| How to Reduce Your Car Payments Without Getting a Refinancing Loan Posted: 08 Jul 2016 05:00 PM PDT It is not uncommon for car-buyers to become trapped in what can seem like an unsustainable car payment. The reasons for this are numerous and can include high interest rates, poor credit, a minimal down-payment, or purchasing from a "buy here, pay here" dealer who extends unfavorable or predatory terms. Couple these conditions with financial hardship such as a job-loss, medical situation, or unexpected bills, and default becomes a possibility. This situation often becomes more complex if the buyer has insufficient credit for refinancing, or the conditions aren't favorable. In this case, the only option available without refinancing is car-loan modification, which often occurs via the use of financial hardship assistance programs with your lender. EditPart 1: Understanding Car Loan Modification - Learn what car loan modification is. If you are late or missing car payments, loan modification is an option to avoid repossession of the vehicle. Loan modification is similar to refinancing, but occurs under distressed conditions, and usually involves a change in existing terms to make the loan more affordable.[1]
- Loan modification can involve several different changes to your loan. This could include a lowering of your interest-rate, an extension of your term (which lowers your monthly payment, but would result in you paying for a longer period and therefore more interest over time). It can also include forbearance -- which refers to making little to no payments for a very specific period of time -- or various other options.
- Every lender has a different approach to loan modification. Some lenders do not permit it at all, whereas some lenders have official financial hardship programs for borrowers with difficulty repaying. Toronto-Dominion Bank, for example, has a "loan repayment solutions" program, which offers distressed borrowers individualized plans that can include modification, forbearance, or several other options.[2]
- Learn the difference between loan modification and loan refinancing. Keep in mind that modification and refinancing are very different. Refinancing refers replacing an existing loan with a new loan that has a lower rate, or more favorable terms. A modification refers to taking the existing loan and adjusting the terms, often for a short-time, for borrowers who are in a distressed condition. For individuals with poor credit, refinancing may not be an option, making modification a better choice.
- Lenders are often open to modification because repossessing a car is not a favorable option for the lender. When a car is repossessed, there can often be significant costs involved in preparing for resale. It is often a simpler option for a bank to simply restructure the loan.
- Another key difference between loan modification and loan refinancing is that refinancing is a permanent solution, whereas modification is often temporary until what hardship lead to the modification is relieved. If you suffer a job loss for example, you may be permitted to make reduced payments until you are employed once again.
- Determine if car loan modification is right for you. The process of modifying a car loan can be difficult and time consuming, therefore, its important to make sure it is the right option for you.
- If your car loan is underwater or "upside-down" you may qualify. This means your debt is worth more than the car itself, which would leave outstanding debt if the car was sold. Modification can help correct this
- If you had an accident or other incident that reduced your car value significantly, modification can also be the right option.
- If you suffered a job loss or income reduction and are having difficulties making payments, a loan modification can also correct this.
- If you are in any situation where a default is a likely option, modification should always be explored as a way to reduce payments, as the lender would rather explore options than default.
- Determine if you qualify for loan modification. Generally, in order to receive any type of loan modification or hardship assistance, you will need to demonstrate you qualify before applying. Usually, qualification depends on several factors.[3]
- It is important to have a decent track record of honestly trying to repay debt. If you have a positive track record of making an effort to repay debt and working with the lender, they are more likely to assist you in a modification.
- Demonstrate that unforeseen circumstances lead to your inability to pay. This can include a job loss, divorce, medical emergency, or any factor beyond your control. Poor budgeting will often not suffice as a reason, but if your financial situation is such that you cannot afford to live while making payments, it is worth approaching the lender.
EditPart 2: Applying For Car Loan Modification - Calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DIR). This is an important preparation step, as it allows you to determine how in debt you actually are, and if modification is likely to be accepted.
- The DIR is simply the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your monthly income. To calculate it, divide your monthly debt payments by your income. For example, if you pay $1000 a month to various forms of debt, and your income is $1500, you would have a very high DIR of 60%. Between 30-40% is considered reasonable.
