

1. Faster Tax Refund

If you are one of the lucky Americans who, instead of paying out a hefty sum in taxes each year, receives a tax return, you have a great reason to file your tax return right now.

Often, if you delay filing your taxes to the last possible moment, you will find yourself waiting several weeks to receive your return. And if you opt to file by paper, the mailing process may take even longer as it has to travel both ways.

So get on it now! E-file with one of the many free tax return software or websites available and get the ball rolling to receive your return.

2. More Time to Pay Taxes

If you actually owe taxes this year, you may not want to run up against the tax deadline this year.

Say you prepare your Form 1040 in January. That means you have four months to get your finances arranged to better cover the taxes owed. Whether you are an individual or a business owner, that extra time will make paying your taxes in 2019 easier on your pocketbook.

Plus, the stress of waiting until the very last minute may not seem so heavy. If you have always waited for the deadline to file your taxes, you may be used to the stress.

But if you take the initiative to file your taxes now rather than later, you will save yourself time, energy, and maybe some mental health.

3. Avoiding Tax Return Identity Theft

When you start your filing process as early as possible, you can get the jump on any would-be identity thieves long before they find an opportunity.

You may believe yourself to be one of the lucky few who will never face the threat of identity theft, but you truly never know when a thief could strike. And believe us -- any thief with your social security number will not be looking to pay your taxes for you.

Never let someone else take what is rightfully yours, especially after you've worked so hard all year to earn it.

Want to start 2019 off right? Consider a boost to your new year finances with a quick and easy online personal loan from Atlas Credit. Whether you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit at all, you can apply now to find out if you qualify for a loan of up to $1,400! Check out our online application, find a brick and mortar store anywhere in the state of Texas, or contact us today!

6 Unexpected Expenses You May Face in 2019

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Even if you no longer live paycheck to paycheck, life can still find a way to throw a wrench into your financial situation. You might have felt totally confident a week ago that you would come out ahead with enough money to put a chunk into your savings and still live largely. But then, the unexpected happens.

Unfortunately, you can't plan for every possible outcome. However, by knowing what could happen ahead of time this year, you'll be one step ahead and ready to take on any sudden challenge.

1. Job Transitions

Whether you get fired, demoted, laid off, or simply cannot stand to work at your current job a day longer, a change in your employment situation can lead to serious financial upheaval.

Sometimes, this can be a huge opportunity to find a better position in a job that will pay you far better than you could have hoped for. Other times, this is a long-lasting situation that can reshape your monthly budget. Either way, you must remember that no business you could work for is 100 percent stable. Always prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

2. Auto Repairs

Cars break down. Cars also have a tendency to collide with other cars, trees, concrete dividers, and Wendy's drive-thru menus.

This one, above all else, should be familiar to anyone who has ever owned a car. And if you aren't prepared, even the best money-month can turn into a financial disaster.

3. Home Repairs

Whether a tree falls on your roof, a kid throws a rock through your bathroom window, or you catch your kitchen on fire while failing again at perfecting your mom's spaghetti, a home repair could be right around the corner.

Even if you have a healthy home insurance policy, you still may have to foot the bill for a sizeable deductible. No matter how sturdy the structure of your house, it can still sustain all sorts of costly damage you should be prepared for.

4. Utility Bill Spikes

Seasons change, and so do electric bills. Where your bill in the Spring might be a simple $75, a Summer electric bill could look closer to $200 or more.

Depending on the size of your home, your family, or how poorly insulated your home may be, your utility bills will definitely fluctuate. So when you make your monthly budget, always keep your utility bill estimates on the steep side.

5. Unplanned Trips

Your brother calls you from Austin and asks you to pick him up from the airport. The only problem: you live in Longview.

Maybe you leave your dog behind on a family trip to the Grand Canyon and have to turn around to go find him.

Both of these make for some seriously expensive unplanned trips. Gas may look cheap right now, but it adds up quickly!

6. Kiddos

The moment you have a child, your life changes dramatically. And so will your financial situation.

The truth is, kids are expensive! If you know children are in your future, it's time you rethought your entire budget and prepared for anything life could throw your way with them in the picture.

Have a sudden financial emergency? Stop by your local Atlas Credit location or apply online now for a quick and easy personal loan. You have a great shot at being approved on the spot, even if you have bad credit! Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more!

How to Achieve Your Financial Goals in 2019

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

As 2018 comes to a close, you probably want to get all your ducks in a row for the start of 2019. But without diligence and proper planning, you might squander your chances for a fantastic financial year.

In this last week of 2018, let's take a look at what you can do to be certain the financial goals you set for yourself are perfectly doable.

Know Where You Are Financially

As we discussed in a recent blog post, the best way to ensure you stick to your goals is to develop realistic expectations for your new year potential.

Whether you have a solid job that will only grow your personal wealth throughout the year, have a side project that won't stop growing, or know you need to find a means of making cash elsewhere, this knowledge is essential for making the right choices in the new year.

Stay Organized from the Beginning

Creating a thoughtful, lean budget is critical when it comes to financial assessment and planning for the future. But if you don't adhere to your budget religiously, you're simply wasting your time.

Download budget apps from your mobile phone's app store. Keep track of every penny you spend and sort the expenses by category. Any time you swipe your card or pay with cash, you have to keep track of your spending. Otherwise, you might fall into bad financial habits that can severely affect your financial status throughout 2019.

Cut Spending Wherever Possible

This year, do you really need as many entertainment options as you had last year? What subscription services did you use the least? By cutting back on this category, you can save a tremendous amount of money and be far better off financially for it.

Another strategy is to take on a new hobby. Whether it's woodworking or painting, the amount of time you'll spend improving your skills at the hobby is time you spent on yourself -- and less time you spent out shopping or wasting cash elsewhere. Plus, if that hobby is cooking, you can save boatloads by not eating out as much.

Start the Year Off Right with a Personal Loan

One of the best ways to ensure you don't get caught in a sticky financial situation is to always maintain a well-padded emergency fund. If you don't already have one in place, an online personal loan from a reputable and trustworthy lender like Atlas Credit can get you started ASAP.

But that's not all. A personal loan from one of our Longview, Houston, Waco, Dallas, or Austin locations can be used for just about anything. Whether it's making sure your car handles smoothly after an oil change or new tires, a repair to your home's roof, or any other positive investment, a personal loan can help you pay for it up front and then build your credit as you pay it off over time.

For more information on personal loans, even if you have bad credit, contact Atlas Credit today!

Happy New Year!

5 Ways to Hack Your Christmas Day Budget in 2018!

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

1. Master the Art of Gifting

One smart step to Christmas gift-giving is to decide as a family (or group of friends) to limit gift spending to a small amount of money per gift. A limit as small as $20 can lead to all sorts of creativity and personalization.

Any time you purchase a gift, always check what the same item sells for online. You might find it for as much as 50% off the store price. And always use coupons and discount codes whenever possible!

Another tip is to limit the gifts to the children in the family alone. This allows for more money to be spent on the little ones who deserve the best Christmas possible.

2. Stick to Low-Cost Activities

Many families, especially those who hold their gift exchange on Christmas Eve, like to make Christmas Day something of an event. Some families go to the movies, some go to amusement parks, but more frugal families stay indoors and celebrate through togetherness.

One great idea for a low-cost activity is board games and card games. While some may groan at the idea of another stressful game of Monopoly -- don't worry! There are thousands of new and highly rated board games available these days that will keep your family active and enthusiastic. Some games you could add to the rotation this year include:

Catan
Carcassonne
Resistance
Scythe
Tales of Arabian Nights
Sheriff of Nottingham
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Kingdomino
Codenames
Azul
Santorini
Splendor
Pandemic

Remember: if you don't own any of these games, they can make for great, inexpensive gifts for all ages.

3. Keep it BYO!

Whether it's wine or green bean casserole, make it clear ahead of time that your Christmas Day celebration is a potluck. That way, everyone will show up with something to offer all the guests.

Some families have a yearly competition to see who can cook up the best Christmas food possible -- on a budget! If you think this would be a lighthearted addition to your Christmas Day meal planning, encourage it as soon as possible!

4. Start Planning for Next Christmas

Feel like you don't have enough money to go around this Christmas? That means now is the best time to start your budgeting for next year to make it bigger and better than ever.

Any wrapping paper, decorations, or unopened/unused gifts can be stored away for next year. Tuck it in your closet or your attic, and put a piggy bank aside to stuff money whenever possible inside it. Or, create a separate savings account that you only deposit a few bucks a month into. By the end of the year, you'll have a considerably larger Christmas budget than you could have imagined!

5. Consider a Personal Loan

Don't have enough money to hold your preferred Christmas Day gathering and celebration?

You can apply online or in-store for a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit right now! From $100 to $1,400, you can get the money you need ASAP to spend on the proper Christmas for your whole family and pay it back on your own schedule. Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at Atlas Credit!

How to Accomplish a 30-Day Savings Challenge

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Everyone likes the idea of having extra money stored away in case of emergency, or just for fun. Knowing that money is available at any time can both relieve stress and give you something to look forward to.

But if you don't have any money stashed away in savings yet, you might wonder what could be the easiest way to get started saving today. In this week's Atlas Credit blog, let's discuss how you can transform your financial outlook with a fresh start in savings.

Set Your Goal

Your first challenge is setting your individual savings goal. Are you hoping to put aside $100 or $1000? Even more?

The key here is to assess your own financial status. If you know you have extra money each month that hangs around in your bank account until you spend it on something frivolous, that money can go directly to savings. If your money seems to vanish entirely before each paycheck hits the bank, you can still figure out ways to save.

Where to Cut Spending

Food

How much money are you spending on groceries each month? Next, how much money do you spend dining out at restaurants, fast food joints, bars, or even getting snacks at a convenience store?

All of this adds up considerably at the end of each month and is undeniably an area that can be reshaped to increase savings. By simply packing your own lunches and preparing tasty, filling snacks ahead of time that you acquire from your grocery store, you'll seriously cut down on your food expenses each month.

Cell Phones

When you signed up for your cell phone plan, did you go with the largest data package available? Did you get the top of the line smartphone on the market? You might be surprised to realize that neither of those choices are necessary to still be completely connected to your friends and family and the Internet at large.

Speak with your mobile provider about reducing your data plan. If you don't use up every megabyte of data each month, it won't hurt to give yourself a smaller data limit. And if you ever need a new phone, finding a model from previous years won't affect you too terribly. Many experts agree that the newest smartphones are simply minor re-skins of phones from last year.

Habits

Whether you need an energy drink every morning to get going, smoke cigarettes, or can't stop making in-app purchases on your favorite mobile game, cutting back on these extraneous areas will be sure to put extra money in your wallet each month.

Build Your Savings

While it's true that none of these methods are certain to fix your finances completely and fill your savings account with cash, rethinking your monthly spending in the next 30 days is a sure way to get things started. By the end of next month, you should be able to take that extra money and put it aside to build yourself a buffer or an emergency fund that can be used exactly as you see fit.

Love reading the Atlas Credit blog every week? Take the time to explore the rest of the Atlas Credit website, and maybe apply online for a quick and easy personal loan. You may qualify for a personal loan of up to $1,400 even if you have bad credit. Apply today!

4 Awesome End of Year Financial Planning Tips

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

2019 is right around the corner. That means it's time to start planning your financial life for the near future.

There are some very obvious and other not-so-obvious ways you can set yourself up for financial success next year. Let's check them out in this week's Atlas Credit blog!

1. Make an Assessment of This Year's Finances

Now that this year is finally drawing to a close, there's not much left to do but perform a review of how well you did overall financially. Did you make more money than you expected? Did you put aside a healthy amount of money in savings?

Did you create more debt for yourself?

Either way, you need a firm understanding of what happened to you this year to create a solid foundation for handling next year's finances. Check your credit score and see the overall trend, whether it went up or down. Check your bank statements and see if you handled your money correctly. By studying your financial performance in 2018, you should be better prepared for 2019.

2. List Your 2019 Financial Goals

This is a pretty simple step in understanding next year's finances. Take the time to list out all of the things you would like to achieve. Whether that's putting aside enough money in savings to develop a stronger emergency fund, finally saving up for a new vehicle, moving into a new place, getting a new job, or otherwise, the physical act of listing what you want to achieve makes those goals clearer.

That means every financial decision you make from the beginning of 2019 onward will be made with those goals in mind. Once you have listed them, you can always revisit them and check them off one by one as you accomplish your goals. This can be extremely rewarding. Try it!

3. Increase Your Savings if Possible

If you spent 2018 faithfully putting money away from each paycheck, or whenever possible, into a savings account, great! In 2019, one of the best steps you can take to ensure future financial success is to increase the amount you deposit into your savings every month.

You can also diversify your savings by creating more than one savings account. If you already have one account set aside that you treat as an emergency fund, once it reaches a number you feel comfortable at, create another account. This fund can be a vacation fund, a new car fund, or for anything else you feel like saving for.

4. Rethink Your Employment Situation

Have you been gainfully employed all year? How long have you actually worked at your current job?

The better question: when was the last time you got a raise?

If you've worked at the same hourly rate or salary for more than 6 months and are in good standing with your employer, it's time you started putting the pressure on them to increase your pay.

If they don't seem like they're willing to budge, start looking at your other employment options. Whether it's a similar line of work or a completely different industry, wherever you go next must offer you better pay or more benefits.

One of the smartest decisions you could make in 2019 is to stay up to date on the Atlas Credit blog! Each week we post a new informative and interesting blog to help our readers strengthen their financial situations. Remember, you can always apply online or in-store at one of our Longview or Houston locations for a quick and easy personal loan, even if you have bad credit at the end of 2018!

Navigating the Financial World as a Low-Income Earner

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Look for Employment with Incentives

Even if you know you're going to end up with a low-paying job, realize you still have options. Unless you find yourself looking for literally any job that comes around, you can use a discerning eye to find employment that provides you with some extra reward.

For instance, when you work in the food service industry, employers often provide employees with free meals and the ability to take home extras at the end of a shift. That may mean smaller grocery bills -- something especially helpful for single individuals.

And if at all possible, find a job at an employer you already do business with. For instance, if you work for a cell service provider like Verizon or Sprint, you may pay a significantly reduced bill each month as a perk of your employment.

Reduce Your Biggest Monthly Expenses

Rent, food, car payment -- these are most Americans largest monthly expenses. One of the best ways to better manage your own finances as a low-income earner is to reduce the rates you have to pay for this category each month.

This is one of the major areas in life where you do have control.

First, you don't need a spacious apartment or to buy your own home just yet. Find a cheaper option in a safe neighborhood and recognize that in time you will upgrade to a better spot. Second, cut down on food bills by purchasing only the necessities -- and making sure you stick to generic products and fresh fruits and vegetables that you can prepare yourself. Third, you do not need a "nice" car. All you need is a vehicle that safely gets you from point A to point B. Save the hot rod for your mid-life crisis.

Be Honest with Yourself and Others

Very few people start at the top. Because of this, most people understand what it means to start at the bottom of the totem pole.

That means you don't have to put on a facade of wealth. When someone asks you if you want to take part in a weekend activity that you can't afford, take your entire monthly budget into account. If you can't afford it, tell them so. People will understand.

The hardest part is admitting to yourself that you have a lot of work ahead of you. But once you are honest with yourself and know what it will take to achieve the financial success you deserve, the next step is to get to work and make it happen.

Consider Personal Loans for Unexpected Expenses

It's never fun to run into a sudden financial emergency. In the past on the Atlas Credit blog, we've discussed proper budgeting and emergency funds to ensure you can get through these periods unscathed.

But if you know you won't be able to fit the expense into your budget, no matter what it may be, you should consider a personal loan from a reputable lender like Atlas Credit. We can provide you with a quick and easy personal loan that you can apply for online or in-store at locations in Longview, Houston, and elsewhere in the state of Texas.

And once you start the repayment process, you may even see your credit score grow as a result. That means you're strengthening your chances of qualifying for bigger and better financial opportunities later on down the road. Contact Atlas Credit or apply for your next personal loan online today!

How to Host a Successful and Frugal Thanksgiving Dinner

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is once again upon us! Every year at the Atlas Credit blog, we love looking at new and interesting ways to save money and maximize your holiday cheer.

Of course, the most cost-effective and enjoyable method of spending Thanksgiving every year is to not host your own gathering. When it's the responsibility of a family member or friend to supply the location and much of the food, you can usually sit back and enjoy the day.

If this is not an option for you, read on. Here are a few simple tricks to shrink your costs and increase the fun and fulfillment you experience this Thanksgiving!

Plan Ahead

First thing's first, if you don't have anywhere else to go for Thanksgiving celebrations and know you'll have people over at your place, find out exactly how many guests are showing up.

Then, have a loosely structured itinerary. That means you need to know when everyone is arriving, when the food should be ready, and exactly what food and beverages you need to keep your guests happy.

Planning ahead allows you to use that oh-so-important Thanksgiving budget we discussed last year to the best of your abilities, and lets you squeeze in some fun extras you may not have been able to otherwise. Structure also keeps all the kiddos occupied at all times, allowing the adults to truly relax and appreciate the thankful holiday spirit.

Use What You Have

One of the biggest expenses of any holiday gathering is the paper plates, plastic silverware, napkins, etc. While these may seem on the cheap side compared to absolute necessities like Thanksgiving turkeys and other mainstays of the holiday dinner table, their costs really do add up.

That's why you should insist on using your own dishes and hand towels. If you find you are short for the number of guests you will receive, ask some of them to bring their dishes along. They may be somewhat perplexed at the request at first, but everyone understands the desire to save a few bucks where money doesn't have to be spent.

And before you go to the grocery store to buy everything you need, make sure you don't already have some of the ingredients, seasonings, decorations, and more that are necessary for a successful Thanksgiving celebration. You can also ask your guests to supply some of these!

Make it BYOB

While this may not apply to every Thanksgiving Day get-together in Longview, Houston, or elsewhere in the state of Texas, many parties with adults feature alcohol. Alcohol expenses can very quickly add up -- that's why it is so important that you as the host are not footing the entire bill.

Where dinner itself might be filling, once people are stuffed on food, they aren't as likely to go back for thirds and fourths (unless it's just that good!). Alcohol, on the other hand, can be consumed in even greater and more costly quantities the more people drink it. Be sure to ask all of your guests to bring whatever they plan on drinking this Thanksgiving.

If you aren't certain you'll have enough money to cover your Thanksgiving expenses this year, contact Atlas Credit today. We can provide a quick and easy online application for a personal loan of up to $1,400 that you can pay back on your own schedule. We want to wish all our readers a Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

Are You a Veteran? Here's How to Make the Most of Veterans Day 2018!

Fri, 09 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Every year, Veterans Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the service of the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. At Atlas Credit, we take great pride in celebrating Veterans Day and honoring the service members of our nation's military.

So today, we're going to take a look at some of the ways veterans and their families throughout the state of Texas can enjoy Veterans Day weekend this year in the best ways possible.

Restaurants

Whether you're in Houston, Longview, Tyler, Dallas, Austin, or anywhere else in Texas, you're guaranteed to find great deals for active and retired military service members on food. From free meals to huge discounts on specialty menu items, dining establishments love honoring the service of our nation's veterans.

Some restaurants with great deals include:

Applebee's
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cracker Barrel
Famous Dave's
On the Border
Ruby Tuesday

Products & Services

From haircuts to car washes, hotel stays, hardware stores wedding dresses and more, Veterans Day weekend is a great time of year for veterans to treat themselves to cheap or even free services from a wide range of companies.

Some businesses offering such discounted services to veterans include:

Great Clips
SmileDirectClub
Sport Clips
Brides Across America
Tractor Supply Company
Lowe's
Hyatt Hotels
Home Depot
Mattress Firm
Oakley Sunglasses
Under Armour
Target

Just remember to bring a military ID with you when you go out for the day and be sure to show it to get some great deals on delicious foodstuffs.

Tips for Veterans Day

Before you leave your home on Veterans Day with an itinerary in mind, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Check the website of the restaurant or business you're heading to ahead of time, or call them to verify that their Veterans Day deals apply to 2018. You might come across specials from previous years that have not been taken down from their websites.
Make sure that the dates of the discounts and specials apply specifically to the day you plan on visiting them. Some are Veterans Day only, meaning Sunday, November 11^th. Some may also include the nationally observed holiday on Monday, November 12^th.
Some promotions may not be nationwide. That means you need to read the fine print to be totally certain that the location you're heading to is participating in the promotion.
Never leave without your Military ID!

And remember, veterans also qualify for specific programs year-round that other citizens may not. For instance, you can go back to school and acquire a degree at a lower cost than normal. Or if you are an entrepreneur, you can start a business and state proudly that it is run by veterans, which is sure to earn the respect of potential customers.

As a veteran of our nation's armed forces, you deserve to take advantage of this Veterans Day -- both to relax with friends and family and be treated with respect everywhere you go. Atlas Credit wants to take this opportunity to thank all our military service men and women, past and present!

Why a Side Hustle Might Be Your Ticket to Financial Success

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Maybe you already work 40 hours a week at your job and feel like you make plenty of money to support yourself and your family, but are you maximizing your potential earnings?

In 2018, millions of Americans are finding exciting ways to make money on the side beyond their regular routine.

Many people are able to actually double their monthly earnings thanks to a side hustle. If you worked hard enough at it, it could even become your next full-time job!

But sometimes, juggling the side hustle as well as your regular job can be... a lot of work!

Make sure that no matter what happens, you always maintain your most consistent source of income to the best of your abilities. That means let your full-time job occupy your mind while you're there, and work it like it's the only job you have until you leave.

Also, never let your side hustle weigh you down financially. The point of a second source of income is that it should be a boon to your cash flow, not another money sink. Even if investing a bit in the side hustle has the potential to create more profit down the road, carefully consider your choices before ever committing, or else you could find yourself in a serious bind. In fact, the only time you should ever spend money on your side hustle is for immediate return on investment (or ROI for those in the know). In you aren't going to make better money instantly as a result of your expenditure, it's not worth it -- yet.

Ideas for a Solid Side Hustle

Don't have a way of making money on the side yet? If you're tired of your main job being your only source of income, here are some gigs on the side you could try:

Taking pictures of weddings and other special events.
Offering music lessons if you've mastered one or more instruments.
Offering small business accounting services if you have a background in finance or accounting.
Coach a little league team in your area.
Post ads on your social media profiles offering a babysitting service.
Offer makeup and hairstyling if you're particularly skilled at either.
Cook good food and sell it online.
Offer repairs for homes, automobiles, computers -- if you're a capable craftsman or technician, there's always someone who needs something fixed.
If you're a supremely capable writer, try to find local businesses that are in need of talented writers and take on freelancing work.
Drive for a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft if you live in an area that needs drivers.

If you think you could take on any one of these extra challenges, give them a shot. You never know if it might transform your finances -- and your life -- for the better.

And remember, if you still aren't making enough to get by or if you really want to purchase a big item or improvement to your property or life that's just out of reach, there's an answer: a personal loan from a trustworthy lender like Atlas Credit. By applying online for a quick and easy personal loan of up to $1,400, you can change your life your own way. Contact us today to learn more!

Starting a Business? Here's What You Should Know

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

It's the American Dream, isn't it?

Starting your own business, becoming your own boss -- it's something we all hope to achieve one day. But the truth is, not everyone can do it. It requires patience, attention to detail, and hard work.

However, without the right financial planning in place from the beginning, all your hard work could go up in smoke. Here's how you can make your new business a success with proper financial planning for small businesses.

Keep Your Personal Finances Separate

It's important to know where your money comes from at all times.

Why?

Because the simplest reason a business fails is that they run out of money. If your personal bank account is also your business bank account, any number of issues can arise that can cause you to end up with less money than is required to maintain that business. Plus, you can run into all sorts of hurdles to leap during tax season that may become overwhelming.

In other words, the moment you start your business, you should keep any money meant for the business and any received as a result of doing business in its own proper bank account. Then write yourself a paycheck!

Do Your Own Research into Applicable Laws

Is your business involved in hard labor, heavy machinery and equipment, manufacturing, etc.? If so, you need to be absolutely sure you are in compliance with OSHA regulations.

This is but one example of the many laws and regulations your business will bump into on your way to success. By studying up and familiarizing yourself with the legal code as it applies to your business, you'll have a smoother path to success.

Create an Emergency Fund for the Off-Season

The vast majority of businesses large and small have a specific time during the year when the cash flow that was previously rolling in slows down.

For instance, if you're an ice cream company, you may have fewer customers during the winter months than the bakery and pastry shop next door.

That's why you should identify the time of year when you know business won't be booming -- the off-season -- and ensure you have money set aside to keep everything afloat. One easy way to create an emergency fund is to apply for a quick and easy online personal loan or from your nearest Houston or Longview, Texas Atlas Credit location. Such a loan can be paid off during the months when business is strong and relied upon when business is slow.

Stick to a Business Budget

Any longtime reader of the Atlas Credit blog knows how much we love this one. For individuals and businesses alike, a budget is both extremely helpful and critical to your success.

However, it is rarely as important as it is when you are starting a business. Without a budget in place, you may not be able to limit your spending properly and could see devastating overspending as well as failures to make payroll and pay your basic bills on time.

So don't make that mistake. Sit down and calculate your budget as accurately and frugally as possible. It could mean the difference between a roaring success and a colossal failure.

Pay Yourself for Your Hard Work!

If you can't afford to pay yourself a living wage while building your business, you'll quickly find yourself sleeping on the couch in your office. Sure, maybe all that money you could be using on yourself is going toward growing your business, but it's not good for your physical or mental health to short yourself when you could be living more comfortably. Your business will continue to grow ( though perhaps a little slower) even if you pay yourself what you know you deserve.

For more fantastic advice that's relevant to your life and finances, remember to read the Atlas Credit blog each week!

October is Financial Planning Month!

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Did you know that October is Financial Planning Month? That's right -- this month serves as a reminder to everyone that they can accomplish their financial goals with the right strategies in place.

It's time to take out your checkbook, your calendar, your bank statements, and your credit score information. By looking over everything you've done this year financially thus far, you can get a better picture of where you'll be by the end of the year, and what next year has in store.

Here are some quick and helpful tips for figuring out your finances this October:

Explore More Investment Options

In the past, the Atlas Credit blog has discussed how and why to start investing at any age, and we hope many of our readers have gone on to make some excellent financial decisions through proper investments.

The truth is that simply having a savings account alone isn't enough. You can be using that saved money to work for you by earning more money in the stock market than it ever would sitting idly in your account. And if you plan on preparing for your retirement during Financial Planning Month, nothing can better prepare you than a handful of solid investments.

Rid Yourself of Junk and Make Some Money!

Take a hard look around your home. Then, look into any existing assets you may have that you no longer want, need, or have plans for in the future.

Now purge. Sell anything of value. Being a hoarder of possessions and property has rarely made anyone rich -- it's the act of acquiring those items and selling them later that makes the most money.

Even if it means emptying out a whole room of your house of clutter to turn it into a hobby room or an office, any excuse you can find to rid yourself of excess junk should be made during Financial Planning Month this year.

And remember, if you can't sell an item, donate it! Some donations are actually tax deductible, so it's a win-win scenario either way!

Visit a Financial Planner

If you want to get serious about Financial Planning Month, then it's time you had a meeting with a real-life financial planner. A financial planner can help you understand what must be done to reach your financial goals and can place you firmly on the path to success.

If you have made more money this year than in previous years but feel like you don't know what to do with your newfound surplus, it's super important that you see a financial planner sooner rather than later. So this October, find a local financial planner and have a talk. You won't regret it.

Find something that you really want to buy but can't quite afford yet? Need to make it through a particularly rough patch this year? Consider applying online for a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit. We can get you up to $1,400 ASAP that you can pay back on your own time!

