Determined to change the face of finance – particularly in light of the ongoing Royal Commission into financial institutions – local finance brokerage, SJ Financial Services has launched a new program to help people prepare for loans.
The Credit Ready Program is an online tutorial designed to help people take control of their finances and ensure they are in the best credit position possible before applying for a loan, in order to achieve the best outcomes.
SJ Financial Services Director, Sandra Jeffery said the Credit Ready Program was created as a tool that encouraged people to develop sound money management habits.
“Good money management is the key to getting into a good financial position,” Sandra said.
“It is important when it comes to borrowing money that people do so from a sound starting position as too often a lack of understanding leads to bad outcomes for borrowers.
“The Credit Ready Program is ideal for first time borrowers, people who have had loan applications declined and are unsure why, and those who have a bad credit history due to poor financial choices in the past.
“The program is just as valuable for people who have borrowed money before but want to be in a better credit position to ensure they get the best loan possible in the future.”
Over the course of three months, participants are guided through a six-part program that will assist people to understand how to budget to create better money management habits; create good banking habits; understand their credit score and what it means; improve their credit report; understand the pros and cons of payday lending; and understand how lenders determine their loan affordability.
“Most people at some stage in their life will need to apply for a loan and whether it is for a large sum or something more modest, money management is vital, but it is a skill we are not born with,” Sandra said.
“Like driving a car or playing an instrument, the skill of managing money must be learned – and it’s never too late to start!
“The Credit Ready Program unpacks all the factors lenders look at when considering a loan application, such as capacity to repay, bank statements clear of red flags and acceptable credit scores, to give borrowers the best chance of getting a loan approved.
“The program also provides information on how to address errors in a credit report that may be impacting the likelihood of securing a loan.”
IMAGE | SJ Financial Services Founder, Sandra Jeffery.