- Contact your lender. Look online or call your lender to check if your lender has an official financial hardship or loan modification program. If they do, simply follow the instructions to proceed.
- If your lender does not have a specific program, call them and explain your situation. Make it clear that you are unable to continue making payments under the current arrangement, and that you are worried about being at risk of default. The lender will then inform you if loan modification or assistance is an option, or if the lender simply does not provide that service. Most lenders will be receptive, since defaulting is not a favorable option for them either.
- Make it clear to the lender that you want to pay the loan. Let them know your intention is to pay the loan in full, and that with some mild assistance, it is possible. [4]
- Prepare the required documentation. Just because the lender agrees to the idea does not mean the process is over -- it is now necessary to prove your financial hardship is viable.
- The lender will likely request several documents. Be prepared to include paystubs, phone bills, utility bills, bank statements, or even notarized letters
- Write a hardship letter. The hardship letter (sometimes referred to as a request for assistance) will usually be required, but if it is not, it is always a good idea to submit one anyway. This letter will outline why your car payment is unaffordable, and why your income is reduced and your expenses are increased.[5]
- Be sure to include the specific reasons as to why you are requesting a modification. Refer to Part 1, Step 3 above, and make sure that you demonstrate clearly that you have been making honest efforts to repay, that you have been afflicted by some unforeseen circumstance beyond your control (job loss, income reduction, medical expenses, illness, divorce, unexpected expenses, death of a family member), and that the current circumstance is likely to last more than a few months. Be honest, and do not be afraid to include numbers confirming your income reduction.
- Provide a specific request for new terms. This could include the precise amount you can afford to pay each month, an end date for the new reduced payment. Think about how much you can afford, and for how long, and make sure to specify this. Being too open can lead to unfavorable terms being extended.[6]
- Submit your documentation and wait for a response. After the application is complete, you can simply wait to hear back from the lender. If possible, still try and make payments during this period. Often repossessions can occur while waiting for approval, so make sure that the individuals responsible for the modification are communicating with the repossession team to ensure they are aware of the process.
- Responding to the lender's offer. The lender may offer several different options depending on what they have available to them, and your particular situation. This may include lower interest rates, reduced payments for a short-term until whatever difficult you have ends, or adding missed payments to the back of your loan.
- If the new terms the lender offers will not decrease your odds of a default, make this very clear. However, if you are clear in your hardship letter about exactly what you need and what you can afford, it reduces the odds the lender will come back with something unfavorable.
- Make sure that you restructure your own personal budget after the agreement is signed. This will further help you in improving your finances, especially when the hardship plan is temporary.
- Although modification of a loan can be a stressful and time consuming process, by sticking to the new terms and restructuring your personal budget to give loan repayments top priority, it is very possible to both keep your vehicle, and begin the process of improving your credit.
- Be prepared for the possibility of losing the first negotiation with the lender. If this is the case, try to request for a supervisor to get involved in the negotiation.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Recognize a Stroke in Dogs Posted: 08 Jul 2016 09:00 AM PDT Knowing the risks, signs, and symptoms of a stroke means that you can provide your dog with proper care and make it comfortable if you suspect a stroke. Although all dogs can potentially suffer from a stroke, older dogs, dogs that are overweight, or dogs that have certain health problems are more likely to experience a stroke. If you know what to look for and what to do, it can help you to keep calm and it allows you to seek veterinary advice more quickly. While it is important to comfort a dog during what is probably an extremely frightening experience, knowing how to identify and treat a stroke can potentially even save your dog's life. EditKnowing the Signs of a Stroke - Identify the common symptoms of a stroke. The symptoms of a stroke are varied, from sudden loss of balance to altered consciousness. Review the signs of a stroke and keep an eye on a dog you suspect is having a stroke. You want to be able to identity any of the key symptoms.
 - Extreme weakness: There may be a neurological weakness of the limbs. This means that the nerves are not working and therefore do not give the legs the right information about how to stand up and support the dog. Although the muscles are strong enough to support the body, they do not receive the right nerve messages and so the animal is extremely weak and unable to stand.