The holiday season is right around the corner, so when could possibly be a better time to get your finances in order? That way, once 2019 rolls around, you'll be looking at a far healthier year for your finances.

Just Divorced? Here's How to Secure Your Finances

Fri, 12 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you've just been through a divorce, take heart that the worst is over.

A divorce can be an incredibly stressful, painful emotional rollercoaster -- but once you come out on the other side, it's time to make some necessary changes to your finances.

Here's where to start:

Restructure Your Accounts

From bank accounts to credit cards, insurance coverage and loan payments, you need to determine which if any of your accounts still have your ex-spouse associated with them.

You seriously do not want to be still attached to your former spouse financially at this point, because any wrongdoing or simple mistakes on their part could reflect poorly on you. It's time to reestablish your financial independence and the first step is to change any accounts you have over to your name alone.

If you can't simply change accounts, open up any necessary new ones in your own name, and move on from there as best as possible.

Check Your Savings and Emergency Funds

After a divorce is finalized, any number of changes can occur in one's personal finances. You can rarely plan for the exact outcome of a divorce and its impact on your bank account, savings, and more, so once all is said and done, you must determine what you have left.

With this knowledge in hand, it's time to start rebuilding. If your savings account took a hit after paying legal fees or splitting it with your ex-spouse, figure out how much you can start allocating to it each month. This means restructuring your budget from the ground up to reflect your new monthly income total.

If you have more money now that you aren't spending it on your former spouse, great! You can rebuild your savings fast and create a solid emergency fund to get you through anything life could throw your way.

Carefully Monitor Your Credit Score

After a divorce, it's critical that you monitor your credit score from all three bureaus. You want to be 100 percent certain that no sudden changes occur, and that any accounts that are unpaid or other issues that occur are dealt with as soon as possible.

If you are lax about checking your credit score after a divorce, you never know what could happen. You might wake up one day a few months later and discover that your credit has fallen by a huge number without your knowledge and suffer the consequences financially. In other words, stay vigilant.

Create a New Plan for the Future

Now that you are newly single again, it's time to think hard about your future -- and not just financially. Divorcees have a lot on their plate, but as time goes on, you'll be able to think more clearly about your future and determine the direction you want to take your life.

It is possible to come out of a divorce better off than you were before. Now that you are the one in control of your life, plan carefully and always make the right moves to ensure your finances are healthier than ever.

For more important financial advice, read the Atlas Credit Blog every week!

Worried About Your Credit Score? Atlas Credit Can Help!

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Adult life is all about numbers. The number of dollars in your bank account and wallet versus the number you'll have to pay each month. Your social security number, your license number, your fantasy football score!

But the one number that can sometimes literally predict your future is your credit score. That's right, if your number is too low, you may miss out on some terrific opportunities in life.

That's not always the case, though, especially with a lending partner on your side like Atlas Credit. First, let's take a look at times when a good credit score can really make a difference.

When Your Credit Score Matters

If you ever try and purchase a new or used automobile, there's a great chance that whoever you buy it from will run a credit check to see whether or not you qualify for fair payments. This isn't to say bad credit will exclude you from buying a car, but it can definitely run what you owe each month through the roof.

Looking to rent a new house or apartment? While many apartment complexes and property managers will take a hard look on your credit score before they accept your application to rent, they'll still be somewhat lenient if they're desperate to fill empty homes. However, if they receive applications from other potential renters who have better credit scores than you do, they'll go with the higher number every time.

Is it time to remodel your home, buy new equipment for your small business, or pay for your big family vacation? If you ever need to pay for one of these by taking out a loan with a conventional lender like a bank, you may have much higher interest rates and tough-to-meet monthly payments. Plus, they'll probably require you pay back that loan ASAP.

This is all to say that your credit score does matter in most cases in life. It's up to you to be a responsible borrower and user of credit. Make sure to always pay your bills on time and never go overboard and accumulate a mountain of debt -- trust us!

Atlas Credit Is Flexible!

If you're worried about your ability to acquire a loan, just talk to Atlas Credit! We're one of the most flexible lenders in Longview or Houston when it comes to approving quick and easy personal loans to borrowers with good credit, bad credit, or no credit at all!

We understand that life can sometimes throw curveballs your way that can seriously damage your credit score. That's why we're flexible with our lending requirements and always willing to help you out with a loan of up to $1,400!

Plus, when you set your repayment plan and begin paying back your loan to Atlas Credit, you'll very likely see improvements to your credit score! For individuals who have a hard time qualifying for a loan elsewhere but don't want to trust their credit or financial wellbeing to a payday lender, contact Atlas Credit today!

What are Personal Loans and Can They Help with Bills?

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

What is a Personal Loan?

Everyone needs options sometimes when it comes to paying their bills. Maybe you are waiting on a paycheck from your job, or maybe the bills this month were higher than you budgeted for or expected.

That's where a personal loan comes in as a perfect option to get you through this tough time.

A personal loan is a shorter term loan a lender like Atlas Credit can provide borrowers in Houston, Texas or Longview, Texas. These loans can help you make ends meet or otherwise meet your specific financial needs. The flexibility of the loan is usually up to you as the borrower: whether you want $100 or more than $1,000 to be paid back anywhere from 5 months to 12 months at a rate you can easily afford.

Whether you are an individual looking for a personal loan or a family in need, Atlas Credit offers quick and easy personal loans online regardless of your credit history. If you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit at all, you can qualify for a personal loan with ease.

How a Personal Loan from Atlas Credit Differs from a Payday Loan

If you're looking for fast cash, you've surely come across the idea of a payday loan. You may have gotten suggestions from friends or family that a payday loan could be your best option to pay a bill or afford a purchase.

Payday loans, unfortunately, can be somewhat difficult to repay. The reason for the name payday is that you very often have to pay the loan back within a few weeks, or on your next payday. When this loan repayment is due, it is often a much higher amount than you borrowed and can come as a shock to your finances.

A personal loan is far simpler to repay because you have many options available to repay the loan on your terms. Atlas Credit is not a payday lender -- instead, we offer helpful and affordable personal loans to help you pay your bills ASAP.

Need Help with Bills?

Take a look at your bank account, your wallet, and the bills you have to pay soon. Can you manage to afford everything?

If you are uncertain about your immediate financial future but want the peace of mind of knowing you can pay your bills, afford food, supplies, and everything else you need, there is a lifeline.

Personal loans can be a fantastic option for purchasing an item you need or paying a bill you would otherwise have trouble paying. Where a payday loan might require you to repay the entirety of the loan as soon as you are able, potentially leaving you broke again the next time you need to pay a bill, a personal loan is far easier to pay off.

The decision is easy. Stop by your nearest Atlas Credit location in Longview or Houston, Texas or apply online for a quick and easy personal loan to pay your bills today!

Just Got a Raise at Work? Here's What You Should Do Next!

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

There's no doubt about it: one of the best feelings as an employee is getting a raise. Whether it was a big promotion with new responsibilities or simply a boost for a job well done, you should be proud.

Congratulations!

But before you consider yourself a high roller, take a moment to read these tips on how to maximize the new money you'll get from each paycheck!

Give it a Little Time

If you've just received word of your raise, your first impulse might be to start buying any extras you come across. You'll think: I deserve this. I earned it. And it won't hurt to buy it because it's covered by my raise!

And it's true -- you do deserve some extras now. But it's critical that you wait a few weeks to find out exactly how much money you'll actually have after each paycheck. Pretend for a short while that you didn't actually get that raise and see how your finances look afterward.

After that, you're free to have a little fun!

Rethink Your Budget

Now that you'll have more money coming in, that means all the numbers on your monthly budget will need to change. If your income is only slightly increased, you can basically keep the budget the same, just add a bit of money across the most important categories.

However, if you received a significant raise, you may want to totally refigure your monthly expenses. If you can pay considerably higher toward your food, your Longview, Texas housing, your vehicle, etc., you might even consider some much-needed upgrades!

Consider Your Taxes

The more money you make, the more taxes you'll likely pay. If you move up the financial ladder dramatically and find yourself in a brand new tax bracket, you'll definitely need to account for that and plan ahead.

Make sure you withhold the right amount you need to pay after every paycheck. Talk to payroll at work and have them increase withholdings or adjusted through the usual payroll process.

Remember: in a higher tax bracket, there's a fair chance you won't receive that annual income tax return you're used to. If you were receiving money each year before, you may find yourself paying instead, so be prepared.

Pay Down Your Debt

One of the wisest decisions anyone living in Houston or Longview, Texas could make with a raise is to increase the amount of money they pay each month on debt reduction. In the past, we've talked about the snowball method for debt reduction.

By allocating the extra money you're receiving each month specifically to your various debts, that snowball will roll down the hill far faster. And you know what that means -- you'll be debt free considerably more quickly than you would have been before your raise.

Reward Yourself

Last but not least, if you have the money to spend after you've followed these other tips, take this opportunity to do something for yourself. Take a mini-vacation, enjoy the sights and sounds of your local Longview or Houston area, make a lasting and useful home improvement, buy that new toy you've been eyeing, or even buy a gift for someone you care about.

When you get a pay raise, it's an accomplishment. And if you don't take the time to pat yourself on the back, you might miss out on fully appreciating the fruits of your efforts.

For more financial advice on a weekly basis, don't forget to bookmark the Atlas Credit blog! Check back each week, and share with your friends!

Worried About Overspending During the Holidays? Start Saving NOW!

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Even if you follow a carefully crafted budget for the whole year, the holiday season can leave your finances in shambles.

Why?

Because each of us tends to seriously overspend once the holiday season rolls around. With all the food, gifts, and general merriment surrounding the season, it's hard not to open your wallet on more than one unplanned occasion.

But there is a solution: start your very own holiday savings account as soon as humanly possible.

If you've followed the Atlas Credit blog for any period of time, you've surely come across our recommendations to keep both a savings and an emergency fund. With money set aside for each of these, you're usually ready to tackle any unexpected incident that requires more money than you have allocated for your typical monthly budget. Plus, a savings account is a healthy means of growing your finances for the future.

But neither of these should be used to cover the holiday extras. In fact, if you made a habit of dipping into your savings every year just to cover your Thanksgiving and Christmas excess, you'd find yourself starting over at near zero in savings every year.

Savings accounts are usually about snowballing that money over time. But a holiday savings is all about spending. In other words, they're way more exciting!

Here's how you can get your holiday savings going strong months in advance:

Start putting away whatever extra you find at the end of each month after all bills are paid and regular savings are contributed to. The money you would ordinarily count toward entertainment, snacks and general non-essentials should be placed into its very own category called holiday savings.

Remember: while you may feel disappointed at the end of each month that you aren't able to use this extra cash on your usual instant gratification purchases, having that money piled together once the holidays around will be oh so sweet.

Then, check and see if you've recently increased the amount you spend on any other categories in your budget. Maybe you've allocated more toward new subscription services, a larger data plan, or even a few more bucks into your actual savings account after each paycheck. Cutting from these will not harm your finances because they were bonus to begin with, and that money placed into holiday savings will be used for even greater enjoyment when the time comes to spend it!

And finally, see if you can find a way to make some extra money each month. Whether that means taking on some odd jobs on the side or selling items you no longer need, any money you can contribute to your holiday savings will be more you can use to make this holiday season more memorable than ever!

At Atlas Credit, we love the idea of holiday savings because it allows friends and families to come up with new and more exciting ways of enjoying the season together. One way to kickstart your holiday savings is of course through a quick and easy online personal loan from Atlas Credit! If you're in Longview or Houston and want a personal loan to make your holiday season special, contact us or apply online today!

4 Ways to Save Money this Fall!

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000

September is upon us, can you feel the crisp coolness in the air?

If you're in Texas... probably not.

But either way, Fall is coming! Here are 4 ways you and your family can start saving money this fall!

1. Get Ready for Winter

You know the coldest months of the year are right around the corner. But if you wait until the last moment to stock up on warmer clothing, you'll run into inflated prices and smaller inventories at your favorite stores.

So go and spend a little money now on long sleeves, coats and jackets, and durable shoes and socks that will last you throughout the winter. You'll save money in the long run and learn the tremendous value of preparedness.

But don't stop at clothing. If your home isn't properly insulated or the heater in your car acts a little finicky from time to time, you should also consider fixing these problems ahead of time. Sure, the fall months are bearably chilly, but winter is a different story.

2. Be on the Lookout for False Advertising and Scams

During the fall months, many banks, businesses, and government entities begin taking stock of their respective financial well-beings. That means you're very likely to receive a noticeably larger volume of letters, emails, and phone calls related to new offers and past debts.

Most of these will be totally legitimate, and you may even find some great deals or useful knowledge about your own financial future. But beware -- scam artists are fully aware of the opportunities this season provides and may try and entangle you in one of their games.

Make sure you always ask for verification, identification, or otherwise when handling your money this fall.

3. Don't Go Overboard on the Holidays... or Football!

For many people living in Houston, Texas or Longview, Texas, the fall is all about fun at home with family and friends. Not only are there lots of great holidays just over the horizon (Thanksgiving, hooray!), but plenty of weekends spent watching football!

The only problem with these events is their cost. You may be inclined to spend lots of money on hearty meals, savory snacks, and tasty beverages each and every weekend, then splurge on the big holidays.

Doing this can seriously wreck your monthly budget goals, so be sure to always ask anyone else in attendance to contribute as much as possible to make the days of merriment that much more enjoyable.

4. Start Planning Your Financial Goals for 2019

It's never too early to plan ahead.

In the past on the Atlas Credit blog, we've discussed the importance of setting financial goals for each year and executing them to the best of your abilities throughout the year. So this fall, set some time aside to come up with the ideal financial plan that you would have liked to have followed this year. That way, you'll be better prepared for next year.

Such a guideline for your finances can only be prepared by someone with an intimate understanding of your unique financial situation -- you!

Keep checking back each week for more awesome financial tips and tricks on the Atlas Credit blog!

Headed Back to School? Here's How You Can Save Money for Your Future!

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Whether it's your first year in college or you're on the verge of graduating, saving money wherever possible is always on your to-do list.

College may cost more than ever now, but that doesn't mean you can't come out of university in the black. This is a time of challenges in anyone's life -- but the financial challenges shouldn't be your main concern. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to focus on what's most important: your education.

Keep Track of Monthly Spending

We've said it before and we'll say it again here at the Atlas Credit blog: nothing helps with your finances quite like a well-structured monthly budget.

As a college student, you may think of your finances as broken up semester by semester. Instead, teach yourself a great habit to keep -- evaluating your income and spending in month-to-month blocks.

While paying for rent, supplies, gasoline, textbooks, and tuition, write down the total number you spend every month. If you pay for college through student loans, grants, or a part-time job, make sure you know exactly what you have available to spend.

Find a Roommate ASAP

Many students choose to live as close to their college campus as possible. That means they'll end up living in apartments or dorms within close walking or driving distance. Places so close to your school are undeniably convenient -- but they're also seriously expensive.

That's why you'll be far better off at the end of each semester if you have a roommate (or several) helping you pay the monthly rent. Sure, sharing space even with a close friend can get frustrating from time to time, but the savings in the long run will prove to be well worth it.

Avoid Accumulating Credit Card Debt

When in college, too many students feel the pressures of constant studying and homework and prefer to take on one or more credit cards instead of working longer hours at a job.

Even if you're reasonably able to pay the minimum monthly payment on your credit card, building up even more debt during college is never wise. Student loans are a serious issue for a whole generation of people leaving college and trying to start their lives, so try to avoid adding a heap of credit card debt on top of it.

Make Sure You Have a Lifeline

College is a trial by fire for millions of young adults in Houston and Longview, Texas. Keeping yourself afloat financially may be the last of your worries if you're trying to succeed in getting an education to better yourself for the future.

That's why you need to know you have a way out of any financial situation you find yourself in. Many college students build up a small emergency fund to get them out of jams.

Others take advantage of quick and easy personal loans from a lender like Atlas Credit. If you're a college student in Houston or Longview, consider the many benefits of applying for an online personal loan. Even if you have bad credit or no credit, Atlas Credit can get you a cool $100 to $1,300 for your bank account to help you afford anything college throws your way.

Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more, and keep up our weekly blog post as a supplementary course in financial stability!

Do Your Adult Children Need Money? Here's How You Can Help!

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

As a parent, you never want to see your children struggle with money problems. That is why you may sometimes feel comfortable giving or loaning them money to help them get by.

But while it's normal to help them with money sometimes, you don't want to be their only lifeline as they stretch their wings and live their own lives.

That's why it's important to help them learn to handle their finances on their own. By following these tips, they may even achieve what every parent hopes for: greater success than you could have ever dreamed for them.

Foster Independence Early

If you don't want to be the bank your adult children rely on in the future, make sure you let them know as soon as possible that you'll be cutting them off from your finances. If you can start with this subtle nudging in their teens, they'll understand by adulthood the need to be independent.

One way to ensure your offspring understand the necessity of their own independence is by underscoring your need to save money. Unless you're a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, you probably have some concerns about your retirement planning. Explain to them early on the importance of securing a comfortable retirement, and how regularly contributing to their finances could hurt your retirement potential.

Help Them Develop a Budget

An important tool in any financial arsenal is, of course, the carefully crafted budget. If you're a longtime budgeting pro, it's time to impart your wisdom to your adult children.

Go over the basics of budgeting, explaining the various necessary categories they'll need to focus on each month, as well as the importance of savings. If they can't create their budget on their own, you may have to guide them along in the development.

Afterward, check up on them as often as possible. Remind them to maintain that budget and of the benefits of following it consistently each month. Their long-term rewards may be stunning.

Devise a Plan of Action

Do your adult children have any form of regular income? Do they have debt? Do they understand the importance of investing for their future and eventual retirement?

If your adult children need help with their money and are willing to take advice from you, sit down with them and discuss the importance of financial stability.

Once they grasp the importance of budgeting, the rest should follow. Identify the key items of importance for them to focus on managing properly, and have them commit to success.

Consider an Online Personal Loan

If your children fall on unexpected hard times financially and you are not able to cover their expenses, tell them to consider the quick and easy cash they can get from a lender like Atlas Credit.

Atlas Credit provides personal loans ranging from $100 to $1,300 to borrowers with good credit, bad credit, or no credit at all. Such a loan can be paid off in 5 to 12 months, depending on their financial situation and money goals.

By discussing options like applying for a personal loan online or at an Atlas Credit location in Longview or Houston, they'll be better prepared for whatever life may throw their way!

Losing Your Job? Here's How You Can Come Out on Top!

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

In today's economy, keeping your job for the foreseeable future is rarely an absolute certainty. The possibility of losing your job is, unfortunately, always present.

That's why you should never let a sudden job loss catch you completely off-guard. Yes, sometimes a company you work for may notify employees ahead of time about potential layoffs, giving employees time to process and find new work. But other times, the job you had simply won't exist when you get to work in the morning.

But it's not the end of the world -- especially if you're well-prepared. Here are some simple guidelines for getting back on your feet after losing your job!

Re-Examine Your Budget and Emergency Fund

Now that your primary source of income is temporarily canceled, you need to restructure your budget in any way that will help you make it through the next few weeks more easily. You can reasonably expect to find another job sooner or later, but your current budget should look as spartan as possible.

That means cutting out all the extras and frills. Slash your entertainment budget, your junk food budget, even your transportation budget if possible. Limit your expenses to only what's necessary. Then, check your existing emergency fund, and withdraw from it only when you have to.

Tip: for more information on creating and maintaining an emergency fund, check out this recent blog post!

Network Like There's No Tomorrow

Remember all those friends from high school, college, previous jobs, or even in your neighborhood? Some of them might know a place where you can find work. Reach out to them as soon as possible for information about potential jobs, and put in applications wherever possible.

If you are at all savvy on social media platforms, perhaps you have heard of or used LinkedIn in the past. LinkedIn is all about networking and will allow you to make connections with others in your area or your previous industries. By connecting with and reaching out to these people, you may find yourself in a far better position than the one you occupied at your last job.

Consider Unemployment Benefits if Necessary

If you have not received severance pay, a retirement payout, or a form of temporary employment elsewhere, you may qualify for unemployment benefits from your previous company. In Texas, you can apply online or at your local unemployment office, explain your situation, and begin receiving help to bridge the gap until you find more work.

Remember: you still have to pay taxes on whatever money you receive from unemployment benefits, but these are usually collected at the end of the year when it is time to pay income taxes.

Apply for an Online Personal Loan

One of the easiest ways to get through a period without your regular, steady income each week is to apply for a quick and easy personal loan in Longview or Houston from Atlas Credit. If someone else in your household is working, you have existing funds that can help you begin making payments on your personal loan, or you have work lined up in the near future, you can qualify for an online personal loan -- even if you have bad credit.

Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more, and keep reading the Atlas Credit blog every week for more financial information and advice!

How to Enjoy Your Retirement with Healthy Finances for the Future!

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Devise a Retirement Budget

A retirement budget is very similar to the budget you may have used in the past, but with slightly more austerity incorporated in your decision making. Because you likely have a smaller amount of money coming in, and still a certain amount of debt to pay off, reaching your monthly spending and saving goals may be somewhat more challenging.

So try and narrow down your monthly spending to exactly what is most important. Make a list of attainable goals, and picture where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, and so on.

Start Saving Even More

Even if you planned for your retirement in Longview, Texas way ahead of time and have plenty of money saved up to last you through the entirety of retirement, it's still smart to save. The more you save, the more you'll have to spend later, and far less potential for stress.

Because at the end of the day, that's what retirement should be all about. You put in your time -- now it is time to reap the benefits of all the progress you made in your life. But by maintaining a savings each month, affording retirement will be even easier!

Consider Investments

If you have a nest egg saved up after help from your 401k or other assistance from previous employers, or a large sum of savings you put aside on your own, investing properly may be your ticket to growing it exponentially.

Many retirees play the stock market, especially with their newfound free time they can allocate to researching proper investment strategies. Tip: check out the recent Atlas Credit blog on smart investing at any age!

Plus, building credit is as important as ever during retirement. And even if you have bad credit, you can always receive financial assistance to start your investing project with a quick and easy personal loan in Houston or Longview from Atlas Credit!

Consider Your Health

Keeping yourself healthy at any age is incredibly important, but once you retire, some of the largest expenses you will have to cover will likely be medical.

That is why you should schedule regular checkups and preventive exams as soon as possible. Keep your health monitored by your trusted physician, exercise as often as possible, and commit to a wholesome diet. That way, you will limit your health-related expenses and enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

Wait on Social Security

For most Americans, having enough money put aside for a properly carefree retirement is not a reality. Social Security benefits have a large part to play in the relative comfort retirement can offer you, but the longer you put off drawing from those benefits, the better.

The later you decide to draw from Social Security, the higher your benefits will be. Plain and simple. If you retire early and immediately draw from Social Security, the benefits you receive will be far lower. So consider stretching your savings, your 401k, and any other additional sources of income as far as they will go before drawing from Social Security.

And remember, there are plenty of financial advisors out there who may not have your best interests at heart. With more and more Houston, Texas and Longview, Texas residents entering retirement age, it is up to you to be discerning and wise with all of your financial decisions.

Keep reading the Atlas Credit blog for more tips and financial advice each week!

Just Married? Here are 4 Money Tips for Newlyweds!

Fri, 27 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you just got married, the last thing you want to think about is financial stress.

However, married couples do need to start planning for their futures as quickly as possible.

That's why we've created this list of the X things newlyweds need to focus on to maximize their money potential for their shared financial future!

1. Open Up About Your Finances

You and your spouse share everything, even in most cases a last name. That's why it's important that you share as much as possible about your respective financial situation and prospects.

Many couples open a shared bank account, and help one another with paying down debts to open up avenues for opportunities later down the road. Make sure your spouse knows everything about your financial history so the two of you can plan for a better future.

2. Make a Plan

Married couples aren't exactly like business partners, but by looking at your shared resources as a flexible tool for investing in what can come later in life, you can create an optimal financial relationship.

Strive to understand what each partner has to offer, and what the two of you can do to grow together and make your finances flourish. Set goals for the next 5 years, the next 10 years, and so on. Putting your heads together this way can lead to some serious success!

3. Be Ready for Heightened Responsibilities

When two people enter into a marriage, you should both realize that you aren't living your lives independently anymore. You have to care for one another, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health.

That means if one of you falls short financially, it shouldn't be seen as a burden by the other partner. As one, you can tackle any difficulties that come your way. Be prepared with proper budgeting, emergency funds, and savings accounts that can help you get through times of money woes so you can come out stronger for it on the other side.

4. Invest Wisely in Your Future

When you're married, you will very likely want to make shared purchases together. But these should rarely be frivolous -- instead, they should be strategic.

Purchase products that will save you money in the long run, or even make you more money than you put into them. Consider buying a home, land, or even a business together. Improve your existing property, make repairs to your vehicles and other belongings so they can be sold for more money than you spent on them if necessary.

For newlyweds, the world should be your oyster. You finally found and united with the person you love most, so don't fret about what the future has in store. You now have a lifelong partner to help make the world a better place for you and your family.

And remember, newlyweds are never alone financially. If the two of you can't afford to pay the bills this month or need a financial rebound after an extended honeymoon, consider a quick and easy bad credit online personal loan from Atlas Credit. If you live in Longview or Houston, Texas, drop by your local Atlas Credit to discuss your options for a fast loan of up to $1,300. You can pay it back over the next year at an affordable rate to help the two of you get started building a future full of financial success.

Congratulations, you two!

Here's What To Do When You NEED Cash!

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you faithfully stick to a carefully crafted budget each month or barely manage to scrape by with very little planning, anyone can be struck by an unexpected need for extra dough.

Whether it's sudden medical expenses, a family emergency, a broken-down car, a bill you forgot to pay, or otherwise, if you need cash immediately in Houston, here's what you should do:

Be Absolutely Certain

First of all, it's critical to be sure that what you're experiencing is actually a financial emergency. Do you know for certain that you don't have enough money to pay for whatever has come up?

Do you absolutely have to fork over your hard-earned cash to whatever it might be?

If you can find a way to avoid losing your money to this unexpected cost, do so. But if there's no possible way to avoid it, read on.

Find a Way to Reduce Costs

You have now established that you have no choice but to open up your wallet to handle this financial emergency, but must you pay the amount in full?

If there's any way around paying the total cost all at once, do whatever is necessary to reduce the overall cost. Whether that means negotiating with the company or debt collector to ask if you can pay it off in chunks, trading something valuable in your possession to shrink the initial payment, or simply finding out if they can bill you later -- take advantage of any opportunity to minimize your financial burden.

Search for Spare Change (Literally)

Now is when you might start feeling the desperation kick in. But don't worry! This isn't the last step in our guide; this will only help you survive your financial emergency in Longview, Texas.

Pull up the cushions on your couch. Look around your counters, your closets, even your underwear drawer. Maybe you have a coin collection or a piggy bank hidden in some deep, dark corner of your house that you've forgotten amount.

Any money you find can seriously help contribute toward your goal of making it through this month, so get in there and look for it. Think of yourself as an archaeologist hunting for buried treasure!

Double-Check Your Budget

Here's the tricky part. You already know you have to pay this unexpected expense. You need cash now. But what if you already have most if not all of the money you need to pay for it hidden away in your budget?

Cut from your entertainment expenses, your grocery costs, or even think about dropping one or more extraneous bills or costs that you could make next month instead or live without for a while. Just like when you were digging through your cushions, this step ensures it'll be easier for you to afford your unexpected expense.

Apply for an Online Personal Loan

Last but not least by any means is your option to apply for a personal loan through Atlas Credit. Some people prefer this method to get them through those tough times or even when they just need a little extra unexpectedly.

Since it's difficult to always be prepared for a financial emergency, Atlas Credit provides quick and easy bad credit loans to customers in Longview, Houston, and throughout the state of Texas.

For more info on how you can get up to $1,300 cash ASAP from Atlas Credit, contact us today or apply online right now!

It's Time to Stop Renting: Why Young People Should Consider Owning a Home

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Millennials everywhere agree on one thing in particular: the economy just isn't what it was when their parents and grandparents were young and ready to start their lives.

One of the biggest manifestations of this change in economic conditions is a downturn in young adults purchasing their own homes. Compared to previous generations, millennials own far fewer homes, opting instead in most cases to pay rent.

But maybe it's time to reverse the trend. Millennials should be buying more houses. Here's why:

Renting is Worse for Your Finances

If you are currently renting a home or apartment, you are probably spending far more per month on housing than your home-owning counterparts. Think about it -- the average rent for a 2BR home in the state of Texas is $1,049 as of July 2018.

And while your mortgage payment when owning a home greatly depends on how much home you buy and how long you intend to make those payments, they can be structured in ways that accommodate your financial situation.

Another aspect of renting is the fact that you are not truly getting anything out of paying it in the long run. When paying each month on a mortgage, you are actually working toward something with an end goal. At the end of a mortgage, the home is yours. Rent, on the other hand, is just renting.

The extra money you spend each month on overpriced rent is simply getting you nowhere financially. Think about all the money moves you could be making instead. Even if you were to move to a cheaper rental home or apartment (something you should absolutely consider regardless), the money you spend could still be utilized more efficiently elsewhere.

Your Debt Isn't as Scary as You Think

A major reason why many millennials refuse to consider owning a home is the looming shadow of the mountain of college debt. It seems inescapable, and a sure nail in the coffin of prospective homeownership.

But in reality, your college debt is both manageable personally and forgivable in the eyes of lenders. You aren't the only one out there who understands what it means to have college debt. Lenders know the difficulty student loans have become for the 44 million Americans who are currently paying them off.

That's why banks and other mortgage lenders are actually comfortable providing home loans to people with student debt. If they refused to accept people with student debt as customers, they would quickly run themselves out of business! In fact, many of those lenders may even offer debt consolidation and refinancing options to make your student debt payments more manageable.

So think about it. Do you want to live your best life, in a home that you can call your own, working toward a better financial future?

Stop renting as soon as possible. Find a home in which you can see yourself comfortably living your life, and consider the prospects of becoming a homeowner. It'll be better for you both in the short run, and in the long run when you have something to call your own.

Are You an Impulse Spender? Here are 5 Ways You Can Control Your Spending!

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you're an impulse spender, you've probably run into trouble at the end of more than a few months when it comes to paying your bills, buying the food you need, etc.

But if you had stopped yourself from buying those products you admittedly didn't need at the time, you'd have that money to spend on what's really important.

So stop impulse spending! Check out these 5 simple tips on how to avoid frivolous purchases altogether.

1. Respect Your Budget

One of the easiest ways to prevent yourself from impulse spending is to keep track of your monthly budget at all times. That means before you swipe your card or even open your wallet, you need to consult your budget to see exactly how much money you have to spend.

If you're fortunate enough to have disposable income that you can allocate toward extras each month, maybe you can afford that new pair of shoes. Otherwise, you need to very carefully prevent yourself from bankrupting yourself after your budget will no longer stretch thanks to an ill-timed impulse buy.

2. Take Your Time

One of the best ways to curb impulse spending is to take the time to consider the necessity of the purchase. Whether that means forcing yourself to physically leave the store and wait a few days before returning or simply closing the online shopping tab on your Internet browser until you have thoroughly thought it over, taking some time can change your perspective on the purchase completely.

You might even find yourself wondering what came over you and thank yourself for your wisdom in not going through with the purchase.

3. Don't Be Fooled by Sales

Sometimes, we're more willing to open our wallets and buy something we don't really need if it's on sale. Sales can be incredibly tempting. They create a sense of urgency and convenience, and you might find yourself thinking, "What a great deal.. what if it goes back up in price? I need this now!"

But ignore the urge to make that snap purchase. You'll thank yourself later when you have that money to spend on more important things later.

4. Only Pay With Cash

When you have the "convenience" of a credit card, you may be far more likely to make impulsive purchases. You don't even have to think about your dwindling supply of money -- after all, your future self can pay back what you owe! Current You gets to buy this cool gadget and use it immediately!

Don't put Future You in a bind. Instead, carry cash as often as possible and use it for all your purchases. The physical presence of your money will be a concrete reminder of your budget and will keep you from impulse spending.

5. Always Make a List

When you plan on going to any store, you should make a list beforehand to guide you to exactly what you came for. Otherwise, you might find yourself wandering the aisles tempted by the many other products on display.

Soon, you'll be leaving with a cart full of stuff you know you don't need purchased with money you didn't really have.

In other words, make a list, check it as many times as you feel necessary, and don't venture off into the realms of impulse spending!

Sometimes, the big expense you want to make isn't impulsive at all. It could actually be extremely necessary, like an improvement to your home, repairs for your vehicle, or simply stocking up on groceries. If that's the case and you need the money as soon as possible, consider applying online for a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit today!

Saving Money on Your Independence Day Celebration!

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

As Texans, we definitely know how to enjoy the Fourth of July every year. But sometimes, having a proper celebration can cost you far more money than you expected, leaving your monthly budget in shambles.

So this year, let's try something a little different. Here are some simple tips for celebrating our nation's Independence Day on a budget!

Make it DIY

Sometimes it's easier on Independence Day to simply find a park somewhere nearby in Longview or Houston, Texas that's holding their own fireworks show on the Fourth. But often, these shows have to sell tickets for admission so they can pay their fireworks bills -- and those costs can seriously add up if you're having to pay for each person you bring along.

Instead, try holding your very own July Fourth party. You'll be able to really let loose and have a great time celebrating the holiday in your own backyard and can even find your own favorite fireworks to make the day uniquely memorable for you and your guests.

Stick to Traditions

July Fourth celebrations are inherently traditional. The day itself is about remembering where we've come from as a nation and paying our respects to the people who fought for our freedoms.

So in honoring Independence Day, sticking to traditions is not only the most fun and fitting means of celebrating the holiday but also the cheapest. Instead of going all out and trying new and expensive ideas, hold to what's tried and true this Fourth of July.

Go Cheap on Decorations

Instead of busting your July Fourth budget on streamers, banners, dozens of expensive (but lovely) flags, and anything else you can find in red, white, and blue, take a smarter approach to decorations.

Make your decorations actually useful! If you have large tables for everyone to eat on, you can find flag-print plastic tablecloths for under $5 at most dollar stores or home supply outlets. Buy red, white, and blue bandanas in bulk and fold them together to make your own flag designs. And make sure all your paper plates, napkins, and even silverware are on-theme for the 4^th.

With these touches, you'll be positively surrounded by the appropriate colors for a proper Fourth of July bash and save yourself some cash.

Get Your Family and Friends to Pitch In

It's a fact -- everyone loves fireworks, barbecue, and tasty beverages on Independence Day. But those costs can seriously add up if you're having to foot the bill yourself for a large gathering.

Instead, send out requests for your partygoers to bring their own supplies with your event invitations. Whether it's rolls of firecrackers or a whole rack of ribs, having everyone contribute to the event as a potluck will mean there's plenty to go around.

But maybe that's not quite enough to have the big blowout party that you and your guests are dreaming of. Maybe you need some more quick cash to afford a spectacular fireworks extravaganza, with all the food and beverages your party needs. If so, consider applying for an online personal loan from your local Longview or Houston Atlas Credit! We provide personal loans as low as $100 and up to $1,300 to help people get by or go all out any time of the year -- so contact us today to learn more!

How to Recover Quickly from Breaking Your Budget

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you keep a regular budget, you've probably had months where you came close to going over budget in many categories. Some months, you may have gone way over budget.

Your first instinct might be to panic. Going over budget can feel like the world is ending. How will you be able to survive until your next paycheck?

But before you lose your cool, study these tips for rebounding from a broken budget:

Examine Your Other Funds

Sometimes when you go over budget, it may be in only a few categories of your budget. Maybe you've spent too much on gas, clothes, or entertainment items. Maybe you received a higher-than-usual bill on your utilities or had to make an unexpected, expensive purchase.

The first step you should take is to look into your other categories for additional money. Maybe you have extra in your gas or entertainment allowance. Batten down the hatches and live frugally for the rest of the month, and you'll have no trouble re-allocating those funds to get by.

Avoid Credit Card Use

One of our first instincts when we don't have enough money to spend in our wallets and bank accounts is to reach for our credit cards.

But by doing so, you'll be putting your future self at risk of going over budget once again. A heavy credit card bill can seriously cut into your finances and can have lasting impacts like a poor credit score.

Alert Whoever You Owe

If going over budget means you may be late making payments on your car, your rent, your utilities, or any other parties you owe money to, reach out to them as soon as possible. They may be lenient on you and extend the period in which you can pay, saving you from late fees and additional hassle. Either way, they'll appreciate the heads-up.

Return Unnecessary Items

This one is nobody's favorite option, but may often save your skin in cases of going over budget. Look back at your purchases and see where you may have overspent. Did you really need those expensive shoes, that new appliance, or that new addition to your collection/hobby?

If not, dig up your receipt and return the item. Budget for it in the future so you can get it back quickly, but prioritize making it through this period smoothly.

Cut Down Your Grocery Bill

One maxim many of us live by goes like this: You can never overspend at the grocery store!

And while keeping ahead of your food needs is wise, you actually can overspend at the grocery store. Sometimes quite badly. So cut back on brand-name items -- we all know generic is just as good. And eliminate those unhealthy snacks from your bill.

Maybe it's time you considered cutting some carbs as well? You'll lose weight and save money at the same time!

Apply for an Online Personal Loan

If you try all of these tips and still think you won't make it out of the current pay period smoothly, consider a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit. Applying online or in one of our Houston or Longview, Texas locations is simple and can have you back on track financially in no time. Contact Atlas Credit today!

Need Quick Cash to Buy Dad a Great Gift? Get a Father's Day Loan!

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Father's Day is Sunday, June 17th -- do you have a gift ready for your dad?

Each year, Father's Day rolls around as a time to celebrate your dear old dad. You know, the guy who has been there for you through thick and thin and always has your back.

But this year, maybe you don't want to get him the same old "Best Dad Ever" t-shirt. Maybe you want to show him a truly memorable time, or buy him a gift he can cherish for years to come.

Take Dad to His Favorite Restaurant

Dads can sometimes come across as tough and not overly concerned about gift-giving seasons. But deep down, they're big softies who love being treated.

That's why you should consider taking your dad out to a dinner he deserves. If your dad is like most dads, they probably love eating foods they don't get to eat often enough -- like steak, lobster, or some other hearty meal from a quality restaurant.

If you don't already know your dad's favorite restaurant, do some digging! Ask your mother or your siblings, and plan out a fun and filling night at a great restaurant nearby!

Consider the Great Outdoors

Many dads, especially Texas dads, are big fans of nature and feeling like they're roughing it in the great outdoors.

So for this Father's Day in 2018, think about a camping trip, a hike, or a drive to a national park or monument your dad either loves or would love to see.

Such a journey can be relatively inexpensive and can provide the right amount of solitude and reliance on one another's wits to provide a significant bonding experience for you and your dad this year.

Personalized Gifts

One thing dads absolutely deserve is their own precious items given to them by their families. On Mother's Day, many mothers receive gifts like engraved jewelry or other valuable items that they can hold onto as special keepsakes to remind them of how much their families love them. So why not do the same for your dad?

While jewelry and other special items your dad might want to wear or put on proud display in his home can cost a bit more than your average gift, that's where Atlas Credit comes in. By offering personal loans as low as $100 and as high as $1,300, you can get that quick cash injection you need to afford a fantastic gift for your dad this Father's Day.

That's right, a quick and easy personal loan from a Longview, Texas or Houston, Texas Atlas Credit location can provide you with all the money you need to knock this Father's Day out of the park!

And hey, if you go all out this year on your Father's Day gift with a Father's Day loan from Atlas Credit, maybe you won't have to worry so much about what you spend on next year's gift? Just a thought!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there this year!

4 Ways to Start Saving Smartly for Your Retirement

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Most Americans know how important saving up for their retirement can be, but many have no idea when they should start saving.

The answer is: right now.

You may think that it is no rush, or maybe too difficult to start saving for retirement when you can hardly budget your regular spending. But the truth is, the sooner you start, the easier it will be in the future. Here are five ways you can start saving ASAP!

1. Ask Your Employer

The first step you should take to start saving effectively for your retirement is to consider where your income actually comes from. If you have an employer who offers a sponsored retirement account, you can benefit from lower fees and more consistent, automatic savings.

401(k) plans through your employer are the easiest way to start building up savings for retirement. And because the money is drawn from your paychecks, you never have to remind yourself each month to make a deposit.

2. Consider an IRA

Whether or not you work for an employer that offers a retirement plan, you can also consider the benefits of an Individual Retirement Account, or IRA.

If you have an account with a local bank, establishing an IRA is as simple as creating any other savings account. As soon as you open your account, you can start depositing money into it each month, even if the amount is practically pocket change. Over the years, that money can seriously add up and contribute to a comfortable retirement.

3. Rethink Your Budget

Here at Atlas Credit, we are quite fond of reminding our readers in Longview and Houston as well as anywhere else in the great state of Texas of the importance of keeping a careful budget.

While you may already have structured your monthly budget to keep a savings account, see how much wiggle room you have to add an additional amount of money to a retirement savings fund.

You still need to be sure you keep an emergency fund as well as a regular savings account for whatever life may throw your way, but saving up for your retirement now is as important as ever.

4. Save Whenever Possible

Any time you find yourself with a little extra money in your pocket, do not let yourself spend it frivolously -- unless you can clearly afford it, of course.

Instead, put the majority of it into your retirement savings account. If you get a larger than average tax refund or yearly bonus from your retirement and have nothing too pressing to spend it on, contribute to your retirement.

The best part of a retirement savings account is watching it grow. And the larger it grows, the larger it can grow thanks to the snowballing effect of interest. Eventually, you should have enough money put away to finally retire from work and spend the rest of your days enjoying traveling, taking new opportunities, and living your life to the fullest.

If you live in Longview, Texas or Houston, Texas and want more financial advice related to personal loans, saving money, keeping a budget, or planning for your summer vacation, keep reading the Atlas Credit blog!

5 Tips for Your Summer Vacation on a Budget!

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Try this out: step outside and feel the sun's rays on your skin for just a moment.

Is it blisteringly hot?

If so, then it's probably summertime in Texas.

That means you probably want to get away from it all for an unforgettable, relaxing summer vacation. But can you afford it?

The answer is yes -- especially if you follow these 5 summer vacation tips for keeping your budget intact!

1. You Don't Have to Go to Walt Disney World

We know that when you think of ultimate family summer getaways, you probably imagine the most expensive of destinations, and how they'll leave you bankrupt once it's all over.

Stop. You do not have to go to Disney World to have an incredible summer vacation away from your home in Longview or Houston, Texas. Instead, make common sense vacation choices that are more easily manageable for your finances.

Whether that means planning your trip ahead of time to get the best possible airfare and hotel room prices, or selecting a destination your whole family can enjoy that costs very little (like one of the countless national parks throughout the country), keeping costs down for your family summer vacation is totally doable.

2. Eat Well, But Cheaply

One of the best parts of any vacation is the new and interesting food options you'll encounter along the way. But these can add up to astronomically high costs, even on the trips there and back!

Instead, you should once again look to plan ahead. Find restaurants and other food options that are low-cost or even free, and work your schedule around those as often as possible. Look for specials, and never pass up on a free continental breakfast.

Additionally, you can make your own meals ahead of time. Make sandwiches and simple snack foods to get your family through the day -- especially if you plan on splurging for dinner.

3. Look for Newer Vacation Destinations

This might sound crazy, but the nicest, newest vacation spots may actually be the most affordable.

When a brand new hotel, resort, or other destination opens, they often have to compete in areas with well-established brands that are comfortable with sky-high rates. As a result, the newer locations will offer huge discounts and package deals that will allow you and your family to spend your vacation in luxury for cheap!

But you may be racing the clock to snag these deals. Sometimes, the new hotels and resorts anticipate selling out during their cheapest pricing windows, so do your best to book your stay far in advance.

4. Take Advantage of Specific Discounts and Deals

Did you spend time in the military? Are you over 50? Are you an NRA member?

Depending on your age and background, you may qualify for a number of demographic-specific discounts that you could miss out on. Every time you book a night at a hotel or resort, pay for dinner at a fancy restaurant or buy a large item, you should ask the establishment if they offer these discounts.

Such savings may not be available at all summer vacation destinations, but if you find enough discounts, the money will seriously add up and allow you to do even more with your time away from home!

5. Apply for a Personal Loan from Atlas Credit

When planning a summer vacation, many people shy away from the best options because they see they don't have enough money in their bank accounts to afford everything they want to do.

That's because they're overlooking one of the quickest and easiest options for affording their vacation: a personal loan from a trustworthy lender like Atlas Credit!

By applying for a personal loan online or in your local Longview or Houston Atlas Credit location, you can get a loan of up to $1,300 to help pay for your summer vacation. Apply for your personal loan today and experience the summer getaway you've needed for years!

4 Ways Single Parents Can Save Money

Fri, 25 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

In the United States today, millions of people are single parents who struggle with putting money back for the future. This is largely an issue of having only one income, or too many expenses to keep up with as a result of having one or more children.

But living as a single parent and affording all that's necessary to keep you and your family healthy and comfortable is not impossible. Follow these 4 simple tips, and you'll see the savings pile up over time to help your family grow up big and strong.

Grow a Garden

This one's for all the single parents out there with a backyard or even a single patch of earth they're not using.

If you don't like vegetables, it's time to grow up a little and learn to love them -- unless you're allergic to them, of course.

Go out and buy some seeds or plants from your local hardware store or nursery. They're shockingly cheap, and the value you'll get out of not only the fully grown plants as they save you money on meals but also the rewarding aspects of planting and nurturing those growing plants is incalculable.

Instead of Traveling, Stay Home!

At first, this may sound like a groaner. Who wants to hang around the same place you always do when there's a whole wide world out there to explore?

Rest assured, we don't mean you should stay cooped up in your house. We're actually referring to a staycation, where you and your family remain in the city, town, or rural area you already live in. Go out and find new spots you've never been to. Try new restaurants, public parks, museums, landmarks, and other attractions you've been missing out on.

Sell, Sell, Sell

Take a look around your home. How much stuff around you could you actually live without?

Your first instinct might be to say, "I use all of this stuff!"

But really think about it. When was the last time you used everything you own?

As a general rule, if it's been more than a year since you or your kids wore certain clothes, played with old toys, used sports equipment or household items, sell them ASAP. Odds are, you won't be using them again anytime soon, and they really only hold a nostalgic value for you.

Turn that nostalgia into cash you can put away for when you really need it.

Keep an Emergency Fund at All Times

In the past on the Atlas Credit blog, we've delved into the incredible importance of a healthy emergency fund. And as a single parent with only one income, a sudden blow to your finances like healthcare costs or automobile repairs can put you into bankruptcy.

That's why you should do everything in your budgetary power to put away money for an emergency fund. At first, this may seem like saving money you'll never get to use for fun -- but what it's really doing is keeping you able to maintain that same consistent growth you've gone through without any major setbacks.

At the end of each day, single parenting can be exhausting and at times overwhelming. But when you make sure to keep a careful budget and never splurge when it's unnecessary, you can attain a level of stability you may have thought impossible.

Keep reading the Atlas Credit blog for more financial advice, tips, and tricks every week!

Your Credit's in Bad Shape Shape. Should You Get a Personal Loan?

Fri, 18 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from a poor credit score?

Whether you had difficulties making payments years ago or simply haven't had the time to build up decent credit, your bad credit score will probably make it difficult to get ahead financially.

Fortunately, there are a few options for people with bad credit when they need to borrow money - and a personal loan from Atlas Credit may be your very best bet.

What is a Personal Loan?

First of all, a personal loan from Atlas Credit is nothing like a payday loan. While payday loans are also available for people with bad credit, the repayment plan for a payday loan is harsh by comparison.

It's right there in the name. A payday loan should be paid back by your next payday - or else. And the interest added on these loans is sizeable, to say the least.

Personal loans, on the other hand, are like a direct infusion of cash to your finances that can be paid back at your leisure. You won't have to offer up your home for collateral, and you won't have to lose an arm and a leg to pay it back.

Borrow Appropriately

While it may be tempting to borrow a large sum once you realize you can finally secure it from a lender, you should limit what you actually borrow.

The size of your bad credit personal loan should be equal to or just slightly more than the exact amount you need to get by. If you need it for your monthly expenses, consult your budget to determine how much that will be.

Because remember: whatever you borrow must be paid back. By limiting the value of your personal loan, you'll get it paid off far more quickly.

Reclaim Control over Your Money

With a simple supplement to your money clip like a personal loan, you can easily afford whatever you need to pay for - immediately. No more digging for coins in your sofa or asking relatives for money. You'll be in control, and you'll soon find yourself ahead financially.

The best thing about a bad credit personal loan is that the flexible repayment schedule can prevent you from ending up worse off than you started. Where a payday loan or a loan from your bank might hurt your credit if you don't make the steep monthly payments, a personal loan from Atlas Credit can be repaid over a 5 to 12 month period.

That means more affordable payments, and less stress on your monthly budget.

So if you're in need of a quick and easy financial stimulus, try a Longview, Texas or Houston, Texas personal loan from Atlas Credit today!

5 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day on a Budget!

Fri, 11 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Here's something that every human being has in common:

We all have a mother!

That's what makes Mother's Day so special, and why it must be celebrated the right way every year. But if you're on a budget, you may not have the funds to go big the way you'd like to this time around.

Here are 5 ways you can show your mother how much you love and appreciate her without breaking the bank!

1. Give Mom a Gift Card to Her Favorite Store

If you aren't sure exactly what your mom wants or needs, you might be more inclined to go overboard on spending just to cover your bases. You'll think a big, expensive gift (even one she doesn't need) might go over well simply because you spent so much on it.

Instead, peek around her home and look for a theme. Ask your siblings, your dad, or even her (if you're tactful or brave enough) about her favorite places to shop. Then, buy a gift card from one of those stores that's within your budget to spend. She'll be able to pick out a gift for herself with the card, and she'll always remember it came from you.

2. Find Deals on Gifts Online

Places like Amazon and eBay can be goldmines for Mother's Day gifts, but those aren't the only spots to find great deals online. Websites like Etsy have handcrafted items that might go over really well with Mom, and marketplaces like Craigslist are positively packed with a huge range of items all at yard sale prices.

Just remember, your mom probably doesn't need any more junk or trinkets. Limit your search and eventual purchases to something she'll find useful, or one that she'll treasure.

3. Take Mom to the Movies

While it's true that the movie theater costs more than ever, it's still a whole lot cheaper than other Mother's Day gift options. And if you're in Longview, Fort Worth, Waco, or Austin, Texas, the movie theater may be the perfect spot to take mom for a night on the town!

And remember: it's probably been a while since your mother went out and saw a new release -- so let her pick the movie!

4. Sign Her Up for a Subscription Service

While subscription services like Netflix are all the rage, there are also plenty of lesser-known services that offer other products. You can have food, wine, perfumes, feminine products, vitamins, puzzles, games, lotions -- virtually anything your mom might like delivered straight to her doorstep.

While these services may get expensive when you add their costs up over time, the first months are often free and should be a small amount compared to the big gesture of signing her up for one.

5. Avoid Mother's Day Trickery

Many stores, restaurants, and events have "Mother's Day Specials" this time of the year, but you should be wary about buying anything before comparing prices.

Sometimes, the pricing on these options is actually higher than normal, simply because people can be easily fooled when thinking about gifts and special treats for Mom. In other words, be absolutely certain there aren't better options before you go the more conventional route for Mother's Day planning.

And if you aren't sure that you can afford a Mother's Day gift this year, reach out to your local Atlas Credit location in Longview, Waco, Fort Worth, or Austin, Texas. We offer personal loans as low as $100 to individuals with good or bad credit to be repaid over a 5 to 12 month period. With a small personal loan this Mother's Day, you can truly make the celebration of motherhood more memorable than ever!

What Financial Advice Should You Ignore?

Fri, 04 May 2018 05:00:00 +0000

In the financial world, there's a never-ending stream of people on all sides of the economic spectrum offering you advice. And while a lot of it comes from successful, educated individuals, some of it really doesn't apply to all individuals.

In fact, following certain pieces of financial advice could actually be far worse for you in the long run. In today's Atlas Credit blog, we're going to look at some of the financial advice you should take with a grain of salt.

1. "You Should Always Try to Buy a Home!"

In the past, homeownership was almost a guarantee for most Americans. If you worked 40 hours a week, you were most likely capable of owning a home -- so why wouldn't you?

These days, it's a little more complicated. If you can't afford to put 15-20% of the total value of the house down from the beginning, you might be severely overwhelmed with mortgage debt. And because the housing market has been -- for lack of a better word -- unstable lately, you never know if it's actually a solid investment or something that could hurt your finances, your credit, and your life later on.

2. "Put All Your Savings into X!"

Whether it's a start-up business that promises their new tech will explode to take over the market or the next crypto-currency, putting your money anywhere is a huge risk. Especially if you dump all your savings into it.

Such a gamble could very much pay off, but you should never put everything you've saved in one place. Diversifying your investments is the smartest way to save with a practical guarantee of solid returns. Though, be sure to do extensive research before ever committing your hard-earned savings to a risky investment.

3. "Use Multiple Credit Cards, It'll Build Your Credit!"

While some people with good or bad credit wisely choose to stick with quick and easy personal loans from lenders like Atlas Credit to afford their necessary purchases, many others opt to strictly pay with their credit cards.

The idea here is that if you always pay the minimum credit card balance each month on all your credit cards, the credit bureaus will see you're trustworthy and deserving of even higher credit, more credit cards, and so on.

This is not really true. Credit scores can actually take significant hits if your overall credit usage is high. The best way to use a credit card in many cases is to keep the actual debt owed next to zero -- but with multiple credit cards and multiple payments, your overall debt can skyrocket, tanking your credit.

4. "Pay Off Your Mortgage ASAP!"

The idea of having less overall debt is obviously appealing. That's why the idea of paying your mortgage off as fast as possible sounds like a good idea on paper.

However, if you're throwing all your extra money each month at paying off your mortgage (something that will inevitably take you 20+ years to pay off even with large payments), you're ignoring your savings.

For instance, the extra cash you're using to pay your mortgage down could be placed into retirement accounts, mutual funds, or some high-interest accounts that can grow dramatically over time. The interest accrued could actually be much larger than whatever money you saved by paying down your mortgage ASAP.

Depending on your unique situation, some of these tips could prove helpful. However, for most individuals, they might actually be the worst decision you could make with your finances. Remember, Atlas Credit posts a new blog every week discussing personal finances -- so stay tuned!

How and Why to Start Investing at Any Age!

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +0000

On the Atlas Credit blog, we usually like to focus on saving money and making sure you're financially sound at all times. However, one aspect of finances we rarely talk about is investing.

Sure, saving money is great, and earning interest on your savings after a long period can be a surefire way to grow that savings -- but investing may be your ticket to far more money in the long run.

At first you may think: I can't invest in the stock market. I don't know anything about it! And isn't it really just a gamble?

While it's true the stock market can be a bit complicated to understand and has undeniable risks involved, finding success through investing can be incredibly rewarding. Let's look into the why and how of investing your savings in today's Atlas Credit blog!