- Nystagmus: Nystagmus is the technical term for when the eyes flick rapidly from side to side, as if watching a tennis match on fast forward. This is a common indicator of stroke, although it can also happen for other reasons, such as meningitis. Again, once nystagmus starts it can last for days. It also makes the pet feel nauseous, because it invokes a form of motion sickness. Because of this, the dog may vomit and lose interest in food.
- Sudden loss of balance. Be on the look out for a dog that cannot coordinate its limbs.
- Altered consciousness: In severe strokes some dogs may seizure or fit, whilst others may lose consciousness. This means they are unaware of what is going on around them and do not respond to their name or other stimuli.
- Differentiate between the symptoms of a stroke and the symptoms of other conditions. A stroke is a sudden event. You should suspect a stroke if a pet that was fine and normal 5 minutes ago, is now struggling to get up. If the dog is struggling because its dizzy, such as if they have heart disease, this episode may pass within a few minutes, once the dog has caught its breath be able to rise and walk around. A dog that has had a stroke, however, will remain disorientated for hours or even days.
- Please note, this symptom also overlaps with inflammation in the balance mechanism in the inner ear.
- In addition, there is a sliding scale of weakness, depending on the severity of the stroke. Sometimes if it is only mild the dog can stand and walk around slowly as if drunk, other times the dog is incapacitated, lies on their side and is barely conscious.
- Understand how the length of stroke symptoms is central to a diagnosis of a stroke. To be classified as a stroke, technically the symptoms must persist for longer than 24 hours. If the symptoms resolve before this, and yet there is a strong suspicions of a blockage in the brain, it is instead known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) . TIAs are a strong warning sign that a full blown stroke is on the way, and so always seek veterinary attention so any underlying causes can be corrected to reduce this risk.
- Be aware that conditions other than a stroke can cause similar symptoms to those of a stroke. Because these conditions are vastly different, the treatment will differ. However, do not worry too much about labelling your dog's condition but instead seek urgent help.
- Contact your veterinarian if you suspect a stroke. There are several symptoms that can point towards your pet having had a stroke. However, do not be too concerned about reaching a specific diagnosis at home, because calling the symptoms a stroke is just a label. What is important is that if you see one or some of these signs you should get urgent veterinary attention for your pet.[1]
EditCaring For a Dog You Suspect Has Had a Stroke - Keep calm. If you believe your dog has had a stroke, the first thing to do is keep calm. Your dog will need your help in order to survive, so keep your wits about you and focus on helping your pup.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable. Put the dog in a quiet, warm environment. Make him or her as comfortable as possible by placing it on a padded bed and removing nearby furniture it could hurt itself on.
- If your dog is unable to stand, turn it to lie on the opposite side of its body every half an hour to reduce the risk of pneumonia because of blood pooling in one side of his lungs.
- Put water near your dog so it can drink without getting up. If it doesn't want to drink for a long time, wipe its gums with a wet cloth to give it some moisture.
- Phone the veterinarian and seek an urgent care appointment. If this emergency happens on a weekend or late at night, call your vets emergency line. If you get not response, you may need to find an emergency veterinary clinic to take your dog to.
- Make note of your dog's symptoms so you can relay them to the veterinarian over the phone. It's important to know the strength and length of symptoms, so that you can properly communicate the severity of your dog's condition to the vet.
- Understand what your veterinarian will do for your dog. The priorities for treatment of a dog that has had a stroke include minimizing swelling to the brain and maximizing oxygen to the brain.[2] This will be done with medication and medical care. In addition, your veterinary office will be able to take care of secondary concerns, such as keeping your dog hydrated and comfortable.