Why Invest?

Even if you're starting out with a small amount of money from what you've saved over your months or years of budgeting, investing (especially when you're young) is a very dependable way to see solid returns on your money. And if you're planning for retirement, you can never be certain if Social Security will stick around or be dependable enough to provide you enough income for an easy retirement.

Whether you have short-term or long-term goals, investments are among the best strategies for earning more money than your other options. The interest gained on savings account at your bank, while consistent, will offer only a small fraction of the full potential of investments.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are one of the simplest, guaranteed ways of growing your investments. They may not pay back in staggering amounts, but they basically promise to make you money.

A mutual fund distributes your investment across a wide range of stocks, meaning if one crashes, you stand to lose very little thanks to the strength of the others. Plus, mutual funds can be purchased through local banks for under $1000 initial deposit. Then, you get to sit back and watch your money grow over the years.

Diversification

On the same principle as mutual funds, diversifying your investments means you aren't putting all your eggs in one basket.

If someone tells you one day that you should put all your savings into buying stocks for one company because they're sure to increase dramatically in the coming months, you might take the risk. But don't do so without putting a significant amount of your investing dollars elsewhere. Sure, if the stocks of the first company skyrocket, you won't make as much. But if they fail miserably, at least you still have money elsewhere that's stable or growing to help mitigate your losses.

Other Options

Stocks

When you purchase stocks, you're essentially buying a small portion of ownership of a company. Based on how well that company does financially, the stocks you own will fluctuate. You may have to watch these and the market at large more carefully to ensure you get a solid return.

Bonds

Bonds are loans you provide to companies and governments, which they pay you back over time with interest. Because you know for sure you'll get your money back (and when), they can be far more trustworthy.

Starting Out Investing

If you want to start investing immediately, take a look at your savings. Figure out what surplus you have beyond an emergency fund, and consider investing that money as soon as possible.

Or, take out a loan from a reliable lender like Atlas Credit. Sure, you'll pay the loan off over a 5 to 12 month period, but the money you invested will stay in the market and grow over time. It's an unusual but surprisingly simple way of making money that most people never think to try!

If you're interested in learning more about budgeting, savings, and staying financially healthy, keep up to date with the Atlas Credit blog! In the future, we'll go into even more depth about investing your money -- so stay tuned!

What Kind of Housing Can You Afford?

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Are you getting a little too big for your home? Would you rather have a bigger or better place to live? Or do you have less money to spend and would rather have a more affordable home for you and your family?

Whether you're looking to rent or own, the most important first step is determining how much house or apartment you can actually afford. You'll have to take your budget into account and be absolutely certain you won't be setting yourself up for disaster.

Let's take a look at some of the ways you can decide how much you can afford for housing!

Take a Look at Your Financial Situation

Are you still in college? Have you graduated and moved onto full-time employment? Are you building your family, or looking to settle into a new place with your spouse and children?

Any of these situations poses some very different financial concerns. And whether you intend to rent or own can also drastically reconfigure your future financial outlook.

Are you moving because you have more money than before and can find a better place to live? If so, you should focus on housing that can fit realistically into your new budget. Just because you can afford it doesn't mean you should try to go for the nicest spot you can find.

But if you've found yourself coming up short each month after paying your monthly housing costs, it's probably time to find a cheaper place to live. Many experts say housing should take less than half of your monthly budget -- and ideally around one-third. If you're paying the majority of your income to housing, you'll hardly be able to find the extra money to contribute to a savings, let alone afford all your other monthly costs.

Weigh All of Your Options

Do you work in an urban area? Many people are enticed by the idea of living close to work in a big town or city.

Unfortunately, inner-city housing can have drastically higher rent or mortgage payments. In order to bring these costs down, millions of Americans young and old choose to live with roommates. Splitting the costs of an apartment, for instance, can make a 2-bedroom actually cost less than a one bedroom would on your own.

Another option to consider is living outside of city limits. Suburbs can be cheaper, but living in the Texas countryside can mean far more space to move around in at far lower costs. You may have a longer commute, but the reduced cost of housing can more than make up for the extra gas money spent each month.

However, if you're in the group of having more money to spend, you absolutely should consider moving to a more conveniently located spot nearer to your work and other amenities.

Can You Afford to Relocate?

Whether you desperately need to find a cheaper place to stay or have a wider set of options thanks to a better job or bigger paycheck, the initial costs of moving can be pretty steep. Breaking a lease or paying deposits can be quite costly, and even if you have the money for the monthly payments, you might not have the money available to relocate immediately.

That's why you should consider a small loan from a personal loan lender like Atlas Credit. With the extra boost to your finances, you can successfully relocate yourself and your family to a new spot, and pay the loan off over a 5 to 12 month period.

Apply online or in-store today! Even if you have bad credit, Atlas Credit can help you make it through the transition smoothly and securely. Contact Atlas Credit to learn more!

The Easy Way to Master Financial Literacy

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Tired of finding yourself broke at the end of each week? Sick of watching your balance shrink to zero each time you pay your bills?

Ready to take control of your finances?

If you answered yes to any of the above, keep reading. Today we're going to talk about mastering financial literacy -- the first step to attaining financial health and independence.

Nail the Basics

First of all, you have to realize you don't need a college degree to have a firm grasp on what it means to be financially literate. Even if you dropped out of high school and haven't read a book since, you can figure out your personal finances.

The obvious starting point is understanding your own cash flow. Yes, creating and maintaining a proper budget is extremely relevant to this point. But simply recognizing the exact amount of money that comes into your wallet and bank account each month and measuring it versus what you need to spend can be very revealing.

Second, you need to understand your savings potential. Even if that will only be $5 twice a month, do it. After a year of saving 10 a month, that's $120 you can spend (preferably wisely) at the end of the year. The more you increase it by, the better.

Third, start looking into your credit score. Whether you're a Millennial or a Baby Boomer, any interaction you have with credit cards, auto or home loans, or trying to land the perfect apartment will require a credit check. So don't let the lenders and landlords be the only ones who get to see that number. Make use of one of the many credit score programs and websites out there that allow you to check your score on the fly. From there, check out these blogs on how to boost your credit score:

https://atlascredit.com/blog/post/how-to-correct-an-error-on-your-credit-report

https://atlascredit.com/blog/post/which-is-worse-bad-credit-or-no-credit

https://atlascredit.com/blog/post/quick-ways-to-improve-your-credit-score

Create a Detailed Plan

This part might take a little more mental might. Now that you've figured out your personal financial situation, you have to start practicing what you've been preaching and create a plan you'll stick with.

Tell yourself you'll pay off your credit card debt within a specified period of time. Maybe promise to stop those extra spending habits, and put that extra money toward debt or other important costs. Anything that gets you on the right track financially can be incorporated into your detailed plan.

One crucial element in creating your course of financial action is to use the correct products. Don't use checking accounts that charge you monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum monthly spending amount.

And never, ever trust a bank that throws a huge overdraft fee at you if an unexpected Netflix charge hits your account before you've deposited your paycheck. Show them you're a displeased customer and cancel your account ASAP.

Consider a Quick Boost

Got your plan ready but realize you're not quite ready to start it? You might just need a few months of saving to begin implementing it -- or, you could find a quick stimulus to your finances in the form of an easy personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit.

Whether you're in Longview, Tyler, Waco, Denton, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, Dallas, or any other Texas city, you can visit your local Atlas Credit office to see if you qualify for a personal loan of up to $1,300 that can be paid off in 5 to 12 months. Even if you have bad credit, that money can get you up to speed and ready to prepare for your financial future.

And don't forget to check out other helpful posts on personal finance from the Atlas Credit blog!

The Best Ways to Boost Your Tax Refund Potential!

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +0000

It's tax season once again! If you've been a long time reader of the Atlas Credit blog, you're hopefully already set for a fantastic financial gain in 2018.

Still, you never know when you might find yourself worried about your financial future. But when it comes to filing your taxes, there are always ways to come out ahead.

So take advantage of the many opportunities you have to increase your tax refund now and in the future. Check out these tips for boosting your income tax refund potential from now on!

Correct Your Filing Status

Year to year, it's easy to trust tax software that saves your records from the previous year to get everything right this year. However, if you've had any major changes to your life in the time since you last filed, you may qualify for new tax refund benefits.

For instance, if you were married, divorced, or lost your spouse, you may be eligible for a larger refund. Conversely, if you have a spouse that has high medical expenses, is behind on student loan payments or child support, you may want to file separately from them to ensure a higher refund for yourself.

Remember Your Deductions

Do you frequently give your time to charitable purposes? It doesn't matter if you aren't writing fat checks to charities -- if you simply help out those in need (people or animals!), you can add up that time and money you spent and deduct them from your taxes at the end of each year!

Also, in the state of Texas where you aren't required to pay state income taxes, only federal, you're able to deduct the taxes you paid on large purchases -- as long as the tax isn't higher than the state's typical sales tax rate. Remember to list anything major you purchased over the course of the year, and use the IRS website's great tax calculator to help you with your deductions!

Looking to the Future

Alter Your Exemptions

If you're a full-time employee, you undoubtedly filled out an IRS tax form known as a W-4 when you were hired. Depending on how you filled out your form, you'll have a specific amount of money withheld from your paycheck and paid toward your income tax.

On your W-4, you're able to claim certain exemptions. The fewer exemptions you claim, the more money is withheld. If you love receiving a large income tax return each year, one of the best ways to increase it is to reduce the total exemptions you claim. Go check with your HR department and see if you're able to make such changes -- then 2019's tax return will be significantly larger!

Contribute to Your Retirement Fund ASAP

The IRS actually likes it when you increase the amount of money you put into your Roth 401(k) account each year. If you're employed full-time and your company offers options for your 401(k), you can deduct the amount of money you contribute to it from your income tax.

That money remains tax-free until your retirement, so it's by far one of the easiest ways to guarantee better financial results for your future.

Unexpected Concerns

If you just found out that your tax season is going to be a lot more expensive -- or that you'll simply be receiving a far smaller refund than expected -- you might benefit from a quick and easy personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit. Even if you have bad credit or no credit at all, apply online or in-store in one of our many Texas personal loan locations to see if you qualify!

How to Save Money on Easter Sunday Spending!

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 05:00:00 +0000

Today is Easter Sunday! If you're reading this, you're probably rushing around to get everything done at the last minute and hoping for some straightforward spending tips to make your Easter a success -- without breaking the bank.

So without further ado, here are some great ideas for making your Easter a fantastic day of fun with family and friends while staying frugal!

Stick to Traditions

This year, bring your Easter Sunday celebration back to its roots. Paint and decorate eggs, hide them around the yard, and enjoy watching your kids or the kids in your extended family hunt them.

Play music, encourage arts and crafts and spend time reconnecting with your guests. Talk about the past, the present, and the future, and enjoy the day. Cook traditional Easter delicacies, and share it with your guests.

Easter comes only once a year, so taking the time to set the tradition can be a valuable goal to enrich your life and the lives of your friends and family.

Cook with the Family

Instead of having every last piece of food carefully prepared before your guests arrive, encourage a family strategy for having all the food ready by dinnertime. Ask your guests to bring dishes or ingredients so it doesn't fall entirely upon you to come up with the full meal.

Then, when everyone arrives, tackle the cooking project together. While the kiddos are outside getting ready to hunt eggs or having other Easter fun, the adults can get the food prepared in a team effort.

Spend More Time Outside

While some people might plan extravagant getaways or huge parties for their Easter celebrations, if you want to keep your wallet intact, you should enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends.

By going for a walk, trekking around the Texas countryside, and spending your time in the sun, you'll feel happier, healthier, and more rewarded afterward -- without spending any money.

Look for Easter Deals

Not every store offers deals on Easter Sunday staples, but with a little digging, you can find plenty of special offers in your local area. Maybe your grocery store has a special on classic entrees like roast or chicken, or sides like vegetables or desserts.

Most of all look for deals on candy in bulk. Instead of buying individual treats to stuff into those little plastic eggs that have become so popular for Easter egg hunting, buy large bags at discounted prices. Often, these bags come with a large assortment of treats inside that will appeal to every hunter in your Easter Sunday celebration.

By following these tips this Easter, not only will you save money on the holiday festivities -- you'll create long-lasting memories with your family and friends that'll make them excited for what's in store next year.

And if you're not sure how you can afford Easter (or your bills once Easter is over), you could use the help of a trusted personal loan lender like Atlas Credit. Apply online or in-store at one of our Longview, Austin, Waco, or Fort Worth locations today to qualify for a good or bad credit personal loan from $100 to $1,300 and make your 2018 Easter a huge success!

Spring Cleaning for Your Finances in 2018!

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +0000

It's spring again -- and that means it's time to look at your financial world and future with a fresh new perspective.

Everyone goes through some form of spring cleaning, but if you want to really nail it this year, check out these tips for spring cleaning for your finances for 2018 and beyond!

Review Your Goals

If you've followed along with the Atlas Credit blog so far this year, you'll have already created some excellent financial resolutions you intend to keep.

It's time to take a close look at those goals you set and determine whether or not you're on the path to achieving them. If you've veered off course, do everything you can this spring to get yourself back on track.

Use the Latest Technology

Now more than ever, technology has advanced to the point where most of our money matters can be handled with apps, software, and website programs. If you aren't already using some of these to help track your budget, savings, and other financial concerns, you're missing out.

Make sure to download your bank's app and see what kind of services they offer for money tracking. Then, look through your phone or tablet's app store to see what kind of budget apps are available. A little time spent plugging in your info will save you tons of time and money in the long run.

Dig Into All Your Accounts

Like most of us, you've probably created all sorts of accounts over the past few years for your savings, investments, email addresses, entertainment services, and more.

These can get seriously overwhelming and can clog your email inbox like nothing else. Spend a few hours this spring searching through every account registered in your name, and cancel those you use least. Then, look at your bank account transaction histories and be positive every purchase you've made was your doing.

You never know what you might dig up!

Start Shredding

Every year, Americans accumulate an incredible amount of paperwork. From W2s to credit card offers to fliers from the local grocery store, you probably have a stack of paperwork in a corner of your home that's teetering on the brink of collapse.

Comb through these documents to see what you need to hold onto most, and invest in a paper shredder. Not only can a shredder be a load of satisfying fun to use, it's also helpful in keeping your information secure. You don't want someone picking through your trash to find sensitive information about your finances, so shredding unneeded documents is the best way to go.

Invest in Your Future

If you complete your spring cleaning and realize you could use a little extra money to start or finish a project, pay off some consolidated debt, or simply take it easy for awhile, consider a personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit.

We offer quick and easy personal loans up to $1,300 to borrowers with good credit, bad credit, or no credit at all. Apply online or in store at one of our many locations in cities like Fort Worth, Austin, Waco, or Longview today!

5 Ways to Get Ahead Financially While You're Still Young

Thu, 15 Mar 2018 05:00:00 +0000

If you're in your 20s, you probably aren't as financially sound as you'd like to be. The future probably seems a little intimidating, and you can't be certain what your life (or your bank account) will look like in a decade, let alone your 40s or 50s.

That's why it's critical that you start planning and building the foundation for financial success now. Here are some ways you can.

1. Pay Off Your Debt

Whether it's credit card debt or student debt, you should do everything in your power to make sure you're mostly debt-free when you enter your thirties.

This might sound like an impossible task at first. Mountainous debt always looks bigger from base camp. But once you start the climb, paying off more than minimum monthly payments and focusing on the big picture of being debt free, you'll make it to the other side with no obstacles in your path.

2. Start Saving For Retirement

It may seem a bit early, but it's really not. In fact, people in their 50s now planning for retirement are quickly finding that they don't have enough to live on and will have to work well into their 70s.

You don't want to make the same mistake. You should start preparing as soon as possible. Now.

By either speaking to your employer and setting up a retirement plan, or creating a separate savings account that you swear to never touch until you're 65, you'll be set to retire comfortably and on time.

3. Live Below Your Means

Many millennials already understand the meaning of living inexpensively. With crippling college debt and lower-paying jobs than generations before them had, they aren't exactly in the position to live lives of luxury.

But even if you could afford to throw caution to the wind and abandon frugality occasionally, you probably shouldn't. That means you should shoot for an apartment that you can easily pay for, buy generic brands, and generally spend less than you plan every month if at all possible.

By cutting costs everywhere, even if it means pretending or fully believing you're poorer than you are, when you reach your 30s you'll have saved more money than you could imagine possible.

4. Start Investing

The vast majority of twenty-somethings have yet to realize the value of investing their money. Sure, many may have savings accounts through their banks that could already be building in a healthy way for their futures, but they're not taking full advantage of their economic potentials.

If you start investing in stocks and bonds before your 30s, you'll gain loads of experience and understanding of how the financial markets work. You don't have to be rich to make money in the stock market. With a little know-how, you can make the right investments that will pay off in tremendous ways in your future.

5. Be a Little Selfish with Your Money

Because the only thing you can truly have control over is your own finances, you'd be wise to play a little closer to the vest when it comes to them. In other words, don't tell everyone you know about the financial moves you make, and focus on improving yourself before you think about helping everyone else.

This is not to say you shouldn't be generous or helpful when the opportunity arises. Everyone likes showing friends and family members how much they care, but if you want to establish your future now, when you're still young, it's important to be a little selfish.

By following these tips, you may not immediately change your finances. But once you get a little older and look back at the decisions you made to prepare yourself for later, you'll thank your younger self for your prudence. For more financial tips like these, read more of the Atlas Credit blog!

Why a Small Personal Loan May Be the Best Option for Millennials

Fri, 09 Mar 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Many young Americans who are part of the so-called Millennial generation know how hard it can be to get ahead. Most Millennials have a limited or bad credit history, are weighed down by student loans, and have yet to land a job that can pay the bills comfortably.

And while some millennials may have family members or friends to help them through the tough times where they can just barely scrape by, others may not be so fortunate. That's where personal loans come in.

What Makes a Personal Loan Different?

Traditionally, when you didn't have enough money to make it through tough financial times, you could either ask your boss for a raise or go to the bank and borrow money. These days, though, most bosses might scoff and send you back to work -- and the banks would need one crazy good reason why they should give you the small stipend you need.

In fact, without a solid credit history or someone to cosign, you're very likely going to be turned down for just about any loan you apply for through a traditional lending operation like a bank. But with personal loans, many lenders like Atlas Credit are happy to provide Millennials with loans from as low as $100 up to $1,300.

What Can a Personal Loan Help With?

If you're a Millennial who has just graduated college or moved out of living with family or roommates, such a transition period can be extremely tricky. The money you might have saved up is like a canteen in the desert, but if you run out of water before you find the oasis, you might have to turn back the way you came -- or worse.

But a personal loan is like finding a great big river running alongside you in your journey. It can also be the difference between getting the job that will support you from now on, and having no way to move forward with your life.

What About a Payday Loan?

Sometimes, Millennials may opt for payday loans. These high-interest loans are usually meant to be paid back, obviously, on payday. The problem here is that you must have a payday coming up right around the corner, or else you might find yourself in much worse financial trouble than you started with.

Atlas Credit is not a payday lender. We offer personal loans to Millennials and Baby Boomers alike, whether they have excellent credit or bad credit. On a case by case basis, we'll see if you qualify after you apply online or in one of our many locations throughout the state of Texas. Then, you can pay it off on a month-to-month basis at your own pace.

Millennials may have it tough, but with the right financial help, anybody can succeed. For more information on how you can succeed financially at any age, read more of the Atlas Credit blog!

Tips and Tricks for Moving on a Budget!

Fri, 02 Mar 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Nobody likes moving day. But it's not just because of how stressful it can be (both mentally and physically, in most cases). It's because of how expensive it can be.

So don't get overwhelmed during your move. Check out these simple tips to help your moving day go as smoothly and cheaply as possible!

Consider Movers

First of all, don't automatically assume that if you hire a moving company, you'll burn right through your moving budget. A lot of people actually end up spending more money renting their own U-Haul than they would if they'd just looked into an affordable moving service.

Try to get a few quotes from different moving companies in your area. And just because they have set rates doesn't mean you can't try and haggle. Depending on what time of year you're moving in, some companies may be willing to lower their rates by as much as 30 percent, so always do your research.

Where to Save

Do. Not. Spend. Money. On. Boxes.

Period.

When you move, it's obvious you'll need a big supply of sturdy boxes. But that doesn't mean you need to go to a moving company and pay a ridiculous price for a stack of them. Instead, ask around first. Many people have boxes in their garage, closets, or storage that aren't being used.

Or, see if there are any places online like Craigslist where people are offering boxes for free. You can also go to your local grocery store, liquor store, gas station, or even big box department store and ask if they have any boxes in their shipping and receiving rooms they aren't using. Many times, they'll have so many that they can't wait to give them away for free.

Game Your Utilities

When you move, don't wait until you've already left your home or apartment to have the utility company shut off your services. For gas, cable, Internet, phone, and maybe even water, you can have these shut off several days in advance of your move, or even the morning of. By doing this, your utility companies can't get away with charging you for an extra month, or for extra services you weren't even there to use.

However, you should probably be careful when it comes to electricity. You never want to find yourself moving in the dark, so time this as perfectly to the moment you're finished packing as possible.

Where to Spend

If you have valuable items in your home, whether because they're pricey or priceless, you should never skimp on keeping them safe during your move. This means packing materials, tape, cushions, or whatever else is necessary to make sure they aren't broken.

Also, if you know you have so much stuff that you'll be packing for days on end, enlist the help of your friends or family. While you might not have to pay them in cash, they may expect you to at least keep them fed and happy, and that might cost you a little money.

Remember, if you simply can't perform the move yourself or can't afford the cost of a moving truck, there's always the option of a quick and easy personal loan from a Texas lending company like Atlas Credit.

Apply online or in store today at one of our many locations in cities like Longview, Waco, Fort Worth, or Austin to see if you qualify for a personal loan. That way, you can afford to move without stress, and pay off your loan at your leisure. Contact Atlas Credit today!

How Handle Your Finances After College

Fri, 23 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

When you graduate college and finally enter the "real world," you'll quickly come to realize the importance of a healthy financial situation. Sure, you've understood for a long time the value of a dollar, but once you're no longer going through education, it's time to perform and make your own success.

Life after college can feel a little stressful, especially in the beginning. So if you're uncertain about how you can handle your finances, check out some of these money management tips for college graduates!

Managing Your Money

Whether or not you've already landed a job in your new post-college environment, you should treat every penny you earn with care. Where money might have seemed but a fleeting object when you were younger, it's now critical for your survival and as a foundation for your future.

That might sound a little scary. But it's a truth that everyone else who's been in your situation has had to face. That's why it's critical for you to manage your money strategically, by creating monthly budgets, keeping your money stored safely, and maybe even downloading money management apps. By keeping track of every change in your finances, you'll understand the importance of spending wisely, and always know how much you have to spend.

Dealing with Debt

If you've just graduated college, like many other Americans, you probably have a tremendous amount of debt. Student debt is one of the biggest expenses adults have to worry about these days, and if you have a heap of it to take care of, don't let it overwhelm you.

By dealing directly with your loan provider, you can challenge the monthly payments and possibly lower them to a more manageable amount. For instance, if you make less than $20,000 annually, you may be able to reduce your minimum payment to as low as $0 a month, depending on the structure of your student debt.

Another option is to consolidate your debts into one account, and then pay that one down in chunks at a time. Many students have separate loans broken down by the semester or school year. A huge benefit of consolidation is that if you are late to make a payment, it won't appear on your credit score as multiple missed payments.

Developing Savings Habits

Having good savings habits from the very beginning is crucial.

But, you might ask, what exactly does that entail?

First, you need to set aside an emergency fund. Whether that takes you two weeks or six months, you absolutely need the cushion of an emergency fund in case anything goes wrong. Then, you need to create a general savings account that is automatically added to after every paycheck. Even if you're only allocating $10 a week from your monthly budget, this money can quickly snowball, especially if you place it in an interest-generating savings account.

And remember, you don't have to go it alone. If you aren't making enough money to handle certain expenses, or if you suddenly find yourself facing an emergency that requires more money than you can cover, you can always enlist the services of a Texas personal loan lender like Atlas Credit. We provide personal loans to college graduates every day, even if they have no credit or bad credit, to help them better position themselves for a bright future.

Contact Atlas Credit or apply online for a personal loan today!

Should I Use a Personal Loan When Buying a New or Used Car?

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Are you in need of a new or used vehicle? Maybe it's time for your first car. Maybe your old car has broken down a few too many times to be trustworthy. Or maybe you were in an accident and the old car was totaled.

Either way, it's time to make some decisions as to how you'll get yourself behind the wheel of a vehicle you can feel confident in while driving. But do you currently have the funds to purchase one outright?

When it comes to purchasing a new or used vehicle, many buyers simply go through the traditional method of financing through the dealer. But what some consumers have come to realize is the benefits of financing their vehicle purchase through the use of a personal loan instead.

Personal loans can be acquired through a variety of lenders. Some are more strict on who they lend to, like banks and credit unions. Lenders that specialize in the personal loan process, like Atlas Credit, are far fairer on their loan qualification terms and tend to offer personal loans even to borrowers with bad credit.

One of the best uses for personal loans in relation to car purchases is when trying to buy an older model vehicle. Often times, banks see older model cars are more questionable purchases than newer models and may be hesitant to lend money to consumers unless they have terrific credit or a lengthy borrowing history already established. If you want to buy a used car, applying for a personal loan through a lender like Atlas Credit may be your easiest option for putting your keys in the ignition and driving your purchase off the lot.

Many people also worry about the threat of banks swooping in and seizing their vehicles because they were unable to pay the often steep monthly payments. Banks want to be sure they get their money back and rarely stick their own necks out on what they perceive to be a risky purchase. But through a personal loan lender, you'll have the peace of mind knowing that you're on a repayment plan that you choose, with rates that are more affordable for your specific situation.

Another great aspect of using a personal loan to purchase an automobile in Longview, Waco, Fort Worth, or even Austin, Texas is the feeling of having the cash in hand when you approach the dealer. By applying online or in person through Atlas Credit before you go to the dealership or seller, you'll have the money ready, instead of walking up empty-handed. This looks better to anyone selling you a vehicle and will give you the confidence to make the right choice.

If you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, consider using a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Qualifying is easy, even if you have bad credit! Apply online through our easy loan application form, or contact us today to learn more!

5 Ideas for a Fun and Frugal Valentine's Day!

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

When Valentine's Day rolls around every year, many of us (even those of us in happy and healthy long-term relationships) can be heard groaning or seen rolling our eyes.

Why?

Because we know how commercial and predictable the day inevitably becomes. And it's not even a true holiday -- we still have to go to work!

So this year, why don't you try something a little bit different? Here are five easy and, above all, inexpensive ways to spend the day with your favorite person!

1. At-Home Movie Marathon

Everyone loves movies. We hope.

So if you know your significant other's favorite genre, load up on movies. There may not be many Blockbusters around anymore, but there are plenty of places to get used DVDs for a few bucks, along with the huge library available on streaming services.

Tell your SO you want to spend a romantic evening on the couch cuddling and watching movies, and they'll surely love the idea!

2. Picnic in the Park

Going for a picnic might sound a little cliche, but think about it: when was the last time you actually went on a picnic?

If the two of you are the outdoorsy type, you can always go to a public park for zero cost and set up a picnic spread on a big comfy blanket. The only cost to you will be the food (and maybe a bottle of wine), and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy!

3. Wilderness Retreat

If you've already established yourselves as outdoor lovers, maybe you'd like to take it to its furthest extent. As one of the more romantic ideas on this post, going out together into the great outdoors can be both very cheap, and exciting.

The thrill of being in the middle of some remote part of Texas, outside of areas like Longview or Waco, can be an incredible bonding experience. You'll get to prove to each other your worth as survivalists, making campfires, cooking food without the aid of electricity and other staples of modern living, and sleeping under the stars.

Don't knock it till you try it -- a camping adventure with your loved one is always a blast! Just don't forget the bug spray.

4. Extreme Outdoor Activities

Here's what separates the boys and girls from the men and women. If you and your SO are in shape (or could use some exercise to get into better shape, let's be honest) you might want to spend the day pushing yourselves to the limit.

Activities like rock climbing, bike riding, longboarding, kayaking, or hiking can be not only extremely memorable but also rewarding. After spending the whole day together testing your endurance and stamina, you'll find no better ending than relaxing and patting yourselves on the back for your accomplishments.

5. Gaming Day

Here's something for the gamers out there -- or even just the casual fan of video games, board games, roleplaying games, card games, you name it.

A Valentine's Day spent playing your favorite games together can be just as rewarding as a wilderness bonding experience. By working together to solve problems and reach gaming goals, you can have just as much fun as spending the night on the town. And it's one of the cheapest options on this list!

But what if you don't have the right gaming setup for the two of you? Or, what if you do truly want to blow your SO's mind?

Then you'll probably need a little bit of financial help. If so, consider the benefits of a quick and easy loan from a reputable personal loan lender like Atlas Credit. Even if you have bad credit, you can still apply online or in person in Longview or Waco at an Atlas Credit location to qualify for a personal loan in no time!

We can't wait to help you make your 2018 Valentine's Day the most memorable one yet!

How to Save Money on Valentine's Day with Your Sweetheart!

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 06:00:00 +0000

It's February, and you know what that means!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. And if you're like most of us, you're probably already stressing over what to buy, where to go, and what it's going to cost you.

But wait! You don't have to spend your whole savings account or pencil in a special Valentine's Day spending amount to your established budget. Instead, check out these suggestions to find out how you can save money on Valentine's Day while still having a special time with your special someone!

Compare Prices Before You Buy

If you and your significant other plan to exchange gifts on Valentine's Day, don't wait until the last minute to splurge. Instead, plan ahead, identify the item you want to buy, and check out prices from competing distributors. You might find that one company offers the same gift for far cheaper, but you wouldn't have known that if you'd bought it on February 13!

And remember, your Valentine's gifts don't have to be fancy jewelry or expensive luxury presents. A practical household item or improvement could prove much more useful to you and your significant other, and was probably already on your to-buy list!

Don't Eat Out, Cook In!

Unless your plan is to pop the question, make a grand announcement, or propose some other huge life decision, you really don't have to drain your savings on a fantastic dinner. All your significant other really cares about on Valentine's Day is you -- so why don't you treat him or her to a night in with a home-cooked meal!

Even if you aren't an aspiring chef, on Valentine's Day, you can pretend you are. There are literally millions of recipes and how-to guides online to show you exactly what you need to prepare a feast for you and your favorite person. And with the money you save on dinner, you might be able to buy them some of that awesomely discounted post-Valentine's Day jewelry after all!

Create Your Own Valentine

If you aren't looking to buy something big, and you already have a flair for the creative, you might consider creating something from the heart for your loved one.

But even if it looks no better than the macaroni art you made in kindergarten, your SO will recognize the hard work and care you put into making something truly unique. They'll cherish the gift just as much or more than they would something created on an assembly line.

Make Your Own Memories

One of the best ways to treat every Valentine's Day is to focus on experiences over purchases. If you know you cannot or should not spend a huge sum of money on making the day special, you can always find alternatives. Go out into nature, or go explore a part of a city the two of you have never been to. You probably know your significant other better than anyone, so make time for them and treat them to something they'll think about for years to come.

Remember, just because it's an important day in your relationship does not mean that your lover wants you to drive yourself into debt just to show them a good time. Be careful with your purchases, plan ahead, and come out on February 15 happier than ever!

And remember, if you want to really blow your SO's mind but need a little help with the financing, there's always the option of a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit! We can lend you anywhere from $100 to $1,300 that you can pay back at your own pace. Contact Atlas Credit before Valentine's Day to learn more!

Do You Have an Emergency Fund in Place?

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

When it comes to money, a lot of us have budgets in place and compulsively check our bank accounts to make sure we have what we need to cover our monthly expenses.

But what if the unexpected happened?

According to a 2017 article from CNBC.com, more than 57 million Americans have zero dollars saved for emergencies. That means if any of them suffered a sudden financial emergency, they'd immediately enter panic mode.

In order to avoid that in your own life, you seriously need to work on an emergency fund of at least $500 (more than $1000 would be spectacular). Here's why and how you can achieve this level of confidence in your finances!

Working on Confidence

Most people with comfortable jobs (even those paying more than $100,000) simply aren't prepared to pay for something unexpected. They can afford all their regular bills, their day-to-day expenses -- but that leads to a level of false confidence that can be dangerous when disaster strikes.

A sudden life event such as the loss of a job, a medical emergency, or a car accident could drive even high earners into immediate debt.

So if you don't know how you could handle such an issue, you shouldn't allow yourself to sink into complacency. Instead, be vigilant, and start working on building your emergency fund.

Saving is Key

If your income provides you with enough flexibility to allocate money where it's needed, there's a solid chance you can figure out how to put money into savings after each paycheck.

For most Americans, 50-60 percent of their earnings go directly into the major bills -- rent, car payments, etc. The rest is divided between food, insurance, gas, and extras. Even if at the end of the month, you only have about 5-10 percent of your total monthly earnings left over, that is a healthy amount to pour into a savings account.

Over a few months, that money will undoubtedly grow. And if you're able to pay off debts through your budget using the popular snowball method we've discussed in the past, you'll be able to allocate more money to your savings over time.

How to Get Immediate Help

If you've just started working on savings for your emergency fund and the worst occurs, you have options. First, determine exactly how much of your current savings or extra money you can use to throw at the problem.

Afterward, you can look toward financial help in other areas. For instance, a personal loan of up to $1300 from a lender like Atlas Credit in cities like Austin, Waco, Fort Worth, or Longview, Texas can help! By applying for a personal loan online or in person, you can get a quick and easy supplement to your monthly income that will allow you to make it through even the most trying of times.

For more information on how to survive financial emergencies and prepare for the future, read more in the Atlas Credit blog posted each week!

Which is Worse: Bad Credit or No Credit?

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

If you're like many young Americans who have never used a credit card, taken out a loan, or otherwise used credit, your credit rating is spotless. But that's not necessarily a good thing.

With a spotless credit rating, at the very least you can prove that you've never made a mistake of any kind related to credit. But some lenders might ask the question: Why have you avoided credit altogether?

In fact, some lenders may prefer customers with poor or bad credit. For instance, Atlas Credit is more than happy to provide bad credit personal loans to customers with lackluster credit scores every day!

If this is your first time confronting this idea, you probably have some questions. Fortunately, we have the answers.

Why is Bad Credit Sometimes Okay?

Most lenders understand that if you have bad credit, it doesn't mean you're totally unable to pay your loans. If your bad credit is the result of missed payments from years past, but you've shown a record of on-time payments ever since, they won't just toss your application into the trash.

Lenders are able to see virtually everything you've done related to credit by looking at your comprehensive credit score. When they're able to understand the factors that led to someone ending up with bad credit, they can weigh whether or not those factors still play into their ability to make on-time payments now.

The biggest problem most lenders have with someone with a blank slate for a credit score is that they'll be forced to take a risk. The gamble they face on finding out whether or not you can pay on time might dissuade them from doing business with you altogether.

How to Grow Your Credit

Remember how we mentioned that Atlas Credit is perfectly fine with approving customers with bad credit for personal loans? You should also know that qualifying for a quick and easy personal loan and paying it off over the duration of the loan can boost your credit score! You'll prove to banks and other lenders that you have a history of successful payments and be able to qualify for larger loans in your future!

Simply stop by your local Longview, Waco, Austin, or Fort Worth Atlas Credit location today or apply online to see if you qualify for a personal loan and watch your credit score grow!

Curing Unexpected Money Woes with a Personal Loan

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Everybody works in life to reach a certain level of financial stability and peace of mind. But even after you reach a comfortable monthly income, life can still throw curveballs your way that are hard to handle.

But with the help of a personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit, you may just be able to knock life's unforeseen circumstances out of the park. Here are 5 ways a quick and easy personal loan can solve your unexpected money moments!

Fight Credit Card Debt with a Personal Loan

Your first thought might be: how can I get out of debt by acquiring more debt?

The answer is simple. With a personal loan from a Fort Worth lender like Atlas Credit, you'll be able to pay off your debt to a credit card company all at once and worry about a much lower interest rate over a more manageable period of time.

Handle Health Care Costs with a Personal Loan

It's sometimes impossible to predict what life can throw at you and your family. And if one of you has a sudden medical emergency, you might find yourself in dire financial straits.

Many people take out personal loans to handle unexpected healthcare costs. Do it as soon as you hear about the costs so you're never late making your payment -- that way, the credit agencies never have to hear about you being late on a payment.

Consolidate Your Debt with a Personal Loan

One of the most popular reasons for taking out a small personal loan is for the purposes of debt consolidation. That means taking multiple types of debt -- your car, credit card, and loans from other lenders -- and paying it off with one single loan on a fixed interest rate.

Doing this with a personal loan from a Fort Worth company like Atlas Credit lowers the overall interest rate across your debt payment, helps improve your credit by showing that you've paid off other outstanding debts and leaves you with one monthly payment instead of many.

Pay for a Funeral with a Personal Loan

Another unfortunate fact of life, much like taxes, is death. And when a loved one dies, making the funeral arrangement in the few days after their passing can become a serious financial problem.

No funeral is cheap, and if you have to pull from your own savings or from your monthly earnings to pay for it, you might find yourself flat broke afterward. Instead, take out a personal loan you can pay off over a 5 to 12 month period and get through the tough time without the added burden of financial stress.

Afford Any Emergency with an Atlas Credit Personal Loan

Personal loans are one of the most flexible sources of quick and easy money out there for handling unplanned expenses. Whether a tree falls on your roof, your kid needs a tooth pulled, or even if you just need to rent a nice tuxedo for your cousin's wedding, a personal loan can help you afford it with ease.

Atlas Credit knows how difficult and unpredictable life can be -- that's why we offer a no hassle personal loan even if you have bad credit. Apply for a personal loan online or in-store at your local Fort Worth, Texas Atlas Credit location today!

How to Succeed Financially in 2018

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 06:00:00 +0000

The year's just begun, and you're already looking for solutions for financial success in the coming year.

That's a great start!

To learn a few more ways you can conquer your bank account and wallet in 2018, read on.

Plan It Out

Careful planning is always the first, best step you can take when seeking to achieve something. And if that something is financial success, the sooner you start, the better.

Sit down in your Austin, Texas home, pull out your calculator (or smartphone, who are we kidding), and figure out the numbers. Sure it may seem tedious, but it's definitely worthwhile.

By getting very specific with the goals you'd like to achieve and seeing how exactly you can achieve them through proper planning, you should reach the end of 2018 on a high note.

Use Technology to Automate Savings

While you've got your smartphone out, check out some of the many programs and technological tools available on your mobile app store for savings and spending plans.

By simply searching for keywords like "budget" "finance" or "wallet," you'll come across a whole bevy of smartphone apps (or desktop apps, if you'd prefer) that will help you automate your financial planning. If you have an app reminding you to save each week, you'll increase your chances of building up a healthy savings account throughout 2018.

Rethink Insurance

As an adult in the United States with a job and a place to live, you very likely have involvement with one or more insurance companies. Maybe you owe money to insurance companies all over Austin, Texas for various reasons -- your car, home, etc.

This year, closely examine what you owe to these companies to see if you're overpaying. There's a great chance there could be another insurance provider in Austin who might offer a cheaper rate for the same coverage. Even if you've tried this in previous years, check again. You never know what savings you might find.

Share Your Goals

If the only person who knows about your goals -- whether short term or long term -- is you, then you may find it a whole lot easier to give up on pursuing them. That means you need to share your goals with a friend or family member who can help you discuss and make sense of your financial objectives.

By making your financial success in 2018 a collaborative effort, the process will be easier and the motivation greater. Good luck!

One more thing: if you live in Austin, Texas or anywhere else in the great State of Texas, Atlas Credit is available as a powerful ally in helping you achieve financial success in 2018. Through our personal loan services, you can qualify for a quick and easy loan of up to $1,300 to help you with whatever you need.

And don't forget to check out all the other great articles, guides, and resources available in the Atlas Credit blog!

6 Financial Resolutions for the New Year

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

We've finally made it to the end of the year, and what a year we've had!

Hopefully, by reading this blog and working to correct your finances with us each week, you've seen a significant improvement in your financial planning. So to start 2018 out right, check out this list of financial resolutions you can set for yourself to come out on top this time next year!

1. Prioritize Your Debts

As we discussed in a recent blog post on 5 Simple Ways to Pay off Your Debt, one of the most popular methods for debt repayment is the Snowball Method.

By determining which debt you can pay off in full first, you can focus on putting more than the minimum payment into it each month, while paying the minimum on other accounts. Then, once the first is paid off, you can apply what you paid to it each month to the next lowest debt you have, and so on.

By prioritizing your debts in this manner, you may just wake up at the end of 2018 in Longview, Texas a free man or woman.

2. Pay Bills as Soon as Possible

When bills come at the end of every month, it can be pretty stressful -- but that's life.

Don't wait around to pay them. Instead, pay as soon as you possibly can. Whenever you have the money ready, pay the bill, even if it's a little early.

The biggest reason for this is to avoid late fees. Nobody likes having a bill that's larger than it should be, and late fees can seriously add up if you're a serial late-payment maker. But another reason is to keep your credit in good shape and to maintain good faith with the company you're paying.

3. Add Money to Your Emergency Fund

The majority of people living in Longview, Texas, and Americans as a whole, have less than $1,000 put back in savings. If you're one of them, you could be blindsided by any sudden event life throws at you.

That's why it's critical that you always have an emergency fund. Realistically, the best number for an emergency fund is a minimum of one month's worth of living expenses. Ideally, that number should look more like three months' worth.

So start putting whatever you can back to create this fund. Even if you only reach a few hundred dollars, that cushion will help you through any emergency.

4. Improve Your Credit Score

In 2018, try everything you can to raise your credit score, even if it's only by a small margin. Every point counts toward being approved for jobs, vehicles, homes, loans, etc.

Plus, you can make it a point to look at your credit report regularly to identify any errors or fraudulent activity. Each major credit reporting firm (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) keep detailed lists of points affecting your credit, so stay on top of them to make sure your credit consistently improves.

5. Study Financial Planning

Whenever you get the opportunity, read or watch videos online about finances and financial planning. Whether that means going to the Longview library or combing through YouTube videos, any tiny piece of information you learn can help out tremendously with your future finances, and maybe even make you rich!

6. Try for a Better Job

This one might be a little tough for some of us, but if you feel like you could apply your services in a different direction or for a different employer who could pay you better or give you better hours, go for it.

So many of us find ourselves in jobs that we're comfortable with for one reason or another. Maybe it's because we've worked there for years and are afraid of change, maybe it's because we're afraid we won't find anything better.

But if you always keep your eyes and ears open, you may come across a new opportunity in the city of Longview, Texas that will be far better for your finances and your life.

Happy New Year from the team at Atlas Credit!

5 Easy Tips for Saving on Christmas Spending!

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas, blog readers!

This year has been a fantastic year for financial planning and savings. And now as we reach the end of it, there's a final challenge for all of us -- surviving the Christmas holiday with our finances intact!

1. Stick to Your Holiday Budget!

Careful budget planning for the holiday season as a whole is a wise step for financial security that lasts into the New Year. If you want Christmas Day to pass by with you still in one piece financially, your best bet is to budget.

It's hard to argue with the notion that you should always plan before you spend. And even if your current budget won't look pretty after you get through the Christmas holiday, you'll be far better off if you knew about it ahead of time.

2. Plan Ahead with Relatives and Friends

If you have a whole slew of family and friends coming to meet you at your home in Waco, Texas -- or if you're one of those travelers that'll be heading there to the family hub -- it's best to plan ahead.

Try and find out what everyone will shoot for when it comes to gift-giving and food-preparing. If everyone has agreed to stay particularly low-key on gifts, it'll be great to know that ahead of time so you don't show up with high-priced gifts while everyone else made theirs themselves on the cheap. And if one or more family members or friends has agreed to supply the bulk of the food, you'll know it's not necessary to show up with a full holiday spread.

3. Don't Buy into Sales

This year like all others, the sales will be plentiful. Every store you go to will advertise in huge lettering their Christmas blowout sales that can save you money on some of the best gifts out there.

Before you go unloading your wallet on these blowouts, stop to compare the so-called sales prices to their previous prices. If the difference is negligible, you're really just being convinced to buy something you otherwise wouldn't have because of the promise of a great deal.

4. Give Personal Gifts, Not Expensive Ones

Instead of going out to a big box store in Waco, Texas and looking for an expensive gift for each member of your family, spend some time thinking about what they could really use and enjoy.

Sure, everybody loves a big flashy gift. But if you give something that shows you know a person on a deeper level, they'll get more out of it and it will be that much more meaningful to them.

5. Enjoy the Christmas Spirit!

Instead of buying into the consumerism of Christmas, treat it more the way it's meant to be treated: as a day of togetherness, warmth, and fun with friends and family. Not only will you get more out of it personally, you'll spend less overall and be able to afford the things that really matter later on.

Christmastime can be severely stressful, especially if you're worried about your bank account. But if you arrange things in such a way that reduces your overall stress and increases your maximum enjoyment potential, you might even have a return to the days when Christmas was easy and fun. Remember those?

And if you aren't sure how you'll make it through Christmas this year, come on down to your Waco Atlas Credit location today! We'll get you a quick and easy personal loan in no time that'll help you afford the gifts, food, and other necessities you need to make this holiday season a huge success! Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more!

How to Use a Personal Loan to Pay for Healthcare Costs

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Are you struggling to pay back the medical debt you owe? Have sudden health issues arisen that have forced you or your family members to visit a doctor or rush to the emergency room?

Medical bills can be seriously expensive these days. But because keeping you and yours healthy is so important, you can't avoid sinking yourself into debt if it means maintaining that health.

That's why you need to find an alternative way of paying off your medical bills.

Personal loans offer an efficient and reliable way to secure a good amount of cash that can be used for paying for anything you need -- from utility bills to home repairs, groceries or even holiday gifts.

But have you ever thought about using a personal loan to pay for your healthcare expenses?

Because medical debt in the United States can pile up so quickly, many people find themselves helplessly unable to afford paying their hospital bills. But if you want to get those medical debt collectors off your back, you might want to look into a quick and easy personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit.

What are the Benefits of Paying off Medical Bills with a Personal Loan?

Atlas Credit allows you to apply immediately online, so if you find yourself in a sudden medical emergency and unable to pay the costs to go to the doctor's office or emergency room, you can rest assured you'll be able to pay it.
Personal loans are not like payday loans, which require a speedy repayment. Instead of having to turn around and pay the loan back by your next paycheck at a high-interest rate, you can take your time to pay back the loan at your own pace.
Personal loans are not like title loans, where you place your vehicle as collateral for the loan. Instead, all you must prove is your ability to repay the loan, and you can get one even if you have bad credit!

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, more than half of the debt listed on most credit reports comes from medical bills. In other words, if you're reading this and have debt, there's a good chance that debt is the result of an illness or injury.

So, if you live in the state of Texas in cities like Palestine, Austin, or Dallas, you're in luck! You have access to the personal loan services from Atlas Credit, a trustworthy lender offering flexible repayment plans and loans of up to $1,300. Such a boost to your finances can help you get through any tough time, and relieve the stress of immediate repayment.

Stop getting calls from collection agencies about your medical bills by giving Atlas Credit a call today!

What NOT To Do When Saving Money

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 06:00:00 +0000

If you're under a money crunch or giving careful budgeting a try, you probably have a rough idea of the guidelines you should follow for what you should do. If you aren't completely sure, simply check out some of the recent articles posted on the Atlas Credit blog!

You might think But today, we're going to talk about the things you absolutely must avoid to save money successfully!

Don't Make Impulse Buys

Everyone has those moments where they weigh their wallets and realize that they could afford something they really want, if they only were to buy it right now.

"Forget about the consequences -- you can afford it!" your brain says.

It's time to take control. Make yourself stop, by any means necessary. Convince yourself that you'll go home and sleep on it. When you do, you'll have that much more money from not spending, and a better perspective on that purchase.

Don't Waste Energy

When you're saving money, you can find more than ever if you get a little stricter with yourself and your family about your energy usage.

Take a moment and look around your home. How many lights are on? How many appliances are plugged in but not being used?

Anything plugged in or turned on that's using electricity is costing you money you don't need to spend. Turn them off, unplug them, and count the savings at the end of the month.

Don't Rack Up Credit Card Debt

One of the biggest temptations for anyone who doesn't quite have the money in the bank to afford bills, food, or new toys is to put them on a credit card and look the other way.

Sure, you have plenty of time to pay it off month to month on the minimum payment. But once credit card debt starts piling up, it can be mighty difficult to pay off. Especially when you have multiple cards with ever-growing balances.

Credit card debt is one of the most stressful aspects of any American's financial burdens, so do your best to avoid adding to it at all costs when trying to save money.

Don't Pay Bills Late

Late payments mean late fees and worse credit. Even if it means cutting your spending from other areas of your budget, do everything in your power to pay off your bills on time.

And remember, if you need extra help to get through the month, you can always reach out to a personal loan company like Atlas Credit. If you live in Texas cities like Palestine, Dallas, or Austin, you can qualify for a loan ranging from $100 to $1,300 and pay it back at your leisure from 5 to 12 months. Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more!

5 Simple Ways to Pay Off Your Debt

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Whether you just bought a home, a car, graduated college, or have a long history of credit card usage, you probably have a considerable amount of debt you need to pay off.

For many, a mountain of debt can be so overwhelming that they don't want to think about it. But ignoring your debt won't make it go away.

Instead, try to tackle your debt head on with these 5 simple methods for paying off your debt!

1. Restructure Your Budget

If you're a long-time reader of the Atlas Credit blog, you know how important we feel it is for you to keep a careful budget.

You should be able to easily change the values in that budget to allocate ever so slightly more money to your debt repayment. Cut a little from your extra expenses like entertainment, snacks, and whatever else you can handle reducing.

So if you already have that budget in place, great! If not, check out our other blog posts on how to make and keep one.

2. Stop Spending So Much

This one speaks for itself: if you need less debt, spend less money. Especially if you're adding that money to your ever-growing credit card debt.

There's a political term called austerity you should learn here. It's when a country's economy recognizes how poorly it's doing and takes measures to cut spending wherever possible.

If you apply some of these strategies of austerity, you can save money every month that can be applied to shrinking your debt.

3. Take Advantage of Bonuses

Do you have a job that occasionally surprises you with a small bonus? Do you have family members that sometimes contribute money to your wallet?

Any extra money that you didn't expect or calculate into your monthly budget should not be spent frivolously. Instead, use that money to pay down your debt.

4. Use the Snowball Method

An age-old tactic in debt reduction is the snowball method. First, identify which of your debts is the smallest. Say you owe a small sum of money to the bank but have several larger credit card payments.

By paying the smallest debt down first through above-minimum monthly payments while maintaining the bare minimum payments to the other debts you owe, you'll successfully pay off the smallest debt faster. Then, with the money that you would have paid each month to the smaller debt, you can start paying above-minimum payments to the next smallest debt, and so on.

Seriously -- if you weren't already using the snowball method, give it a shot ASAP.

5. Start a Side Gig

If you're paying down your debt on the regular but feel like you aren't making as big a dent as you'd like, it's probably time to consider finding an additional income stream.

What are your talents? Are you secretly a talented writer, a craftsman, or good with children? Try freelancing, creating useful items you can sell, or babysitting once or twice a week.

The extra money you earn from your side gigs can be applied to anything -- not just debt. And fortunately, almost everybody has something they're good at that they can do on the side.

Remember: once you've paid your debt all the way down, you can finally start spending again in peace. The incredible weight lifted from your shoulders after you erase your debt is a monumental relief, and allows you to continue your life the way you want to live it.

7 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Season Travel!

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

The holiday season is upon us, and you probably aren't too excited for all the traveling you're soon to embark on.

But the worst part isn't the endless driving, flying, checking in and out of hotels, and the exhaustion that comes with it. The worst part is the amount of money you have to spend to accomplish it.

Fortunately, there are ways around going broke from holiday travel. Check out this helpful guide to learn more!

1. Do Your Research

This might be your first time or your fiftieth time traveling to see your family and friends, but you can still learn something new by studying up on your options.

If all you do is a cursory Google search to find flights and hotel rooms, you'll end up traveling the way they want you to travel. The best alternative is to scour the Internet for deals and find out what others around you have done to get to their holiday destinations on time and on budget.

2. Book Ahead of Time

Sometimes it simply can't be helped -- you procrastinated on buying the tickets or reserving a room, and now you've no choice but to fork over an arm and a leg to see your family for the holiday.

If you need a flight or a hotel room in the nights leading up to a major holiday, you had better have it reserved a month or more in advance. Otherwise, you'll end up paying some seriously exorbitant rates.

3. Stay With Family or Friends

If you're fortunate enough to find your family or friends have a spare bedroom (or even extra couch space), stake your claim ASAP.

Sure, it may not be the most ideal of sleeping arrangements. But crashing at someone else's house is always easier on the wallet than spending holiday fees for hotel rooms.

4. Avoid the Unnecessary

Traveling is stressful as is so if you can avoid it, go as simple as possible. You don't need every piece of clothing and bathroom accessory you have, and you don't always have to transport your pets with you.

Instead, go as lightly as possible. You'll probably save money on gas from the lack of added weight!

And as for air travel, everyone likes the idea of flying first class, picking their seats, and priority boarding. But if you need to save money this holiday season, find the cheapest seats on the cheapest possible airline, and forget the frills.

5. Find Alternatives

While the average traveler either drives or flies from place to place during the holidays, you should remember you have other options.

Many travelers take long-distance buses or even ride Amtrak trains. And if you're exceptionally lucky, you might even know someone already heading the direction you need to go.

Plus, if you don't take your own vehicle to your destination, you won't spend any money on extra gasoline for driving around the area.

6. Strategize Your Meals

One of the biggest expenses already during any holiday is food. But when you also have to travel a great distance, you'll be spending loads of money stopping to fill up.

Instead of wasting your money at gas stations and fast food joints, plan your meals ahead. Pack sandwiches and snacks, bottled water, trail mix, and anything else you can cram into a small cooler or backpack.

Even if you reach your destination a little on the hungry side, you're likely soon to encounter no shortage of delectable holiday delights.

7. Stay Flexible

Some people like to create a strict itinerary and stick to it, regardless of what happens. But as you well know, the holidays are the most hectic time of the year.

So if you stay open to suggestions and constantly look for any option you can find to save money this season, you might get through the holidays with your finances in one piece.

One of the many options to help you afford your holiday travel is a fast and affordable personal loan from Atlas Credit. Forget freaking out about last-minute flight fares -- by qualifying for a personal loan online or in person, you can pay for them with a promise of peace of mind.

How to Save Money During the Thanksgiving Holiday Season!

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is a holiday that revolves around appreciating everything that makes your life special. All that you've accomplished over the course of the last year, the new friendships you've made, and the insights into life you've gained.

So when it comes to celebrating this holiday, many people want to fork out as much dough as possible to make it even more special. Today, we're here to tell you that you don't have to break the bank to have a full-on festive feast with your family and friends.

Create Your Budget

First, figure out what's most important. Will this year's celebration involve time spent with your closest friends, your relatives, a focus on the food itself, or are you creating brand new traditions for your family?

Once you determine your priorities, you can then decide exactly what should be spent to make those special moments happen. Estimate carefully what you'll need to spend on main courses, desserts, and beverages. Then, create a reasonable buffer for the unforeseen extras. You never know what the holiday season might throw your way!

Don't Buy Everything at Once

Some holiday planners think the wisest way to acquire all they'll need for any holiday is to make one big trip and fill the trunk of their car with everything they could possibly need.

This can be appealing for the time saved by not having to make multiple trips, sure. But when you put everything in the basket all at once, you're missing out on some potentially fantastic deals elsewhere.

Keep a close eye on discounts and package deals offered by other local stores. Look in your local paper for coupons, and ask questions to find out which stores have the best prices on individual items. It might take some diligence, but you could save a huge amount on your Thanksgiving spread by doing so.

Use DIY Decorations

Thanksgiving decorations may not be as involved as those you'll need for Christmastime, but they do take a little know-how and attention to detail.

Fortunately, most of what makes Thanksgiving decorations work is an incorporation of the natural environment of the season. That means you won't have to dig into your Thanksgiving budget at all to buy holiday-appropriate decorations.

Pinecones, autumn leaves, branches, gourds -- anything you can find outside of your home or growing in the great outdoors of your Dallas, Austin, or Palestine community will work splendidly.

Think Homemade

If you aren't the most amazing cook in your family, you probably plan on buying most of your food items pre-cooked. Store-bought desserts and appetizers are appealing for the amount of time they'll save you on preparation, but think about their costs.

To save yourself time yet still end up with scrumptious Thanksgiving treats, enlist the help of your family and friends. Find out who has a deft hand in the kitchen and see if they'll contribute their own food items to the cause of filling out the dinner table.

For the rest of your food, especially your main entrees like turkey and ham, it's best you learn to cure them yourself now. The amount of money you'll save for the rest of your life not having someone else cook your holiday meals will definitely pay off in the long run.

Cut Costs Wherever Possible

The difference between generic products and name brand are nearly indistinguishable when you account for the massive amount of food everyone will have on their plates. In other words, it's okay to buy the cheaper items as much as possible.

For instance, one thing everyone loves to pair with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner is a glass of wine. And if some people with a more acute palate might want the most expensive bottle possible -- you can let them pick up the tab. Instead, buy a box of wine. It might not be the classiest option, but it is the most cost-effective.

And as always, if you need just a little help to push you through the holidays with your finances intact, there's the option of a quick and easy loan from Atlas Credit. You can borrow as low as $100 or as much as $1300 to make your holiday season a great success. Apply online or in-store today!

5 Ways to Stop Your Finances from Freezing!

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 06:00:00 +0000

If you spent your whole year working hard and being careful with your money, it's no fun to reach the end of the year and realize you're broke.

But if you do a little work, you might be able to get through the end-of-year with more money in your wallet than you had to start with! Check out these 5 great tips for stopping your finances from freezing!

1. Manage Family Gift Expectations

Your family might be accustomed to receiving great gifts from you in the past, but if you're uncertain about your financial future, you might want to make sure nobody ends up disappointed.

Let your adult family members know ahead of time that they don't have to buy you anything too pricey, and that will clue them into the idea that you may not be buying them the same level of gifts as you might have in the past.

As for the little ones, it's easy to put the blame on Santa being a bit of a cheapskate this time around and that he might make up for it next year if they avoid being naughty.

2. Create Your Own Holiday Treats

When the cold seasons hit in full force in towns like Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, or Palestine, TX, there's nothing better than a delicious cup of hot cocoa. Other seasonal favorites include fruitcakes, pies, and other belly-filling delights.

If you know you probably shouldn't spend full price on pre-cooked treats, consider making them yourself. Remember, a whole box of hot cocoa mix usually costs less than the price of ordering a single cup from a coffee shop!

3. Cash in on Rewards

All year long, most people with credit card reward points build them up, month by month. However, during the rush of the holiday season, there's a tendency amongst busy adults to totally overlook them.

If you have rewards points built up or any other form of "currency" to cash in on, let the savings and benefits roll in! There's no better time to pad your wallet with the money you earned all year long than the end of the year.

4. Cancel Subscriptions

Did you decide to try out a new magazine subscription this year? What about a second, or even third, streaming or on-demand video service?

If so, take a moment to consider how often you actually read them or watch them. If they aren't a necessity, dump them pronto. Or, take a free weekend to binge every minute of content you really care about seeing, and then end your subscription.

5. Set Money Goals for the New Year

If you entered this winter season low on funds, you might want to re-evaluate your spending throughout the year and determine what caused it so you don't find yourself in the same situation next year.

Now is the perfect time to plan out your spending for 2018. You can break the year down into quarters, or even look at month to month spending. If you have already made use of careful budgeting, you should be able to roughly chart out your spending for the New Year to come out on top.

Remember: if you need fast funds to get through the holiday season, look no further than Atlas Credit. We offer quick and easy personal loans that range from $100 to $1,300 on 5 to 12 month repayment plans. Apply online or in-store at your local Dallas, Austin, or Palestine location today!

4 Simple Ways to Fix Your Budget!

Fri, 03 Nov 2017 05:00:00 +0000

At the end of each month, do you find yourself frustrated that you have less in your wallet and bank account than you expected?

Don't settle on the notion that this is just the way it has to be. There are ways you can hack your monthly spending to work out in your favor.

And you probably already understand that you don't need that energy drink every morning to get your day started, so we won't spend much time on that this week. Instead, we'll talk about real solutions that make an immediate impact on your budget!

1. Identify Your Biggest Expenses

Nobody likes sitting down to plot out every single dime they've spent over the course of a month, so here's an easier way to do it.

Go to your bank's website, or pull up your mobile banking app. Check out your bank statement. Some banks conveniently separate spending into categories, while others simply show spending and deposits. Start adding, and see what stuff pops up the most in the highest amounts.

For most people, these expenses will be a mortgage, credit cards, and food. Odds are yours will be too. By simply pointing out the most dollar-consuming elements of your bank statements, you're one step closer to a better budget.

2. Strip Down Your Mortgage Payments

If you're a homeowner reading this, you're undoubtedly making a mortgage payment every month. But you might not have known that it's possible to actually reduce the amount of your payment.

By improving your credit score and appealing your property evaluation, you may be able to cut the total amount down to a more manageable monthly payment. If you live in an area that has been recently impacted by a drop in property values, you might be overbilled!

Another way to do this is to pay down the principal. If you have a sizeable chunk of cash (savings, tax return, lottery winnings), put it toward your mortgage and talk to your bank about reducing your payment.

3. Reduce Your Credit Card Debt

The first way to stop paying so much to credit card companies is the easiest: stop adding to the overall balance. Figure out other ways of paying for monthly expenses than putting them on your credit cards.

To better manage your current balance, look into balance transfer cards which allow you to place your debt elsewhere at far lower interest rates. Or, you can apply online or in person for a personal loan from a company like Atlas Credit and pay off your debt all at once, paid back at a comfortable 5 to 12 months.

4. Fix Your Food Finances

Whether it's just you or you have a family of five, your food budget will definitely take a considerable amount of cash out of your wallet every month. But if you carefully scrutinize your food bills, you might find a lot of places you can cut.

First, stop eating out so much. Those bills are the worst and can drain your bank down to zero in no time at all. Second, don't buy so much processed junk food. Buy whole foods, and try to respect that cool pyramid we all learned about in grade school. You and your family will be healthier for it, and so will your wallet.

Conclusion

It may be tough at first, but with a little diligence, you and your family's monthly budgeting process can be streamlined and straightened out to save you money. You might have some kinks to work out, but it can be done!

For more fantastic finance fixing tips, check out the Atlas Credit blog every week!

The 6 Best Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget!

Fri, 27 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

There's no doubt about it -- it's getting a lot colder out there!

Even in the great state of Texas in towns like Palestine, Dallas, and Austin where it stays warm much of the year, it can sure get frosty during the winter! And while you might be inclined to simply crank your thermostat up until you don't notice the frightful weather outside, you may not realize what it's costing you.

In order to save as much money as possible during the cold winter months that are right around the corner, check out this list of 6 ways to winterize your home without breaking the bank!

1. Eliminate Drafts

If some rooms in your home are colder than others, there's a good chance that air from outside is getting in somehow. Check every inch of the room to find the hole or crack under a door and seal it ASAP to keep the warm in and the cold out.

2. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan in the summer can be a lifesaver, but in the winter they can keep your wallet full! By changing the direction they spin, they'll push the hot air that rises to the ceiling back down to the floor.

3. Clean Your Gutters

For a lot of people, cleaning leaves that accumulated during the fall might be a spring cleaning activity. But if you go through the winter months with loads of debris in your gutters, your gutters can freeze up and create a rim of ice around your house that slowly pulls warmth from the inside.

4. Learn Proper Thermostat Control

After braving the outdoor elements, no one can really blame you for wanting to thaw out inside oven-like temperatures in your own home. But the wisest way to hold onto your money while keeping a warm home through the season is to install a programmable thermostat that controls the temperature automatically throughout the day, saving you money on your electric bill. They're on the very cheap side, around $25 at most hardware stores.

5. Investigate Your Insulation

If your home isn't properly insulated, you're probably losing both warmth during the winter and cool air during the summer. The best way to fix this is to add insulation in your attic. Even if you only add a little bit to the thinnest areas, you'll see savings on your utility bill. A completely new insulation installation might run you as much as $500, but it might help you out tremendously in the long run.

6. Close the Window on AC Units

One simple way to keep the cold out is to remove your window AC units from their windows and close the window tight. Many people forget to do this during the cold months, having kept them on at full blast during the summer. As a result, air slips in through the cracks around them and through their vents, wasting all that toasty inside warmth.

Conclusion

These home winterization tips are guaranteed to both save you money and keep your family nice and cozy during the coldest months of the year in Palestine, TX, Austin, TX, and Dallas, TX. However, if even these low-cost suggestions seem a little out of reach, there's always a helpful lifeline: a personal loan from Atlas Credit!

If you think you'll need something like brand new windows and insulation, or even a complete overhaul of your central heat and air system, you'll need money, fast. So apply online for a quick and easy personal loan of up to $1,300 on a 5 to 12 month repayment plan. You know you want to get through those winter months comfortably, so contact Atlas Credit today!

How Building a Buffer Might Be Your Best Bet for Better Budgeting

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

One of the best feelings in the world is spending money on necessities without worrying about your bank account afterward. Of course, few of us experience this luxury very often in our lives.

However, there are ways you can achieve this on a smaller, more consistent scale, no matter your income.

How?

By building a buffer!

What You Need to Know First

Nobody likes unexpected expenses, but they're an incredibly common part of life. So the first step toward planning for any eventuality is to know the amount of money you'll need to pay for:

Both your home and car insurance deductibles.
Your out-of-pocket maximum for health care deductibles.
Any sudden failures/repairs of major appliances.
One month's worth of food costs for your family.
Your average total utility bill for each season.
Whatever regular needs that are particular to your family.

By knowing what all of these costs, you can add them up and determine a near-exact amount of money to strive for when it comes to savings. Sure, it may take awhile to get to that number, but once you're there, the peace of mind will be mind-blowing.

How It Helps

First of all, having any money set aside in savings is the usual result of excellent budgeting. But once that money is set aside, the budgeting process itself gets much easier.

Here's why:

Instead of stressing over that small number of savings slowly increasing, you'll know you have enough money finally set aside to get you through the most common financial emergencies.
Your actual budget plan can become more streamlined and focused on paying off your monthly expenses.
The "extras" portion of your budget reserved for entertainment, dining out, and other family fun can increase over time.
You'll be able to plan ahead for your next major financial goal without the added worry of what you'll do in an emergency.

Conclusion

As you can see, building a buffer can truly benefit your bank balance, and better your budgeting. It may take time and commitment, but once you accomplish it, you can take full control of your finances.

And as always, remember the other lifelines available to you. A personal loan from Atlas Credit is a quick and easy way to either build your buffer or get you through one of those tough times that we all go through in our lives. Then, you can comfortably pay it off over time. Contact Atlas Credit today or apply right now for a personal loan by using our online application form!

How to Improve Your Home on a Budget!

Thu, 12 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Like most Americans, your home is likely your biggest investment. And if you intend to get a great return on that investment, it can hugely benefit you to perform minor improvements here and there.

Small, affordable renovations to your home can significantly boost its overall value -- even some you'd never expect! Read on in today's blog on how you can increase the value of your home investment on a budget!

Know Where to Save and Where to Splurge

When you decide it's time to make improvements on your home to increase its value, it's tremendously helpful to know where to start. This helpful article from US News & World Report details everything you need to know about the various values of home improvements.

From the beginning, it's clear that the area where you should really go all out is the kitchen. A minor kitchen remodel can net you an 82.7 percent return on your investment. Plus, real estate agents always put a huge focus on this room in particular.

One room you should not spend too much money renovating is the home office. You're basically wasting your money at a 48.9 percent return on investment.

And one more thing you might not think about: your front door. Installing an attractive new front door can bring you an incredible 96.6 percent return on your investment!

Perform the Labor Yourself

When the time comes to actually paint your rooms, tear down old stuff, and install the new flooring, paneling, or fixtures, don't waste your money by unnecessarily hiring someone else.

By doing the work yourself, your only costs are the price of the materials used and your own time. If you paid a professional to do the work, you might have the comfort knowing it'll be finished without you lifting a finger, but it'll cost much more in the long run.

And if you're hesitant to do the work yourself because you aren't certain how to perform it, there's an incredible tool at your disposal: the Internet. Virtually every home improvement project has been covered extensively somewhere online, only a Google search away.

Apply for a Personal Loan

While home improvement expenses can seriously improve the overall value of your property, the upfront cost might be a little prohibitive for some people. But when you learn that the money you put in can pay off in big ways in the future, it can be truly worth it to spend that money.

Fortunately, there are resources out there like personal loans from companies like Atlas Credit. Small loans as low as $100 and as large as $1300 can have a big impact on your home improvement projects. When you need to splurge on that higher quality tiling for your kitchen, it'll be worth it to acquire the money however possible -- and pay it back over time at your convenience.

Atlas Credit offers personal loan repayment plans over 5 to 12 month periods. In other words, long after you see a great return on your initial investment, you can pay off your loan with ease. Contact Atlas Credit today to learn more!

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Fri, 06 Oct 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Many people find themselves living paycheck to paycheck for a wide variety of reasons. You may have slipped into a downward financial spiral as a result of events outside your control. Or, perhaps you owe your current circumstances to choices you made in the past.

No matter the cause of your paycheck to paycheck situation, you should know the ways people all over Texas pull themselves out of it.

So if you live in Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, or even Palestine, TX, these tips can work wonders for your finances.

Set concrete goals for yourself. Not only will you feel more motivated each week when you know you have something to work toward, you'll have a far clearer picture in your head of how to accomplish it.
Find ways to make more money. Whether this means applying for a second job, finding a better job, or asking your boss for a promotion, it's up to you to put yourself into a better pay bracket. You can also sell your possessions and put the money back in case of emergencies.
Keep track of all expenses. A lot of people fall into a paycheck to paycheck living thanks to their unnecessary spending. If you don't pay close attention to everything you spend money on each week, certain expenses might pile up quicker than you might believe.
Create an automatic savings account. Many Americans who don't have savings accounts very well could have a huge sum of money set aside, if only they had made a savings in the first place. But instead of placing the money in a box under your bed, set up an automatic deposit of a small amount of money (as low as $5 a week!) from your bank account that you'll find in savings later on down the road.
Cut back on credit cards altogether. One of the biggest contributing factors to a near-poverty lifestyle is the choice to overuse credit cards. If you're heavily indebted to a credit card company, even if you earn a healthy salary, you'll still feel like you're broke. The best way to escape the cycle is to stop using credit cards -- period.

Remember how we mentioned the Texas cities of Austin, Dallas, and Palestine? If you live in one of those, or nearly anywhere else in the great state of Texas, you have an additional lifeline: Atlas Credit. Apply online or in person for a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit and you'll get through your financial hardships with ease.

4 Financial Missteps Young People Should Avoid

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The world is a great big place, but sometimes your wallet feels too small to go out and see any of it. Other times, you might feel like you're on top of that world and have nothing to fear when it comes to finances.

Confidence is a fantastic feeling, but it's critical that your money situation reflects that confidence honestly. One simple mistake could start the falling dominoes that lead to financial ruin. Don't let that happen -- instead, learn from this blog post about 4 common mistakes that you should never make as a young person!

1. Living Like There's No Tomorrow

People love to talk about the value of living your life to the fullest. In fact, you've probably heard the phrase, "Money doesn't buy happiness."

Maybe money doesn't literally purchase happiness from a happy store, but you'll feel like a million bucks after writing the last check to pay off your eventual mortgage.

So don't spend your days frivolously spending everything in your wallet on fun experiences. Be smart, and spend your money on what really matters.

2. Forgetting to Save or Invest

This point has a lot to do with the last one -- if you don't think ahead about the future, you might not have much of one.

That's why it's so important to have a smart budget. Even if you're still in your early 20s, that extra money burning a hole in your pocket might go to more use if placed in a savings account.

And remember, just because you're a young kid from Palestine, TX doesn't mean you can't start investing in stocks or even something more interesting like crypto-currencies!

3. Only Making Minimum Payments

If you've taken out a loan of any kind -- an auto loan, a home loan, or a personal loan from a lender like Atlas Credit -- one of the smartest things you can do to help your wallet, your credit score, and your future is to pay more than the minimum payment.

The minimum payment is really more of a suggestion. It's the bare minimum of what you could accomplish. But even by paying just a fraction higher each month, you'll be that much closer to paying off your debt.

4. Not Communicating with Your Family

This point applies to any important person in your family. Whether you have a spouse, still live with your parents, or have a frugal old aunt, communicating with them can be unbelievably constructive.

First, it helps you to voice your own concerns about your money issues. Second, the feedback you'll receive will most likely help you put your situation into context. Older family members especially have been through far more financial experiences than you have, so learning from them can be invaluable.

And third, you might find a solution to whatever money issues you have that you might never have considered. For instance, if you live in Austin, TX or Dallas, TX, a personal loan from a nearby lender like Atlas Credit could be just the quick fix you need to set your finances back on track. Contact us today to learn more!

How to Apply for an Online Personal Loan from Atlas Credit

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

It's hard to make it in the world when you can't rely on your own finances to support you through times both good and bad. If you've come into times of trouble and know you could make it through them with just a little extra cash in your pocket, you should know you have options.

So, do you want to take better control of your finances?

Of course you do.

One of the best places to start is with a personal loan. Instead of going the traditional route of credit cards, or the questionable route of payday loans, a personal loan gives you the money you need with reasonable lending terms.

First, decide how much money you need. Once you have a figure calculated for the exact amount of money you need to fix your finances, you can proceed. Just remember: borrow only what you truly must have, and what you know you'll be able to pay back over the loan duration.

Then, navigate to Atlas Credit's website and head to our online application form. The application is extremely easy to fill out. All you need is to do is provide basic info like your contact information and proof of income. And don't worry, even if you have bad credit, you can still qualify for a personal loan from Atlas Credit.

The last step is the easiest: find out if you're approved for a loan, and receive your funds. Since Atlas Credit offers instant loans as soon as you're approved, all you need to do is receive confirmation of your approval! Then, that money is yours to spend.

That's right. You can make the first steps toward taking control of your finances in the time it takes you to read this blog post.

Atlas Credit is a personal loan company that offers quick and easy online loans to borrowers of all credit types. We are not a payday lender. You can receive a loan of up to $1,300 on a 5 to 12 month repayment plan the moment you're qualified.

So what are you waiting for? Apply for a personal loan from Atlas Credit today!

Want More Family Time? Try These 5 Time-Maximizing Tips!

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

You know how important it is to take care of your family financially. That's probably the reason why you work so hard day-in and day-out -- to make sure they're always safe and sound.

But you probably get tired of spending all that time away from them, don't you? You want to be able to see with your own eyes what you have done to create a secure and happy life for your family.

If that's the case, we've written this blog post to help you seriously grow the amount of time you spend with your family and to increase the quality of that time overall. Here are 5 time-maximizing tips to help you spend more time with your family!

1. Fix Your Budget

Since a huge amount of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, it can be hard for some of us to truly spend quality time with family. Especially if your time home from work is just the period before you leave to your second job.

That's why it's critical for everyone to organize their budget so they can start saving. Once you know some of your money is stored away for a big payoff in the future, you can focus on what really matters.

2. Spend on Home Activities

Sometimes, when you have money to burn, you might want to take your whole family out for a night on the town. Big dinners and activities can be tons of fun, but they also might cost you tons of money.

Whenever possible, spend that extra money on games and activities that will enrich your home life. Buying outdoor sports equipment for those days in the sun, board games for those weekly nights at home or even multiplayer video games that everyone can enjoy can increase your family bonding experiences and create fun memories.

3. Organize Your Hours

When you work all day, you might not think it possible to squeeze in family time. But if you figure out ways to structure your work schedule more carefully, you just might open up more time than you could have imagined.

What many workers do is front-load all their hours at the beginning of the week. Instead of working eight hours a day Monday through Friday, they work 10 hours Monday through Thursday, freeing up a third day each week and creating a longer weekend to spend time with family. Or, simply find ways to come in early or go in late, depending on the flexibility of your employer.

4. Make Vacations Count

The key to making the most of your vacations is to both have as many days as possible by storing them up carefully, and to take advantage of every hour spent away with work. Spend that time with your spouse and your children, make memories, and maybe even create annual family outings that everyone will enjoy.

And remember, you don't have to go on a cruise around the world just to have quality family time. Instead, find a place nearby that could offer fun experiences, and book your stay there instead. You'll save loads of time on travel, and even more money.

5. Involve Your Family as Often as Possible

Life might be hectic, but if you always take the time to find ways to involve your spouse and your children in your activities, you'll reap the personal rewards for years to come.

Depending on the personal preferences of family members, there may be all kinds of ways for you to involve them at different levels. If you tend to handle housework by yourself, make a game of it and pair up with your kids to tackle the task. If you have some complicated work or money issues to handle at home, involve your spouse. Anyway you can think to spend more time with your family, no matter the reason, can benefit your household as a whole.

The Importance of Family Time

Here at Atlas Credit, we recognize the incredible value of spending as much time as possible with our families. Some of the benefits of spending more time include:

Teaching your children important life lessons
Reinforcing your affection for your family
Encouraging them to make the most of their lives
Instilling family values, and the value of family

These benefits are genuinely priceless. However, achieving them can be pretty financially difficult for many hardworking Americans. That's why we do what we do -- we want every family to feel the financial stability necessary to be truly happy spending time with one another.

So if you have a pressing financial need that could change the outlook for future family time, contact Atlas Credit today. Our quick and easy personal loans can provide up to $1300 on a simplified 5 to 12 month repayment plan.

Never-Fail Fall Financial Fixes!

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

You've heard of Spring cleaning, but now it's time for the fight for a firmer Fall financial foundation!

All alliteration aside, it's extremely important to make sure your finances are secure and improving throughout the year.

So now that the weather's finally getting cooler, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee, sit back, and read our guide to never-fail fall finances!

Restructure Your Situation

With the changing of the leaves often comes the changing of lives. Did you get married this summer? Have you moved, changed jobs, or had another major life change?

If so, it's wise to make sure your financial planning reflects those changes. Determine the best spots in your area to buy groceries and gas. Find out if there are cheaper utility options nearby than the ones you already use. Talk about money with your spouse, merge your bank accounts, and work out a retirement plan with your new boss.

All of these changes can make sure you save money and build a better financial life in the future.

Plan Ahead for the Holidays

In the past, we've recommended buying gifts ahead of time. Way ahead of time.

That advice still remains a solid and safe way to plan for your near future. You know you'll have to buy gifts, so don't wait until the last moment.

So if you haven't bought all the gifts you'll need for this year's holidays, now's the time. If you buy them in the fall, you'll surely save a few bucks and give yourself the peace of mind of knowing there won't be any huge rush come winter. At the very least, start a small fund to help you afford those great Black Friday deals.

Make a Donation

Charitable donations can be an incredible way to both help out people in times of need and alleviate your tax burden. How, you ask?

Because charitable donations are tax-deductible. And right now, there are plenty of areas in the United States -- including right here in Texas -- where people need your help.

The major damage thanks to this year's hurricane season will require extensive repairs, so every dollar counts. If you make a donation, you can make a difference this year and save money on your taxes next year.

Gear Up for the Cold

If you have a load of summer clothing and other items you won't be using any longer, donate them, store them, or sell them.

And if you have any vehicles you know you won't need anytime soon -- boats, motorcycles, etc. -- make sure they're safe and sound.

Then, with your extra space and possibly extra dough, stock up on what you'll need to survive the cooler temperatures. These include sweaters, rakes, shovels, plenty of firewood, and whatever else you can think of. This way, you won't feel the financial freeze of poor fall planning.

Conclusion

At the end of the day (and the beginning of the season), the smartest way to live your life is to always come prepared. No matter your situation, if you set aside the time to figure out your options for facing the future, you'll never fear failure this fall.

Have more questions about preparing for the fall? Do you feel worried you may not have all the money you need to get through the cold months ahead? If so, contact Atlas Credit today. Our quick and easy personal loans can get you the cash you need, ASAP.

5 Amazing Benefits of Online Personal Loans

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Do you need money ASAP but feel a little uncertain about where to go next? Are you unsure of the differences between payday loans, installment loans, traditional bank loans, and personal loans?

If that's the case, you've come to the right place. Here at the Atlas Credit blog, we love filling you in on all the necessary details that help you select the best option for your specific situation. Today, we're going to discuss the awesome benefits you'll find from applying online for a personal loan from a company like Atlas Credit!

1. Convenience

The ability to sit at home in your pajamas and apply for a personal loan online has to be one of the greatest advancements of modern technology. Seriously, all you need to do is enter your information into an online form and find out if you qualify for a loan.

Since the whole process can occur over the Internet, there's no need to make repeat journeys to your lender's office. And in all likelihood, you'll be approved for your loan even if you have bad credit. How convenient is that?

2. Great in an Emergency

According to an article from CNBC, most people in the United States have nothing put away for their futures and less than $1,000 in total savings. So, while we like to think we'd be ready if an emergency came around, the truth is a little bit harsh.

That's one of the reasons a personal loan can truly be a lifesaver. No matter your specific emergency, being able to receive a sudden influx of cash to handle your expenses can change your life for the better.

3. Accessibility

One thing that turns a lot of Americans away from traditional banks is how picky they can be when it comes to lending money. Banks use a far more rigorous method of approving the loans their customers apply for, and in many cases won't hand out any money without collateral first.

That's right -- to qualify for a loan from your bank, you might need to put something on the table first. Your car, your home, whatever you can use for leverage to convince them to help you. With a personal loan from a lending company like Atlas Credit, that's not only unnecessary, it's unheard of.

4. Smaller Interest Rates

Because of the flexibility of personal loans, they often have lower minimum payments and interest rates than those of competing loans. Why else would so many people use personal loans to pay off their other debts?

Plus, the personal loan industry falls under certain regulations that protect consumers by keeping the loan affordable, quick to receive, and easy to get qualified for.

5. Easy to Apply

Speaking of easy qualification, the actual application process is incredibly simple. If you apply for your loan online from your home in Longview, Tyler, Dallas, or anywhere else in the great state of Texas, the only real hold up is your Internet speed!

The online personal loans offered by Atlas Credit are a phenomenal way to help you correct your budget, afford that repair you've been putting off, or come out the victor in a tough financial fight. If you want to save time and get your money without hassle, consider these many benefits of a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Apply online today!

What's Better: Owning or Renting a Home?

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Have you reached a fork in the road in your life? Is it time to decide whether you want to buy a home outright or simply rent for the time being?

Many people who reach this critical stage in life have difficulties weighing their options. Owning a home seems to come with so many benefits, but renting a home seems so much simpler!

If you need help making your decision, keep reading. Today, we'll cover some of the many benefits provided by both renting and owning a home.

Pros of Owning

When the property you live in is yours, you never have to worry about a landlord coming by to inspect the property, and you'll never face a change in terms or ownership. As a renter, you are 100% at the mercy of fate -- so you'd better hope the owner doesn't feel like tearing the place down.
If you own your home, you'll be able to deduct a lot of related expenses. Unless you owe a huge amount of money (over $1 million), you'll be able to deduct all the interest you pay to your mortgage payment.
Your monthly payment won't be changing anytime soon. In fact, unless you have a hand in changing the cost of your mortgage payment, you'll probably pay the same rate for the duration of the note. This can help tremendously with smart budgeting!
Owning a home is one of the best investments a person can make these days -- especially since it happens so rarely now with the younger generations. Your portfolio will look much, much better if you own for years instead of spending all your time throwing away cash in rentals.

Pros of Renting

When you rent an apartment or a home, you can always leave at the end of any lease agreement or even pay to break a lease in many cases. If a new opportunity presents itself, you can pull up your stakes and take off wherever you like. If you own, you'll have to wait for the house to sell or for an acceptable renter to come along.
Renting may require a small security deposit at the beginning of your lease, but it's nothing compared to the huge cash deposits most homeowners are forced to make on their mortgages. That means you can hold onto that money and build up a decent amount of cash for the next time you need to move.
If something breaks (like your air conditioning, appliances, garage door, etc.), all you have to do is pick up the phone and give your landlord a call. It's their responsibility to keep your rental home livable, not yours. When you own, it's all up to you.

Factors to Consider

If you're young (in your early twenties), you might not want to try purchasing a home unless you have a seriously lucrative, stable job. The nature of youth means you never know what might change year to year, and locking yourself into a long-term ownership plan might be something you eventually regret.
If you have a middling credit score, owning a home can be much better for your credit than renting. The vast majority of the time, renting a home does little to nothing to affect your credit score, while successfully paying off a mortgage is great for your credit.
The housing market, particularly that of your local area, is probably the biggest thing to consider if you're weighing your options. If it's a buyer's market, you might find some phenomenal deals on properties near you. If it's a seller's market, you may not have any real options in your price range and may be forced to rent anyway.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not you should buy or rent a home is up to your specific financial and life situation. Whatever you choose, make sure it's the right choice to help you build yourself up in the right direction for years to come.

And as always, if you need some extra help making a rent payment, putting down a deposit, or simply making some repairs (if you own, that is!), apply online or in store for a personal loan of up to $1,300 from Atlas Credit today!

8 Quick Tips for Back to School Savings

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

If you're a parent in Corpus Christi, you're probably already in full preparation-mode for the upcoming school year. By now, the school district has sent out its list of supplies, and you're quietly wondering how you'll possibly afford it all and have any money left over.

Trust us -- starting the school year off right is totally doable. So, whether you're a back-to-school expert or a first-timer, check out these 8 tips on saving money at the start of this school year!

1. Trade or Swap

Post on social media or check with your local community groups to find a few other moms and dads with kids the same age as yours, or just a few years older. There's a great chance they'll have loads of old supplies and maybe even clothes or backpacks they'd like to trade for yours.

Also, remember to ask them if they have any old textbooks -- the money you'll save on books will go far toward buying the rest of the necessary supplies your kids need!

2. Check Your Home

When school season hits, everybody rushes out to local big box stores and grocery stores to raid the shelves for school supplies without realizing one thing: they already have a lot of supplies lying around their houses.

Go through every drawer and look under every couch cushion if you have to. Odds are you'll find a sizeable selection of supplies for your kids to start their year off with.

3. Find Price-Match Stores

Many stores like Target, Best Buy, and Staples offer to match the prices you find online. Any time you come across an item your kids need, pull out your phone and check Amazon or Walmart.com to see if there's a better deal out there. The stores will then honor their guarantee by charging you the discounted price!

4. Splurge... When Necessary

When you go out to get the really big stuff like backpacks, make sure you look for quality. A well-made backpack might last for years where a cheaply made one may only last a semester.

The only other supplies you'd be wise to spend extra on are reusables like plastic folders, binders, and dividers. There are plenty of these types of supplies out there made from the cheapest possible materials that will be too worn by the end of the school year for reuse. If you spend a little extra on these, you might get good use out of them for years to come.

5. Find Books Online

If your kids' school makes you purchase textbooks, try and find them online. Not only is there a better chance of finding a great price, you'll also get around the issue of local bookstores running out of copies.

And if you or your kids are required to read one of the hundreds of works of classic literature popular among English teachers, find them online for free on websites like Gutenberg.org.

6. Use Online Community Sales Pages

Places like Facebook's online marketplace and Craigslist often have great deals on school supplies posted by other parents. If you scroll through these each day leading up to and through the beginning of the school year, you can find tons of items your kids need at cheap prices.

And remember, you can also become a great salesman yourself by selling off last year's supplies or other stuff you don't need around your home. With the extra cash, you can afford to keep your kids fully stocked on supplies.

7. Don't Go All-In

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is trying to knock every item off the list at once. Don't do this.

Instead, spread out your purchases across multiple days. Look out for days that have great deals or those that have the smallest crowds of other parents buying supplies. Also, if you can figure out which items aren't needed Day One, you can buy them a few weeks into the school year at discounted prices.

8. Prepare for Next Year

Once the school year really kicks off and prices on supplies come down, don't forget all about it until next year. Instead, keep your eye out for great deals on supplies you can store away in a closet and surprise yourself with after this school year ends.

The best way to make sure your kids succeed this year is to give them all the tools they need for success. And if you're a Corpus Christi parent who needs a little help making ends meet during the beginning of the school year, remember that Atlas Credit is here to help you afford to give your kids those tools with a quick and easy personal loan. Apply online or in store for a loan of up to $1,300 on a 5 to 12-month repayment plan!

5 Things Young Adults Should Never Pay Full Price For

Thu, 10 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

If you're still new to the whole adult thing, you might find that there are far more instances in your daily life where you have to spend your hard-earned money than you might have expected.

This can bring up some serious financial dilemmas. You may even find yourself having to cut out a lot of the other stuff you wanted to buy because of the need to pay for something much more expensive than you foresaw.

What you might not know is that on many of the regular expenses in life, you can actually save a good deal of money by getting around paying the full retail price for them. Keep reading, and you'll discover 5 of the best ways you can save money by not paying the sticker price!

Groceries

If it's time to get frugal, it's time to start collecting coupons. The Sunday paper is filled with a variety of coupons, and you can find some at the front of many grocery stores.

When you go grocery shopping, make sure you keep a list of what you need. This way, you'll save time by being able to check each item off one by one rather than meandering throughout the store. Plus, you won't have to turn around and burn gas to get back to the store once you realize you forgot something!

And one last thing: if at all possible, buy in bulk. When you buy a large amount of one item, you'll often get it at much cheaper than if you were to buy each one individually over time.

Your Vehicle

If you're in the market for a new car, don't pay the sticker price. Seriously -- you don't have to.

Practice your haggling skills and figure out just how low the dealer will go. Simply asking for the lowest they'll go might save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

But if you already have a car and need to make some repairs, never go with the first mechanic you call at the price they quote you. Tell them you're shopping around for a fair price, and try several other shops. Odds are you'll find one who can perform the work you need at a significantly lower cost.

Entertainment

Don't spend more than you have to on your entertainment. Instead of going out and buying expensive brand new movies and music every time they're released, go to thrift stores and other used retail outlets to purchase them.

Whatever you do, don't pay for full-priced cable or satellite unless you absolutely have to. And if you do, make sure you have it in a bundle form that includes high-speed Internet so you can save a little on both bills.

These days, there's hardly any reason to pay for monthly services like cable, because face it -- most of what you want is available on a far cheaper subscription service like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

And if you're into reading, go get a library card! Libraries have most of what you'd be looking for anyway, at zero cost!

Warranties

When you buy an expensive item like a new computer, a phone, a TV, or even a vehicle, the seller will often encourage you to purchase an extended warranty that covers your product beyond the manufacturer's warranty.

Unless you're especially prone to breaking your valuable possessions, there's no need to fork over this extra dough. In all likelihood, the money you spend on that warranty will amount to nothing more than a higher price on the item itself.

Think about it like this. The money you would spend on that warranty can simply be saved and used to pay for the repair later on if it actually does break.

Your Credit Score

Like we mentioned in our blog post detailing how to make a correction on your credit report, you should never pay to have a company send you your report. In the past, this may have been necessary, but no longer.

All you really need to do these days is head over to a website like Credit Karma that allows you to see your credit reports from the three major US credit bureaus. From there, you can keep track of how your scores change and make any corrections necessary all from the comfort and affordability of your computer or other device.

See, there are plenty of major things in life you never truly have to pay full price for. But if you do find yourself running into too many expenses, there's always the option of a quick and easy personal loan from Atlas Credit to keep you running smoothly!

And for more helpful tips and tricks for your finances, take a look at some of the other posts in the weekly Atlas Credit blog!

What's Better: Payday Loans or Personal Loans?

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Your car just broke down, and the mechanic told you it'll cost more than a week's paycheck to cover the repair cost. But all the money you'll get for this week and next week's pay has to go to bills!

And what's worse -- you don't think you have a high enough credit score to qualify for a loan from your bank. You start to panic.

Take a deep breath. You actually have two solid options your East Texas neighbors in Tyler, Longview, and Dallas use every day to get them through financial emergencies: personal loans and payday loans. But what's the difference between the two, and which one is best for your needs?

Let's compare:

Personal loans often offer much higher loan limits than your average payday loan. This is typically because personal loans can be paid off over a period of many months, while a payday loan is supposed to be paid back as soon as possible.
Payday loans are short-term loans with high-interest rates. They're designed to bridge the gap between one payday and the next. That's why it's critical that you repay them by your next payday at most -- if not, you could end up with a worse financial situation overall.
To obtain either a payday loan or a personal loan, you'll be required to fill out an application to see if you qualify or not. Both payday loans and personal loans are forgiving of individuals with poor or bad credit scores, but personal loans are more forgiving in the long run.
Both payday loans and personal loans allow for small loans of as low as a few hundred dollars. Personal loans allow borrowers to qualify for sums of up to $1,300.
Neither personal loans nor payday loans request collateral, nor do they require co-signers. However, some companies may require borrowers to include a list of references along with their employment and bank information.
Payday loans have significantly higher interest rates than most other loan options. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that people who take out payday loans end up paying more in interest than what the original loan was worth.
Personal loans can be used to consolidate your credit card debt because they tend to charge lower interest rates than credit cards. Plus, some people even use personal loans to pay off their payday loan debt.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which loan option is best for you. But if you're leaning toward the benefits of a personal loan from a quality lender like Atlas Credit, consider applying online or in one of the many brick-and-mortar locations near you.

We can get you the money you need to solve your financial emergency or help you take care of any extra cost you need covered as soon as you're qualified! Apply now or contact Atlas Credit today to learn more about the personal loan process!

How to Correct an Error On Your Credit Report

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

For many people, the idea of a checking their credit score comes with a heavy dose of dread. What if it's lower than the last time you saw it?

And some people have never checked it at all. Maybe they don't know how, or maybe they're too afraid to discover they have bad credit.

Keep reading. We'll discuss exactly how to check your credit score, and what you can do to make sure it's perfectly accurate from now on.

Checking Your Score

First off, never pay to check your credit score if you can help it. Websites like Credit Karma allow you to make an account and check your scores from the three major credit bureaus for free.

Also, the aforementioned credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- are required to provide you a free credit report once every 12 months. You can strategically stagger your requests for reports from each of these agencies so you can receive your free report every 4 months.

Once you receive your credit report(s), it's time to get out your magnifying glass.

What to Look For

Does everything on your detailed credit report make sense to you? Do you recognize every item?

Maybe there's something on the report that you thought you took care of years ago, like an old debt you've already cleared. Or perhaps you spot something like a late credit card or bill payment from an account you don't recognize.

Either way, it's up to you to make the necessary corrections to get your score back up to where you know it should be.

Submitting a Dispute

The credit reporting agencies that formulate your score are required by law to investigate disputes. If you use a website like Credit Karma, you can simply go through the list of items affecting your credit and choose to dispute them.

If you receive a report directly from one of the credit bureaus, you'll have 30 to 60 days to send them a letter explaining the inaccuracy of the report. You'll have to include all your important information and a detailed description of why the report is inaccurate.

The government actually provides a template for such a dispute letter here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report

Once the agency investigates your dispute, they'll send you a write-up of the results of your dispute. Hopefully, everything will be taken care of and soon your credit score will return to normal -- or higher!

Why It's Important to Have a Correct Credit Score

It's never fun to have bad credit. For one, it can lead to some serious financial anxieties.

But what's even worse is what can result from a low score. You might be turned down for home loans, credit cards, and more.

Thankfully, there are businesses out there that can cut you a break. For instance, Atlas Credit can provide you with a personal loan even if you do have bad credit. And if you pay off that personal loan month by month, you might even see your credit score improve as a result.

For more information on how Atlas Credit can help you get out of a tight financial situation, even if you have bad credit, contact us today.

The Grown-Ups Guide to Making it On Your Own

Fri, 21 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Everyone wants to be financially independent and successful, but you've got to start somewhere.

The truth is, most of us don't start out exactly where we want to be. In fact, it can take years of diligence to reach the levels of stability most older adults take for granted.

So, if you're still young and learning how to make it in "the real world," here are some simple tips you can use to reach success.

Take it Slow

If you've just left high school or even college, there's no guarantee that you'll magically fall into the life you've always wanted. During these early years, you have no idea where life will take you, so be patient.

One huge mistake many recent grads make is digging themselves into huge amounts of debt. You don't need that new car just like you don't need your own home. Your lifestyle may not be what you've always dreamed, but by taking it one day at a time, you may reach it before you know it.

Consider a Roommate

These days, rent can be pretty expensive. Maybe you have a decent enough income to afford a place on your own already -- but think about the savings that would come from splitting the costs.

If you have friends or family members who would be willing to share an apartment or rental home with you, reach out to them with an offer. A roommate situation isn't always ideal, but the extra money you'll have at the end of every month can make for much easier budgeting and savings for later in life.

Learn Useful Skills

Think about your biggest monthly expenses. If you have a roommate, your rent might not be the worst one -- it might actually be your food costs.

The main reason for huge food expenses is eating out. Everyone loves having a meal put in front of them by a waiter, but nobody likes looking at the check at the end of dinner. But if you know how to cook, you could get around the need to dine out every day of the week. Even cutting out every other day of eating out can save you hundreds of dollars by the end of the month.

There are plenty of other cost-saving skills to learn as well. For instance, if you have a few handy skills like plumbing, electrical, or construction knowledge, you'll never have to spend on repairs. Think about how much savings that can add up to every year!

Take Care of Your Finances

The ultimate point of this blog post is this: if you're going to live on your own, you have to be responsible. It comes in many forms, but it all ends in financial stability.

Watch your wallet. Keep a careful budget. Don't overspend or build nasty debt from credit cards.

And if you ever find yourself in the midst of a financial emergency, check out this recent blog post for more tips on how you can survive whatever life throws at you.

Remember: very few of us can make it through life without a little help. If you need money fast, contact Atlas Credit to see if you qualify for a quick and easy personal loan of up to $1,300. We're not a payday loan company -- we'll work with you to make sure you can repay your loan and not dig yourself deeper into debt.

And that way, you can get the jumpstart you need on building the life you've always wanted.

How to Survive a Financial Emergency

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

There are three possible reasons you're reading this right now:

You can't get enough of reading the Atlas Credit blog for our expert financial advice.
You're expecting a dire situation in the near future, so you've come for tips to prepare for it as best as possible.
You are currently in the middle of a financial emergency and you need solutions now.

Which one of those are you? If you're number 1, we love it when you read our blog! But if you're number 2 or 3, it's time to get serious. Here are some great ways you can overcome your financial crisis.

Dig Into Your Savings

If you've read any of the advice we've given in earlier blogs, you'll know how much we encourage you to take advantage of keeping a careful budget. Doing so allows you to open up a small amount of cash each week to place into savings that can then be used to alleviate any financial woes you might suffer in the future.

This money is perfect for solving a minor financial crisis. Just having an emergency fund set aside offers incredible peace of mind, regardless of your income level.

But you should remember one thing: if you dig into your emergency fund to save yourself during a time of need, be sure to start adding money back into it ASAP.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

No one likes the idea of having to call someone they know to ask for money. But everyone understands what it's like to go through a difficult period that can only be solved with a little money.

That's why there's a good chance your family and friends will be willing to help you out, if only just a little. They might not be able to completely help you with your problem, but what they contribute might go far toward fixing it.

Just remember how important it is to pay them back. Ask them upfront when they'd like the money back, and work hard toward repaying them for their generosity.

Consider Using Credit

In the past, we've discussed the value of having a credit card to handle small expenses -- as long as you pay them back quickly. No one likes going deeper into debt, especially as the result of surviving a financial crisis.

So, if you have a credit card with a spending limit that would allow you to handle your emergency promptly, go for it. But whatever you do, don't put yourself into an even worse situation by overspending on your credit card and racking up a bunch of expensive fees.

For a great comparison between credit cards and personal loans, check out our recent blog post on the topic!

Apply for a Personal Loan

Here's where our specialty truly lies. Personal loans are one of the best tools in your financial arsenal for tackling a sudden, unexpected problem.

Why, you ask?

Because of how flexible they can be and how easy they are to pay back. Unlike credit cards, you can structure your personal loan from Atlas Credit to be paid back on a 5 to 12 month repayment plan where you know from the beginning what you'll be responsible for. Plus, your loan can range from a number as small as $100 all the way up to $1,300.

There are plenty of physical Atlas Credit locations near Corpus Christi and elsewhere in Texas for you to apply. Or, get qualified through our simple online application form. Either way, reach out to Atlas Credit today for help solving your financial emergency!

5 Ways to Beat the Heat and Save Money this Summer!

Fri, 07 Jul 2017 05:00:00 +0000

If you've stepped outside even once so far, you surely know that the Texas summer has officially begun!

And while these months can be incredibly hot, they're also some of the best to get out and take advantage of great opportunities to make and save money.

Today, let's take a look at 5 ways you can put the money back and have an amazing summer at the same time.

1. Use Affordable Child Care

Instead of paying for costly babysitters and day care centers all summer, put some thought into your children's summer days.

Take a look at low-cost summer camps and community programs from schools, churches, and other youth organizations. Even if they're only involved for a week or two, it could save you some serious money.

Also, if you feel one of your children is ready and mature enough to babysit the younger kids while you're away, you're in luck. For parents with older kids, child care is practically free!

2. Unplug Unused Appliances

This should go without saying. It doesn't matter how much money you make every year -- if you have a houseful of appliances plugged in and turned on that aren't being used, there's only one thing to do:

Unplug, unplug, unplug.

Whenever you finally do need to use an appliance, the extra three seconds it takes to plug it back in won't hurt anybody. Just don't shock yourself!

3. Start a Garden

Instead of going out to the grocery store several times a week to stock up on the healthy fruits and vegetables that you should be eating every day, try gardening instead.

Not only are the foods you grow much, much cheaper when they come from your garden -- many people say they actually taste better. Maybe it has something to do with the fertile soil in Longview and Tyler!

Plus, the activity of gardening itself can be exciting and rewarding. Try it for yourself in your backyard!

4. Cook at Home

Everyone loves a good old-fashioned summer barbecue. And the more you cook at home in general, the less money you'll spend.

Think about it. Every time you go out to eat, you'll spend money not only on the overpriced food but also the tip for the wait staff at the end of each meal.

That money adds up way more than you might think, especially over the course of a whole summer. So, spend as much time as possible cooking at home!

5. Open Your Windows at Night

This might come as a shock to some, but you don't have to run your air conditioner 24/7. At night once everyone's asleep and your home is at a reasonable temperature, shut your system down.

Once it gets a little stuffy in there, open up your windows and let the nighttime breeze cool you down. Come morning, close the windows, pull down the blinds, and crank that AC back up.

The money you'll save from not blasting your air conditioner all summer long will save you some serious cash on your electricity bill.

And remember, if you haven't put enough money back to cover emergency costs like home or auto repairs or an unexpectedly huge bill, Atlas Credit can help.

We offer quick personal loans of up to $1,300 on easy 5 to 12 month repayment plans. All you have to do is apply online or at one of our many locations throughout Texas to see if you qualify for a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Contact us today to learn more!

Save Your Wallet with These Budget-Shrinking Tips!

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Have you ever looked in your wallet or bank account at the end of the week and felt a little surprised at a lower number than you were expecting?

We've all been there, so don't feel alone.

Regardless of how much money you make, it's never a great feeling to find you've spent more than you wanted to. So today, we're going to discuss some great methods of cutting that spending down to a more manageable size -- and saving you from worse problems down the road.

How to Spend Less

Stop Spending with Plastic

Instead of using a debit or credit card to pay for your daily expenses, hit the ATM and use the cash you withdraw to pay for everything.

The physical exchange of money from your hands to whoever you pay will feel way more real every time you make a purchase. As a result, it'll stick in your head more that you actually are spending more money than you need to.

Plus, you'll always know exactly how much money you have left to spend without having to check your bank or pray-and-pay with your credit cards.

Cut Out Luxuries Altogether

On your lunch break, do you opt for fast food? Stop!

By bringing your lunch from home, you'll save loads of cash every week which will seriously add up at the end of each month.

And if you have a regular caffeine habit, it's time to start brewing your coffee at home and bringing it with you in a thermos. The amount of money you'll save by not dropping $3.00 on each fresh cup of Joe adds up to a sizeable fortune at the end of the month.

Find Cheaper Alternatives

There are always better options when it comes to spending your hard-earned paycheck.

For instance, instead of going to a big grocery store to do all your shopping, check out local grocers instead. Some have a variety of coupons in newspapers and flyers that will save you some great cash on your grocery bill.

Also, every household pays certain utilities depending on their situation. The most common are electricity, water, and gas. What many people don't realize, though, is that there might be competitor utility companies out there willing to slash your monthly bills down if you simply switch providers.

Dire Straits Budgeting

If you find yourself very strapped for cash, this is the best time to think about your priorities.

In other words, cut, cut, cut.

Anything you absolutely do not need to help you and your family survive comfortably, you don't need to pay for. That means entertainment expenses like cable TV, extra food (like snacks and beverages), alcohol/tobacco, or even making too many trips in your vehicle each week.

You'll balance your budget out soon enough, and then you can consider bringing back in those extra expenses that make your day easier. For now, the really important thing is getting through to the next paycheck!

Still, everyone encounters a time where they simply can't afford something really important. Maybe you have a sudden visit to the doctor's office that leaves you with an expensive prescription. Maybe you accidentally break your glasses and are blind without them.

In these situations, you need money fast. That's where a personal loan lender like Atlas Credit comes into the equation.

Atlas Credit can provide you with a quick and easy personal loan of up to $1,300 with repayment plans up to one full year. You'll get your money as soon as you're qualified, whether you apply online or in person.

Extra money can seriously save the day when you're in need. Contact Atlas Credit today for more information about how a personal loan can lift you out of financial hardship!

4 Ways to Make Extra Money from Home

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Take a look at your bank account. Could you use a little extra money from time to time for certain expenses?

Do you have free time at home to make that money?

If you're a stay-at-home parent, or simply someone looking for a way to make money on the side, here are 4 great tips to make extra money from the comfort of your couch.

Become a Babysitter

If you spend a lot of time at home with your kids, there's a great chance another parent in your neighborhood could use the help.

Simply offer up your babysitting services at local community meetings like church or other events. Or, put up signs around town with info about the service.

Your kids will love the playmates, and your wallet will love the extra money!

Give Your Opinions

If you ever find yourself sitting around and doing nothing but watching TV on the couch, start turning that free time into profit!

Websites like Survey Junkie and Vip Voice allow users to take surveys for 10 to 15 minutes and make several dollars each time. By the end of the month, you can make some serious money on the side!

Sell Your Stuff

Take a look around your house. Like most Americans, you probably have a sizeable DVD or CD collection gathering dust!

Websites like eBay, Decluttr, or Amazon allow you to sell your collection to others for a good amount of cash. Or you can download an app like Letgo to see if anyone in your area wants to purchase them.

Plus, you can sell all your old electronics, appliances, and even clothing. You never know what kind of money you have lying around the house in the form of unused clutter!

Get Good in the Kitchen

Think about it, you have a factory capable of producing products that can sell like hot cakes right in your home -- your kitchen!

If you teach yourself to cook food items that people in your community might enjoy, you can rake in some serious dough. Everything from baked goods to holiday dinners will sell at a decent price, so offer up your cooking skills to your community!

And remember, if you haven't put enough money back to cover emergency costs like home or auto repairs or an unexpectedly huge bill, Atlas Credit can help.

What's Better: Credit Cards or Personal Loans?

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Everybody's been there.

Something comes up -- whether it's as simple as groceries for the family or complicated as home or auto repairs -- and you need money to pay for it ASAP.

But without the money ready to spend in your wallet or bank account, you might decide to get the money another way. The two likeliest options most people in the Corpus Christi area go for are either credit cards or personal loans.

So, which one is the better choice for you and your family? Let's compare.

Debt Issues

A credit card gives you something called "revolving debt." You continuously rack up more debt, pay it off, incur more debt, pay that off, ad nauseam. And very often, that debt comes with a crazy-high and sometimes variable interest rate.

With a personal loan, on the other hand, you have a fixed debt thanks to a set interest rate. Based on the amount of money you received in the beginning, you'll know exactly what you have to pay off until the repayment is fulfilled.

Spending Issues

You simply can't overspend with a personal loan. A personal loan allows you to borrow a set amount that covers exactly what you need, end of story.

But with a credit card, you might be tempted to push up to or beyond your credit limit -- and further into debt.

That means a personal loan is far easier to budget monthly than a credit card, and paying the minimum payment won't affect your credit score.

Credit Issues

If you do have bad credit, you may never qualify for a credit card in the first place. Or, if you do, your monthly credit limit might be painfully low while your interest rates are exorbitantly high.

Personal loans from Atlas Credit, however, don't depend on your credit score. Even if you have bad credit, you can qualify for a loan of up to $1,300 from Atlas Credit and pay it off in 5 to 12 months.

If you live in the Corpus Christi area or anywhere else in Texas and need some quick and easy cash now, apply online or at your nearby Atlas Credit location for a personal loan. We can get you situated with a great personal loan to help you get back on track -- and you can forget all about adding another piece of plastic to your wallet.

4 Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or building your future in a long-term career, you're probably no stranger to financial issues. These days, adults of all stripes are faced with numerous money issues that can seriously snowball over time to become life-altering problems if they aren't handled carefully.

This means that for you to live your life to the fullest, you'll need to know what to look out for -- and how to prepare for anything life might throw at you.

Today, let's take a look at four of the most common financial mistakes that adults make and how you can avoid them.

1. Mishandling Credit Cards

If there's one thing nearly everyone with money troubles in the modern world has in common, it's credit card use.

Now don't be mistaken -- properly handling a credit card can be a great way to build your credit and ensure you always have some extra money around for emergencies and necessities.

But if you don't know the proper etiquette, you might end up way worse off. For instance, if you only ever pay the minimum on your balance or ever miss a payment, you might find yourself accruing high interest and severe penalties on your account.

In other words, you'll end up in even more debt.

2. Not Keeping a Savings

If you're able to set money aside as a parachute to save you from hitting the ground hard after unexpected events, you'll be able to avoid adding to your credit card balance.

In the past, we've discussed the incredible value of keeping a budget for yourself and your family. One of the key aspects of budgeting is undoubtedly a smart savings account to keep you safe and sound.

But remember, any time you don't have the money put aside, you can easily apply online or in person for a personal loan of up to $1,300 from Atlas Credit! That way, you can pay the money back within 5 to 12 months without having to worry about it killing you with credit card debt.

3. Poor Expense Planning

Too many of us have a constant slew of minor expenses. At this point, we all know we could cut back on our latte, scratch-offs, and fast food habits.

Those little things definitely add up, but so do the big.

For instance, you might be tired of your old car and trade it in for a new one with a monthly payment higher than you first realized. You may end up also buying much more house than you can afford and failing to make monthly mortgage payments. Or, you might put yourself through a private university on student loans alone and end up with well over $100,000 debt.

Too many people believe they can squeeze their way into a bigger and better life and simply figure out how to make ends meet, then end up bankrupt with ruined credit.

4. Not Setting Goals

Think about where you'll be in a few years. Maybe even a decade.

What do you see?

If you're reading this, odds are you haven't put much thought to it. If that's the case, it's time to start planning.

You must have financial goals lined up for both your near and far future. That means where you'll be next year, and where you'll be when you retire.

And as the population of the world lives longer, you might need to plan for an even greater number of years than you expect. Your grandparents might have lived into their seventies and eighties, but there's a good change you could live to be well over a hundred!

Don't let these same mistakes add up over time to destroy your credit and your bank account. Playing smart with your finances is your golden ticket to a comfortable life!

If you find yourself suddenly tight on funds, consider applying for a personal loan from Atlas Credit. People in places like Longview, Tyler, and Dallas have qualified for loans up to $1,300, even if they have bad credit. Explore the website or stop by an Atlas Credit location today to find out more about how you can start rescuing your finances!

Why Millions of Americans Don't Use Banks

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

One of the neatest aspects of living in the modern world is our abundance of options. But when it comes to where we store our money, we seem to have painfully few choices beyond either a national bank or a local bank.

The third option always seems to be: under the mattress. And no one wants that.

Still, millions of Americans are coming to some serious realizations about the banking system that's leading them to take their money elsewhere. The great options once offered only by banks can be found elsewhere, in companies that don't feel like they're taking advantage of you.

Today, let's take a look at some of the reasons why so many people are keeping their money outside of banks.

They're Sick of Fees

Have you ever accidentally gone into the negative on your bank account?

If so, you've probably encountered the dreaded overdraft fee, which can add up pretty quickly if you aren't careful.

Bank users hate overdraft fees, but that's not all -- there's also a wide range of other smaller fees that accompany your bank account. Some are there simply because you have an account in the first place, like a monthly checking fee.

That's right -- banks actually charge you to give them money. Ugh.

They're Tired of the Big Banks

The major banks in the United States are downright massive. Most of them have their headquarters on Wall Street, but can be found in nearly every city in the country.

These guys are all about making money, and they aren't shy about it. Sure, that's their job -- but that doesn't mean they should treat you unfairly.

Significant numbers of people who have left these big banks report having done so because of the way they were treated. The customer service was so bad that they simply gave up.

After all, as a customer, you should feel like they're happy to have you -- not the other way around.

Staying Off the Grid

Some people just don't like the idea of taking part in the system, man.

And that's totally okay. If they've paid off their debts and would rather not get tied back down in traditional finances, more power to them.

In fact, one of the main reasons why so many people have checking accounts and debit or credit cards is because their parents had them too. But that doesn't mean you have to follow in their footsteps.

However, banks are definitely useful for hundreds of millions of people out there. If you don't have to worry about issues like a bad credit score, banks can be seriously helpful as a secure place to store your money for when you need it and more.

You might be thinking: But if all these people are really leaving their banks, what are their options for loans?

The answer: personal loans from lenders like Atlas Credit. We're not a payday loan company that demands you turn around and pay your whole debt back by the end of the week. Instead, we set you up on easy 5 to 12 month repayment plans on loans of up to $1,300.

Apply online or in store for a personal loan in a location like Dallas, Longview, or Tyler today. Pretty soon, you might begin to wonder why you ever needed a bank in the first place.

5 Ways to Save Money for Your Summer Vacation

Fri, 26 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest benefits of living in Texas is how close we are to countless summer vacation destinations. But sometimes, you may feel like you just don't have enough money to afford the trip.

Check out these 5 awesome tips for saving money for your next vacation. You might just find you have more than enough cash to have the time of your life!

1. Cut Out the Extras

When you go to work every day, do you find yourself buying energy drinks, lottery tickets, or other items that you could survive without?

You might not think that spending $20 or $30 a week on these little extras hurts you too much in the long run. But if you really stop and think about how much you could be saving by not buying them, it can be seriously eye-opening.

2. Dine In, Not Out

For most American households, food can be one of the most costly weekly expenses. And if your family has a fast food or junk food habit, that cost can pile up quickly.

That's why one of the easiest ways to add money to your summer vacation fund is to rekindle your joy of cooking. By buying inexpensive groceries and committing to not eating loads of junk food in favor of healthier options, you'll be much closer to eating whatever you want on vacation!

3. Make a Budget and Stick to It

We've talked about the benefits of sticking to a budget in previous blogs, and it still holds true.

Everyone should have a careful budget that helps them plan out all of their expenses each month. That way, you'll always know how much extra money you'll have to drop into that summer vacation fund.

Plus, you'll be way less stressed and ready to enjoy yourself to the fullest on your awesome getaway.

4. Declutter Your Home

Take a look around your house. How often have you used every one of your possessions?

If you have anything sitting around that you know you could sell -- even if it hurts a little to part ways with it -- you'll be that much closer to hitting your travel savings goals.

After all, wouldn't you rather have awesome memories than boring old stuff?

5. Get a Personal Loan

If you get to the last few days before it's time to leave on your vacation and realize you're short on money, don't panic.

You can qualify in a flash for a personal loan from Atlas Credit, even if you have bad credit. All you have to do is apply online or in one of our many brick-and-mortar locations in cities like Dallas, Longview, Tyler, or anywhere else across the great state of Texas.

See how simple these steps are? With a little careful planning and the help of Atlas Credit, you'll soon be having a blast on your summer vacation!

How to Choose the Right Bad Credit Loan

Fri, 19 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

If you need money ASAP but worry your credit score might be too low to qualify for a loan, rest assured: you aren't alone.

Millions of Americans suffer from bad credit, but they still have certain opportunities available for them to get the money they need, when they need it. Lenders like Atlas Credit provide bad credit loans you can apply for online or in person, and pay off at your leisure.

But don't jump headlong into the personal loan process without keeping these 3 things in mind:

You should only borrow exactly what you need.

When you search for personal loans online that accept borrowers with bad credit, make sure you understand your needs first.

What do you need the money for? Is it for a health emergency, paying off an ugly utility bill, making repairs on your home or car, or to fund a family vacation?

Make sure you really need the extra money from a personal loan before you apply. And be sure you can reasonably pay off whatever dollar amount you qualify for. Atlas Credit offers 5 to 12 month repayment plans to make paying your personal loan off comfortable and affordable.

Be sure the loan is appropriate for your needs.

Many people who need money fast but know they'll be turned down by a bank rush into the loan application process without realizing how many different kinds of lenders there are.

That's why many people find themselves with a payday loan -- something they have to turn around and repay in full on their next paycheck. Oftentimes, they can't pay it all back, and their credit looks even worse afterward!

Atlas Credit is not a payday loan company. We offer personal loans to borrowers with bad credit that fall under appropriate regulatory standards for loans.

Know your lender is legitimate.

Be on the lookout for any red flags about the lender you consider. For instance, if you apply for the loan online, be absolutely certain they're a real company!

There are lots of ways you can get into financial hot water on the Internet, so making sure the lender has real brick and mortar locations as well is a safe way to determine if they're the real deal.

Also, your lender should be just as skeptical about your ability to pay the loan back. If they seem happy to pile money onto you without asking about your bad credit score or how you'll afford repayment, you might want to think twice.

Atlas Credit has dozens of locations throughout the state of Texas, from the Mexican border all the way up to Longview, Tyler, and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We're as legitimate as they come, and we'll always work carefully with you to determine the best possible repayment plan for your specific financial situation.

If you have bad credit but need money fast, apply online or in person for a personal loan from Atlas Credit today!

The 3 Biggest Reasons Why You Need a Budget

Fri, 12 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Whether you're living paycheck to paycheck or you have more money than Bill Gates, you absolutely need a budget.

Yet for some reason, many people spend their money blindly, hoping they'll have enough to cover their bills and necessities at the end of each month.

Sure, budgeting can be time-consuming. But if you take the time and do it right, it'll pay off immensely down the road. Here are three reasons why you seriously need a budget:

1. You'll always know how much money you have.

Back in the day, all you had to do was measure the stack of bills in your wallet or count the coins in your purse to know how much money you had left.

Things sure have changed. These days, you probably have credit cards, various bank accounts, and too many bills to count.

That's what makes budgeting so effective. By keeping track of all your expenses, you'll always know the exact amount of money you have on every day of the month.

2. Budgeting is easier than ever before.

Just a few years ago, most people still had to rely on the pencil and paper method to keep track of their finances. Or if they were lucky, they might've hired a financial advisor to handle it for them.

But just think about how you're reading this blog post! Devices these days are more powerful than ever, and there's a whole host of apps out there to simplify budgeting and money management.

3. You'll have less stress.

If you spend your days spending beyond your means, eventually it'll catch up to you. But if you always keep a smart budget in place coupled with careful discipline, you won't have to worry.

Through budgeting, you can eliminate your debt, reduce calls from bill collectors, and never lose sleep to money worries. If you have a sudden emergency, budgeting can ensure you always have money set aside to conquer it.

And remember, keeping a careful budget means you can afford more than you could have otherwise. That means if you want to make repairs, pay a huge bill, or cover another significant cost, you can apply for a personal loan online with Atlas Credit.

People in the Tyler, Longview, and Dallas area should have no problem paying off a personal loan on a 5 to 12 month repayment plan, especially if they budget effectively! That means you'll always have the money you need, at times when you need it most.

4 Reasons to Get a Personal Loan

Fri, 05 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Few people in the world live their whole lives without moments of financial uncertainty. So when you run into money troubles, don't sweat. There's an easy solution: a personal loan from Atlas Credit.

Here are four great reasons why you should consider a personal loan to help you get back on track:

1. To take care of your financial needs.

Whatever your money issues, Atlas Credit will treat you with the respect you deserve to help you get through them. We aren't like typical lenders -- that's why the funds you receive from your personal loan can be used according to your specific needs.

2. Getting qualified is quick and easy.

You can apply for a personal loan online on our website or find one of the many Atlas Credit locations in places like Tyler, Longview, or Dallas, TX. Even if you have bad credit, you'll qualify for a personal loan if you can simply prove you have means of paying it back.

3. You'll get your money fast.

When we say quick and easy, we mean it. Once you're approved, you'll be able to start spending that money however you see fit.

4. Paying it back is simple.

We're not a payday loan company. That means you won't have to turn around on your next paycheck and pay the loan back in full. Instead, you'll be able to set a 5 to 12 month repayment plan with terms you can easily understand.

So, if you like the way a personal loan sounds, apply online or stop by and see us today!

Why You Should Start Your Holiday Shopping in the Summer

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

We're only a short few months away from summertime, a period most people from Longview to Dallas use for outdoor fun and relaxation on their days off. But have you ever thought about how you could use that time to plan ahead for the rest of the year?

These days, many people have gamed the system and figured out a huge secret to holiday shopping success: buying gifts during the summer months.

Here are three reasons why:

1. No Crowds

Sure, Black Friday is a fun event for many -- but if you're like the majority of Americans, you'd rather avoid crazy crowds. During the summer, no one is rushing out to buy the trendiest items. That means you can get your shopping done at your leisure.

2. Extra Time Means Less Pressure

When you start early, there's tons of extra time to find the perfect gift for each of your loved ones. And there's a much lower chance of finding that perfect gift with a big SOLD OUT sign on the shelf.

3. Better Financial Options

Say there's something you really want to buy your significant other for the holidays, but it's going to cost you more than you have on hand. That's where a personal loan from Atlas Credit comes in -- not only can you get a loan up to $1,300 even with bad credit, you'll also have plenty of time to pay the loan off with our easy 5 to 12 month repayment plans!

So, if you want to start your holiday shopping this summer, give yourself the gift of extra cash to make this year's presents extra special. Apply for a personal loan online or in person at one of our locations in Dallas, Longview, Tyler, or elsewhere in Texas today and find out how you can make this year's holiday season better than ever.

How to Spend Your Tax Refund This Year

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Every year, millions of Americans receive a surprise financial boost from the government in the form of a tax refund. While it might be tempting for you to head out to Dallas, TX and spend that whole check on a fun weekend, you should consider what the money could do for your future finances.

After all, if that check is sizeable enough to make an impact on your bank account, it could actually be life-changing. In the best way possible!

Here's how you can spend this year's tax refund wisely:

Separate the Funds

If you keep your tax refund mixed in with your normal bank account, it will probably get spent like the rest of your money. Instead, create a separate bank account or a savings account and place it there. That way, you can more easily create a budget for the refund.

Pay Off Debt

Inspect your overall finances. Do you have any pressing debts? What about a payday loan or personal loan on a repayment plan? Make sure to split up some of the money from your refund and dedicate it to paying off these debts.

Make Smart Purchases

Instead of blowing the rest of the money on frivolous items and entertainment, think about the future. Could you use better insulation in your house for the summer heat? Could you put a down payment on a new car? Always choose your expenditures wisely.

Once you've made these smart choices with your refund and you know you're set for the near future, spend the rest on yourself. You've earned it!

And remember, if you haven't gotten your refund yet but you need money immediately, you can always go with a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Customers from places like Longview, TX,Tyler, TX, and Dallas, TX should know they always have the option of a loan of up to $1,300 on a 5 to 12 month repayment plan. Call us today or visit one of our many locations throughout Texas!

The Best Times to Get a Personal Loan

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Everyone loves the feeling of having money they can spend on whatever they need. When you have that cash in your wallet, the stress of the day seems just a little bit lighter.

That's what makes quick and easy personal loans from Atlas Credit so appealing. We can get you the fast cash you need to help with whatever situation you're dealing with.

So, today we're going to talk about the times when a personal loan is the most convenient for meeting your needs!

Vehicle Repairs

Accidents can come at the most inconvenient times, and there's a good chance your bank account won't be ready to pay for repairs. Similarly, if you drive an older model car, it's hard to predict when it might need a replacement part.

A personal loan would allow you to pay for whatever auto repair you need immediately, without draining your paychecks from work that go to your regular bills.

Medical Needs

You never know when your family's health might demand a visit to the doctor or a costly prescription. It's always important to follow your doctor's advice, even when the cost is a little more expensive than you prefer.

A personal loan is perfect for addressing medical needs that would otherwise stop you from paying your other bills. Not only could it save your wallet, it could save a life.

Paying a Costly Bill

Even with the most careful budgeting, anything could happen that leaves your bank account a little thinner than you expected. Then, when you open the mail, you find a bill that would leave your finances in chaos.

Don't let that happen. Rather than risk overdraft charges or having a service cut off, you could take out a personal loan to pay the bill, and take your time to pay it off.

Home Repair

Imagine if your air conditioning broke down in the middle of the Texas summer -- what a nightmare!

If you've ever had an appliance stop working or had a tree land on your roof, it's reasonable to call a professional. And if you've ever been in such a situation, you know it's rarely cheap!

Here's another time when a personal loan can be a huge relief. You never know what your finances will look like after any of these times in your life, so you can rest assured that Atlas Credit is always here to help you with a personal loan of up to $1,300.

So, if you need money to help with an unexpected issue, contact Atlas Credit today!

Quick Ways to Improve Your Credit Score

Fri, 07 Apr 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Do you need money ASAP, but worry your credit score might scare away lenders?

Here are some simple ways to improve your credit score:

1. The first step to improving your credit is to request your credit report. Once you have a copy, check it thoroughly for errors. Anything listed incorrectly can hurt your credit -- which means you may be able to improve your score by simply disputing the errors in your report!

2. Reduce the total amount of debt you owe. Seriously, try to pay off whatever debts you can, or take as big a chunk out of them as possible. By clearing even one debt, you'll see your credit score improve. And always, always pay all your bills by the due date.

3. Get a credit card. If you're the type of person who lives in fear of credit cards, you're missing out on a great opportunity to improve your credit score. You don't have to use your card for big expenses, either. Simply use your credit card for buying groceries or filling up your car, and then pay that off immediately. The constant use of a credit card does wonders for your credit score.

4. Pay your credit cards off twice a month. Even if you successfully pay your balance at the end of every month, creditors are still only reporting it once a month. If you break up your credit card payments, not only will you keep your total balance lower, but the doubled-up reporting will speed along your credit score improvement!

But remember, if your credit score is so low that banks and other lenders totally ignore you when you apply for a loan, you should try a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Our quick and easy approval process will get you $100 to $1,300 cash guaranteed, even if you have bad credit. Contact us today to find out more about our 5 to 12 month repayment plans!

The Best Ways to Pay Off Your Personal Loan

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, the personal loan industry is alive and kicking!

Millions of Americans use personal loans, payday loans, and title loans every year. But still, some people aren't sure about the best ways of paying off their loans. It's always smart to avoid failing to pay back any lender you borrow from, so here are some great tips for quickly paying off your personal loans!

Borrow only what you need. While it may sound great (and feel great!) to have even more money than you need to pay your bills or to finish a project, be careful. By borrowing only what you really need, it'll be much easier to pay your personal loan off quickly.
Plan your repayment from the beginning. Make sure that you know from the beginning exactly how long it'll take you to repay your personal loan. For instance, Atlas Credit offers 5 to 12 month repayment plans designed fit your needs.
Always have sufficient funds on the due date. Each month, plan ahead to ensure you have the necessary funds to make your loan payment. It's always important to have the money to pay all of your bills, so make a budget and follow it to feel safe in your spending.
Ask questions when you need to. If you aren't sure about some aspect of your personal loan repayment, feel free to ask about any questions you might have. The friendly staff at your nearby Atlas Credit location will be more than happy to provide you with answers.

By following these tips, you'll be able to take out a personal loan and pay it off with ease. Remember, you can research Atlas Credit's personal loans online ahead of time and learn all you need to know about the loan process -- or, stop by one of our many locations throughout Texas in person to find out more!

Summer Savings Should Start Now!

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Summertime should be a season of outdoor fun in the sun -- but what if you don't have the savings set aside to afford some free time?

Sounds like a sorely missed opportunity. That means you need to start your summer savings now.

Here are some great tips for preparing a personal spending account for the summer:

Turn off your home air conditioner and throw those windows wide open every chance you get. The mild temperatures of spring always come with a cool breeze, so save all the money you can on your electricity bill!
Grow some veggies outside in a small garden. That way, you'll save time and money by not having to rush to the grocery store to buy tomatoes, carrots, green beans, or whatever else you can grow. You might even find you have a green thumb!
Talk to your employer about splitting your paycheck up and creating a savings account. You get to decide what amount from each check goes into that account, so start small at first. If this is done automatically, your savings will build up in no time!
Do your clothes and household items shopping at thrift stores. Many people fail to realize just how awesome the selection at many thrift stores can be -- which means they miss out on great deals. The money saved by not buying at full price can be put directly into your summer savings account!

With these tips, there's a great chance you'll have all you need to get away this summer and spend some quality time with your family and friends.

But there's one more thing to keep in mind: if you need money fast, you can always count on a personal loan from Atlas Credit. We can get your summer going with an immediate loan from $100 to $1,300 with a 5 to 12 month repayment plan. Even if you have bad credit, you should stop by one of our locations today to find what we can do for you!

Five Fast Frugal Facts for Your Finances

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 05:00:00 +0000

We all run into obstacles in our lives that could be solved by having just a little more money to spend. But many people find themselves unable to overcome those obstacles because of poor financial planning!

So today, we're going to talk about five things you can do to help you jump over any money hurdle. These tips are guaranteed to keep you financially sound -- for life!

1. You should always keep track of your spending.

The last thing you want is to find yourself out of money -- especially if you thought you still had plenty in the bank!

That's what makes personal record keeping so important. Whether that's writing down every dollar you spent during the week or checking your online banking app before and after every purchase, you'll be doing yourself a huge favor.

And if you find yourself broke, always remember that a personal loan from Atlas Credit can put you back on your feet in no time.

2. Keep lifestyle inflation in mind.

Simply put, the more money you have, the more money you'll spend. Think about it: if you have a higher salary, you'll be able to pay larger bills and buy more of what you want.

The problem, though, is that this can quickly snowball out of your control. It's hard to hold onto wealth when you keep spending it, so never take on too much at once. If you were to lose that big salary, you might find yourself in some serious stress!

3. Recognize needs vs. wants.

Before you make any purchase, try and figure out if it's a need or a want. A need is something like food, shelter, transportation, clothing, and healthcare. A want is something you wish you had, but isn't necessary to keep you living.

Your needs should always take top priority over your wants. After you take care of those needs -- that's when you can think about those wants. Or, you could try to supplement your income with an option like a personal loan to afford both.

4. Keep an emergency fund.

You never know what's right around the corner, so you should always keep some money tucked away just in case something unexpected comes up!

Unfortunately, not everybody has access to a sizeable enough emergency fund to get them by. If your car breaks down or a tree falls on your roof, you might need a quick injection of funds from a source like a personal loan from Atlas Credit.

5. Save as much as you can.

It's never too late to start saving your money! Even if that means putting spare change in a jar or tucking a few bucks into a savings account after every paycheck, it'll be worth it in the long run.

Of course, if you ever find yourself in need of quick cash to get by, you can always consider a personal loan from Atlas Credit. Even if you have bad credit, we can get you an immediate loan of up to $1,300 before you run into serious money troubles!

Spring Cleaning for Your Finances

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

These days, everyone has a few dusty old financial cobwebs in the corners of their lives that seriously need cleaning.

But instead of removing those cobwebs when they get the chance, people tend to let them linger longer than they should -- which can sometimes make them grow even bigger!

Don't let that happen. This season, figure out exactly what you can do to remove all of your financial cobwebs.

Get a jump on your Spring Cleaning process by eliminating any of these unnecessary expenditures:

Expensive habits like dining out for multiple meals a week
Subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, cable, magazines, or video game services
Overuse of electricity and other utilities
Too much monthly credit card use
Overpriced insurance policies

Consider the Benefits of Personal Loans

Sometimes, even after you perform a complete overhaul of your finances, you still have one additional obstacle in the way of accomplishing your goals: your credit score.

A bad credit score can make it tough to secure any additional financing from a traditional lender. That's why you should consider the immediate benefits of a personal loan -- a no credit check means of getting the money you need, ASAP.

If you follow these quick tips this season and consider the benefits of personal loans, you'll take a huge step in the right financial direction. Now doesn't that feel better?

Personal Loans: The Best Loans for Bad Credit

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Every now and then, we all find ourselves needing a little bit of extra cash to get by.

A lot of people like to go the credit card route -- but for others, credit cards simply are not an option because of their poor credit score.

If you're worried about your credit score, but you need cash today, here's how a personal loan might just be your best option!

Helping Your Bad Credit

Personal loans can be used to build your credit score back up to a respectable number. Or if you have no credit history at all, these loans can get you on your way to great credit.

Since these loans require multiple payments over time, they can help you create a history of repayment -- especially if you keep a timely repayment record!

How it Works

Let's say you want to borrow a quick $1,000 for emergency home repairs.

If you take out a loan that requires you to pay the amount back in 12 months, you would get an immediate check for $1,000 and then pay regular payments every month for the duration.

This sort of loan is quick and easy and stops you from having to deal with the complications that come with loans from a bank or other lender that might investigate your credit.

Atlas Credit Can Help

Atlas Credit has locations in North, South, and East Texas that can provide you with personal loans up to $1,300. You only need to prove to us that you're employed and can pay the loan back!

We don't require you to have a checking account, and we'll never charge any hidden fees.

If this sounds like the right choice for you, apply for one of our personal loans online or find an Atlas Credit location today!

Do You Qualify for a Personal Loan?

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

When looking at your options for personal loans online, you might have a few serious concerns at first.

But don't worry. Everyone has questions when looking for the best loans for bad credit.

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about personal loans:

Am I the Right Age for a Personal Loan?

Don't worry, you don't have to be any specific age to qualify for a personal loan -- as long as you're a legal adult when applying.

The reason why you can't borrow money before you're a legal adult is because you must be held financially responsible for whatever money you borrow. A minor can't be held legally financially responsible, so it wouldn't be in the best interests of any lender to loan you money.

So if you are under the legal age... ask your parents instead!

Will My Employment Status Matter?

Lenders care quite a bit about whether or not you're employed when you apply for a personal loan.

Why?

Because being employed shows that you have the means to repay whatever you borrow. If you're unemployed, you're not likely to have the finances needed to pay back a short-term loan.

And if you've only recently gotten a job, that's okay -- the majority of personal loan providers don't care whether you've worked with a company for two weeks or two years. All you have to show is that you will be able to repay the money they lend you.

Can I Get a Personal Loan in My State?

Many states do not offer individuals the option to apply for installment loans. In other words, your state has to approve of personal loans before lenders can even set up shop there.

But if you live in the state of Texas, you're in luck -- you'll be able to apply for personal loans!

Hopefully these answers clear up some of your questions about applying for personal loans online. With any luck, you'll be one step closer to accomplishing all your financial goals!

Make the Most of Tax Season

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 06:00:00 +0000

As a taxpayer, you might feel a little overwhelmed sometimes when tax season comes up.

No one wants to pay any more than they have to, so you always want to be sure you handle everything just right.

But don't worry -- it won't be as hard as you expect, especially if you keep these great tax season tips in mind!

Always claim anyone you've been supporting

If you've had a friend, significant other, or additional family member staying in your home for a while, you may be able to receive a dependent exemption of $4,000!

You'll have to make sure you fall under the specific rules for the exemption:

A non-relative must have lived with you for an entire year (relatives don't have to live with you to count as dependents)
A non-relative can't provide more than half of their own support
A non-relative can't earn more than $4,000 in taxable income

If this applies to you, get paid for your hospitality!

Keep refundable tax credits in mind

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most overlooked tax credits out there. It's worth up to $6,242 for a family with three or more children, yet one out of five taxpayers fail to claim it.

Why?

Because they may not realize they're qualified after changes in their income, or because they choose not to file their taxes if they make below the income filing threshold.

So, when you file your taxes, find out if you qualify -- it just might improve your year!

Declutter Your Life

Look around: do you see anything in your home or life you don't need or want any longer?

Odds are there's a charitable organization nearby that would be more than happy to accept items like clothing, books, furniture, electronics, and more.

If you declutter in this way, you can deduct it from your taxes! As long as the value of the items is more than $500, you can file a Form 8283 and receive your deduction.

And on top of your deduction, you can breathe easier without all that unnecessary clutter!

Research the Best Loans for Bad Credit

If you finish filing your taxes this season and feel like you could use a little more cash, you can always consider a personal loan to gain immediate security.

That's where Atlas Credit comes in. Contact us today, and we can provide you with an immediate personal loan no credit check required.

Because remember: you should never be scared of tax season!