EditAssessing Whether Your Dog is at Risk of Stroke - Understand the basics aspects of a stroke. A stroke is caused by an interruption to the blood flow to part of the brain. It is a hallmark of strokes that they have a sudden onset, because of the sudden nature of a blood clot switching off the blood supply to part of the brain. The exact symptoms depend on which precise area of the brain is affected, but there are several symptoms held in common, no matter where the blood clot lodges.[3]
- A stroke is almost always caused by a blood clot which lodges and causes obstruction in the blood vessel, but it is also possible that it's caused by a plug of fat that has dislodged and circulated to the brain. A stroke can even be caused by a plug of bacteria in the brain.
- For many years there was dispute amongst veterinarians about whether animals had strokes or not. But this argument has now been largely won by the "yes they do happen" camp, because sophisticated imaging techniques, such as MRI scans, have produced pictures of the blockages in the brain.[4]
- Figure out if your dog is in an "at risk" category for stroke. Those dogs most at risk are often older, and have pre-existing health condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or Cushing's disease. Some veterinarians anecdotally report that dogs with underactive thyroid glands are at increased risk of stroke, but the data to prove this is lacking.
- Think about other risk factors. Other problems that can predispose a dog to a stroke include heartworm, where larvae can break off and circulate to the brain to cause a blockage. Also at risks are dogs with a history of clotting problems, with kidney disease, a high fever, or cancer.[5]
- The lowest risk group for stroke are young, fit dogs with no health problems that are regularly treated against heartworm.
- Know that dogs differ from people. Be aware that a stroke in a dog has a different presentation to in people. Whereas a person may be affected down one side of their body and their speech may be affected, this is not the case with dogs. They present in the ways described above.[6]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Get a UK Visa Posted: 08 Jul 2016 01:00 AM PDT If you are not a British citizen, you may need permission from the government to enter or stay in the country. Applying for a visa to the United Kingdom (UK) is a straightforward process. The type of visa you apply for will depend on your reasons for going to the UK, whether that's to visit, study, work or settle. EditApplying for a Visa - Check if you need a visa. Even if you are not a British citizen, there are several groups of travelers who will not need a visa in order to enter the UK. Getting a visa can be a long and expensive process, so if you don't need one, it's probably better not to bother.[1]
- Certain groups have free passage into the UK. Citizens of other European Union nations, non-EU members of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and members of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) do not need a visa.
- People who definitely need a visa include those who are stateless, hold a non-national travel document, hold a passport from an authority unrecognized in the UK, or are a refugee.
- Find out what kind of visa you need. There are a number of different visas available from the UK. The kind you get will depend on your purpose for visiting the country, what country you are coming from, and how long you intend to stay. Check your circumstances through the visa website to see what kind of visa you require.[2]
- There are a number of other countries from which the UK does not require a visa for any visit less than six months, including the United States. When you search for your visa, the British government will tell you that, and also provide a list of documents you will need when you enter the country.
- Get tested for tuberculosis (TB). If you are visiting the UK for more than 6 months and are a resident of a specific list of countries, you'll need a tuberculosis test. You will get a chest x-ray, and may need to give a sample of sputum (phlegm coughed up from your lungs).[3]
- The clinic that tests you must have been approved by the British Home Office. The British government has a full list of the countries that require a test, as well as lists of approved clinics.[4]
- There are some additional rules that provide exemptions from TB testing. If you are a diplomat accredited to the UK, a returning resident who hasn't been away for more than 2 years, or you lived for at least 6 months in a country that the UK doesn't require testing from and you've been away from that country for no more than 6 months, you don't need a TB test for a UK visa.
- Fill out an application. Apply through the British government's service, available online at the Visa4UK site: [1]. You will be able to fill out an application for your visa, which includes information about what type of visa you would like, how long you intend to stay, and the purpose of your visit. When you are finished, print out the form.
- You will need to register an account at the site before you begin. You will need to include information such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and current address and contact information.
- You can receive the forms in your native language, but all of your answers need to be given in English.
- There is a specific new service available for Standard Visitor, Marriage Visitor, and Permitted Paid Engagement visas from China, India, Russia, Belarus, Benin, Nigeria, South Africa and Turkey.
- The UK does not allow the online application in every country. If yours is one of them, you need to go to the application centre and fill one out there.
- Pay the visa fee. The cost of your application will depend on several factors, including the type of visa you are trying to get and how long you intend to stay in the UK. Each visa costs a different amount, so be sure you know what you are expecting to pay before you begin the application.[5]
- There are additional services available in some countries, such as priority service for fasting processing. You will be able to select and pay for these services when you fill out the online application. You can also select and pay for some of these services at the application centre when you submit your application.
EditSubmitting Your Visa Application - Find your local visa application centre. In order to finish your visa application, you should bring your materials to an application centre. That is where you will submit your application materials.[6]
- To receive a British visa while in Canada, for example, you will need to visit one of the centres in Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax, or St. John's.[7]
- Some countries do not have application centres, so you will need to apply through a centre in a neighboring country. For example, if you hold a passport from Bhutan, you will need to visit an application centre in India for your visa.
- Make an appointment. These appointments are usually made as part of the application process, so when you fill out your application, it will ask you to arrange a time to visit the application centre. Be sure to print out the email confirmation you receive for your application. You will not be able to go to your appointment without it.[8]
- Go to your application appointment. You should get to the application centre 10 minutes before your appointment to sign in. If you are late, you will miss your appointment, and need to reschedule, which can take some time. All visa applicants are required to book an appointment before submitting their application.[9]
 - Remember to bring any supporting documents required to your appointment as well. These documents can include a confirmation of your appointment, a valid passport or travel document, a signed and dated printout of your application, a printout of your payment receipt, and any other supporting documents relevant to your application.
- Your appointment will include the collection of biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph. Depending on the country, you can bring a photograph with you[10], or have one taken there.[11] If you are in a nation that takes a digital finger scan, make sure your fingers are free of decoration, cuts, abrasions, or any other markings that might make it difficult to get an acceptable scan. If you are having your picture taken there, it should not include sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or any head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons.
- Some appointments will require an interview, such as a student applying for a Tier 4 visa under the Point based system. Make sure to include this information when you make your appointment.[12]
- The UK offers a range of additional visa services, such as the priority service, for faster processing. You can find out which services are available on your local visa application centre's website. You can usually select and pay for additional services ahead of your appointment, or on arrival at the application centre.
- Get your visa. Once you receive confirmation that you are approved, go back to the centre to pick up your passport and visa. You are now certified to travel to the UK.
- In some larger countries, like the United States, the British government's Decision Making Centre will mail your documents directly to you. They will also notify you by email when they have made a decision.[13]
- Processing times vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, so check with your application centre to see how long you can expect to wait.[14] From the United Arab Emirates, for example, UK Visas and Immigration will try to return non-settlement visas within 15 working days. Settlement visas can take a little longer, within 12 weeks. These times are estimates, as the government will review each application individually.[15]
- Even if you do not need a visa, it is important to bring relevant documents with you when you arrive in the UK so you can enter the country.
- If you have any questions about the process, contact the UK Visas and Immigration Office. They are available by telephone, email, or a live webchat. Consult the office's website for the best way to contact based on your location.[16]
- Some UK visa applications have a maintenance requirement in which you must have evidence that you have held a certain amount of money in your personal bank account for a given amount of time. Read up on your particular visa and make sure that you have held the necessary funds for at least the minimum amount of time required. If you have not held the minimum amount of money for the minimum amount of time required, your application will be denied.
- Because of the time it takes to process an application, it is better to wait and make travel arrangements after you have a visa. You don't want to miss a flight because your visa isn't ready. Apply for a visa as soon as you know you intend to travel to the UK.
- There are a number of criminals around the world who try to defraud people by providing visas. You can only receive an official British visa through the British government. Be aware of people who promise that they can speed up the application process, or ask to collect money directly. Legitimate visa officers will only meet you at official application centres, and will only collect money there or through British government websites. Communication will only come from email addresses that end in ".gov.uk". If you are suspicious, or think you are the victim of fraud, contact the [ActionFraud website or call 0300 123 2040 in the UK.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment