Cathford Group Credit Inc. not only believes in being different for a good reason, it also strives to act in a way as to make people truly believe they can also be different and can overcome common and extraordinary obstacles often put in their way to achieving their precious dreams.

First and foremost, Cathford Group Credit Inc. Tokyo, Japan, believes that every person deserves access to credit in order to provide them opportunities to attain their potentials. Cathford's simple mission as a company then is to "provide easy and convenient ways for consumers to obtain access to the credit they need".

If anyone has a need for a personal loan from $1,000 to $10,000, Cathford Group Credit Inc. can provide it any time it is needed. And it can be done conveniently online from the company's centrally-located office in downtown Chicago. Being a subsidiary of Cash America International, Inc., a NYSE-listed firm (CSH), Cathford has the facility, ability and resources to fulfill its mission and to enhance its delivery of their service to its clients.

Internally, Cathford Group Credit Inc. is a compact, focused and an unabashedly personal company, ready to deliver the best solutions to their clients. The company's capable developers, customer support specialists and other members stand ready to satisfy clients' needs to make the experience of acquiring their loan easy and convenient indeed.

Often loan applications are disregarded or disapproved due to a single criterion, parameter or number. Cathford has transcended this petty decision-making norm by developing a strong decision strategy which takes into account several factors and not just credit score to qualify a loan applicant as well as to customize the loan package to suit the borrower's specific needs.

The simpler the process, the better for everyone concerned. And the less stress involved the better for everyone as well. These are the guiding principles for Cathford. Hence, it strives to offer simple, fast and unencumbered access to funds through online "no hidden fees" policy. The moment we see so many requirements and so many intricate conditions, a warning sign lights up telling us either something fishy is going on or some hidden agenda are present. Not for Cathford, the less complication and the more readily one gets what one needs, the better for the productivity of all concerned.

This may sound naïve and even unbelievable in today's financial norm; but it has been that way for Cathford for years. Don't take our word for it; find out for yourself and call Cathford Group Credit Inc. today.

Faced with a shrinking economy and tepid loan demand at home, Japan's largest banks are looking to bolster their presence in India, enthused by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reform agenda and improving ties between the two countries.

While some European and US lenders are sitting on the fence after being bruised by the country's sharp slowdown, Japanese banks are betting aggressively on Modi's pledge to restart growth and attract foreign investment.

Standard Chartered (STAN.L), the biggest foreign player in India, said it remained watchful on the country after the slowest growth since the 1980s hit many of its corporate clients.

Financial Group Inc (8411.T) plan to grow their loan books through branch openings and offerings of new services such as corporate deposits, M&A financing and debt capital market advisory, bank executives said.

They see an opportunity to expand in a sector dominated by inefficient state-owned banks and where foreign lenders control only 6 percent of total banking assets. By contrast, foreign banks control nearly a third of banking assets in Indonesia and more than a fifth in Brazil. With Japan setting a target of doubling investments in India within five years and New Delhi scrambling to attract long-term investment to shore up its creaky infrastructure, Japanese banks are trying to move quickly.

"Our balance sheet is strong. We can absorb our lending exposure to our Indian clients... better than European, American banks," Mizuho Bank India CEO Shinichiro Kashiwagi said.

India is the key focus market for Mizuho Bank in Asia, besides Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan, he told Reuters.

In a sign India is willing to boost business and political ties with Japan, Modi visited Tokyo in his first major foreign visit after a landslide electoral victory in May.

Mizuho, which received approval for its fifth Indian branch in Gujarat days before Modi's Tokyo visit, is hiring and will move its local headquarters in Mumbai to a bigger premises.

These bonds could be a cheap borrowing option for Indian companies. But Japanese buyers may be reluctant to buy paper issued by Indian companies, few of which are credit-worthy.

Furthermore, winning business in a market where foreign banks' operations are tightly regulated could prove an uphill struggle, financial services consultants say.

Other risks include bad debts, a factor likely to keep Japanese banks focused on big companies, rather than smaller or medium-sized ones. A tenth of India's total loans is considered non-performing or has been restructured.

MOMENTUM

Buoyed by Modi's commitment to get rid of frequent power blackouts and bumpy roads, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, seeks to tap more project finance business, said Daisuke Inoue, a senior executive at the lender's international banking unit.

Rival MUFG, with a 22 percent stake in Morgan Stanley (MS.N), plans to work closely with the U.S. bank to help finance an expected wave of foreign acquisitions by Indian firms.

For those transactions, MUFG will offer its balance sheet and Morgan Stanley its advisory services, said Taiju Hisai, India head of Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, the banking unit of MUFG.

For those who have ever thought of owning a house, you can be sure they were overwhelmed when they first realized they'll have to face taxes and repair that comes with it, among other things. Even for those who have already experienced buying a house before, it can still be a daunting task as it includes not just paying for it but working out all the paperwork.

Due to this perceived difficulty, it is imperative that all prospective home owners, especially the first-timers, be able to get advice from capable professionals.

And since Cathford Group Credit Inc. is feeling extra generous at this time of the year, here are a couple of tips we've rounded up to help you out:

Find a dependable realtor -- arguably the single most important step that home buyers should take. This is because experienced professionals in the real estate industry knows their field like the back of their hand so you can be sure hiring one will save you a lot of trouble and money.

Secure a loan pre-approval. Consult with your Cathford Group Credit Inc. realtor about working with a loan expert or a bank that can help you in getting a pre-approval letter. They can discuss with you what your options are depending on your credit score, downpayment budget and monthly income. A pre-approved loan will also be an advantage during the negotiations because a seller would obviously tend to approve of prospective buyers who can at least prove that they are capable of paying. On the other hand, if you realized that you can't afford much in your current status, the loan professional can advise you on what steps to take to increase the chances of getting the loan.

Communicate honestly. Your realtor and lender would need complete and accurate information from you especially regarding your financial status so cooperation with them is naturally needed to successfully close a deal. Failure to complete paperwork related to your net worth or credit is certainly going to cause problems in the long run. At best, you could lose the house; at worst, you could be sued for mortgage fraud.

Also, if you feel that you don't totally understand something, don't hesitate to ask your realtor or lender. Keep in mind that they are working for you so you should be on the same page at all times. Besides, if you don't say you're not getting something, there's no way they'll know you're having problems.

Rely on your realtor during the negotiations. The best course to take during the negotiation process is to let your realtor discuss with the seller on your behalf. This is because your emotional state could hamper your ability to objectively discuss the concerned details. Anyway, it's the realtor's main job to get the best price for you and to help you comprehend how much the house is really worth, depending on several factors. Their expertise should help you greatly on how much offer to make, too.

Mind the time. It's alright to take your time in making big decisions like purchasing a new house but you should also consider that it probably won't be in the market forever. As such, it'd be best to make all communications among your loan adviser, your realtor and the seller as quick as possible. Moreover, when it comes to the offer to purchase, there will certainly be a deadline indicated. So if you take too long from making the offer to coming to close the deal, you might lose the chance to own it.

Just keep in mind that all the time and effort which goes in all the said process will be worth it once you step inside your new property.

Getting a bank loan approved is not the easiest process. In light of recent economic troubles across the nation, lenders are looking for a lot more in a loan applicant and are more strict. While there are several key areas lenders will be focusing on, it is important that you are ready to present the perfect, complete package for review if you hope to get approved.

Here are 5 important steps you need to follow to ensure you bank loan can be processed without problems:

1. Understand your preferences

Before heading to your bank, check out loan packages online and see what competitors are offering. You need to be aware of what kind of loan you are looking for, the terms you can reasonably afford, and your goal for paying off the loan as fast as possible. If you are looking for a specific type of loan (auto, mortgage, personal) make sure you find the best deal for you. There may be many loan offers arriving in your mailbox, but check out the fine print before going further.

2. Ask questions

When you find the loan package you are most interested in, contact the bank directly to find out upfront what the requirements are for loan eligibility. You may need to make an appointment in person to discuss the necessary materials, documents, and timelines you will need to get started on the approval process. Banks have different requirements and it will be important to know what they are upfront so you can be prepared.

3. Know your limitations

If you are pursuing a loan, you should already be aware of your credit history and current score. The bank should tell you the range of credit scores required for loan approval. Plan ahead and request a copy of your history and score several weeks prior to your application. Review your credit history for accuracy and give yourself time to correct any errors in your history report. Lenders today will rely heavily on your past usage of credit. If there are mistakes on your report, you may end up with a lower score which can hurt your chances of loan approval. Consider your financial limitations when planning for a loan. Apply for the loan based on your financial ability to make repayments you can afford.

4. Create a checklist

Based on the information from the bank, it's wise to create a checklist of the appropriate documentation needed for the loan application. It can take some time to secure the documents you need from creditors, your employer, and other financial resources. Incomplete applications can be cause for loan denial.

5. Have the right expectations

Again, applying for a loan when you're in a hurry is never a good idea. Loan officers have a certain protocol for approving a loan and getting you the money. During the process, make sure to discuss the sequence of events so you'll have an idea of when to expect an answer. While some loans can be pre-approved upfront, the specifics may not be known until a few weeks have passed. Ask the loan officers for advice on following up. Your goal will be to secure a loan you have the means to repay. You may also need to outline the reasoning behind the loan. If it's a personal loan, the lender might want to know how you plan to use the cash, for example, you may need it for home improvements or debt reduction. The loan process can be a frustrating one and if the loan you applied for is not approved, the lender may provide the specific reasoning behind the denial. It can be dangerous to your credit to continually apply for just any loan you think you may be able to get. Too many loan applications can ruin your credit and obliterate your chances of securing one in the near future.

It's harder than ever for young adults to save and get ahead in our current economy. Modest incomes and college loans make it tough to assemble enough cash to purchase a car or make a down payment on a house. It doesn't help that credit standards have tightened, putting bank loans out of reach for those without a strong credit history.

It's no wonder people are looking to family members for some financial help, and while you may want to help, lending to a family member isn't always the best idea. I am not saying it can't work, I actually borrowed from my dad when I was right out of college. Here are a few reasons why you may want to think long and hard before you make that loan to a family member:

Tricky to negotiate

When family is involved, people tend to think with their hearts rather than their brains. Settling on terms that are agreeable to both people involved is easier said than done. One person may view the loan as more of a favor or obligation than a business transaction, setting the stage for misunderstanding. And when opinions differ about the size of a loan and the terms of repayment, it can be difficult to find common ground.

Lack of enforcement

A conventional loan has built-in rules that help keep borrowers on track. In contrast, there's often a nebulous framework surrounding a family loan. If there's no consequence for a late payment, there's little incentive to make payments on-time. As a result, a loan to a family member can stretch from months to years to decades, simply because it can.

Altered relationship

Money has a way of driving a wedge between the best of relationships. A family loan changes the dynamics between even the most well-intentioned family members. A loan tips the balance of power, and one or both parties may find themselves feeling resentful once money has changed hands. Suddenly the lender has the upper hand, and the borrower may feel angry at the lender's scrutiny of spending habits. Similarly, the lender may feel entitled to be more involved in the borrower's personal life, creating unpleasant friction.

Ripple effect

A loan within the family can cause problems beyond the borrower and lender. Other family members may frown on the loan. Siblings or cousins may be jealous. Grandparents may feel protective; parents may want to intervene. Aunts and uncles may take sides. As more people and emotions are dragged into the fray, the stickier it can be.

High potential for default

Individuals who borrow money from family members often do so because their credit is shaky, which likely means the risk of default under these circumstances will be higher than average. The takeaway? Make sure you can live without the money before you part with it.

Poor rate of return

Lending money to a family member is rarely a good investment if you're weighing your return in hard dollars. You may never see a dime of principal, let alone interest. If you're satisfied knowing your money helped someone you care about, then you may be okay with a low rate of return.

No going back

Once you've extended a family loan, it's hard to undo. The money is out there, with uncertain promise of return. Feelings can be easily hurt and difficult to repair. If you can't afford the risks that come with loaning money to a family member, you're well within your rights to say no. But if you do decide to provide a financial loan to a family member, do yourself a favor and consult an expert. Meet with your financial advisor to determine how a loan will impact your overall net worth and what steps you can take to make up the deficit. It's also a good idea to draw up an agreement with terms of the loan, including clear expectations for repayment.

By Byron Ellis (Financial Columnist)

Personal finance tips: Keeping car loans in check, and more



Three top pieces of financial advice - from how pay impacts credit to new rules for inherited IRAs

How pay impacts credit

A pay cut may hurt twice, says Christine DiGangi at Credit.com. While "income isn't reported to credit bureaus," the size of your paycheck "can still have an impact on your credit standing." For starters, your income will affect your ability to make loan payments and determine how much total debt you actually have. And while your salary isn't factored into your credit score, "it's often part of a credit application," with some lenders setting standards for debt-to-income ratios before taking on a customer. If your cash flow does change, the first thing you need to adjust is your budget. And be sure to pay "extra attention to your bank accounts," and limit your credit card purchases to correct your spending habits and protect your credit.

Keeping car loans in check

Quit extending that car loan, says Kerri Anne Renzulli at Time. According to a new report by Experian, the average length of new car loans is at a record high of five and a half years. But longer loans are "costing us, big time." Car loans of five years or more may require lower monthly payments, but that only means you are paying more interest over time. And since cars are depreciating assets, longer loans work against you by limiting your equity in the car even as it loses value. The best way to save on monthly costs is to put more money down and reduce the amount you need to finance. When negotiating, try to be armed with rate quotes from outside lenders, which may encourage car dealers to improve their financing offers.

New rules for inherited IRAs

Beware of bequeathing your IRA, says Dan Caplinger at Daily Finance. The Supreme Court issued a new ruling last week that changes the game for inherited IRAs. The decision "drew distinctions between one's own retirement accounts and those inherited," making the latter fair game for creditors seeking to collect on the deceased's debts. Surviving spouses can still roll inherited IRAs into their own accounts, but for other heirs, the impact could be huge. Individuals who plan to bequeath "substantial amounts in IRAs" should consider making serious changes to their estate planning, "establishing trusts to receive inherited IRA money rather than leaving it outright to your heirs." But be careful here, too, since the wrong terms can "reduce or eliminate the ability to stretch out IRA distributions and preserve tax benefits."

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Dear Dr. Don,

I purchased my house for $345,000 in February 2013 with a down payment of $15,000. My loan is for $305,000 and the house is worth $400,000.

Do you think it would be smart to take out a home equity line of credit to pay down my loan in order to qualify to cancel my private mortgage insurance policy? I'd like to get rid of my PMI payments. What's the best way to accomplish this goal?

Thank you,

- Addie Amortize


Dear Addie,

Homeowners often dislike private mortgage insurance, which is seen as an added expense. The policy protects the lender, not the homeowner. In truth, PMI allowed you to buy a home with a smaller down payment. You gained any appreciation in the home's value over that time and obtained a better interest rate. That describes your situation and you've only been in the home for a year.

Assuming your appraisal of the home's value is accurate, refinancing is an option to be relieved of PMI, but the interest rate could be higher. You'll need to pay closing costs, another added expense, on the new mortgage.

So, let's talk about the notion of getting a home equity line or loan to pay down your first mortgage so the PMI can be canceled.

If your loan was sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, they allow you to count the home's appreciation while determining when you may cancel the PMI policy. There are, however, so-called loan seasoning requirements. These require an outstanding loan balance of 75 percent if you've lived in the home for at least two years. Otherwise, you must have an outstanding loan balance of 80 percent if you've been in the home for at least five years.

My suggestion is that you wait it out. You've had the current mortgage for over a year. If you wait until the two-year mark, and if your loan was sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, then you'll meet their standard for requesting PMI cancellation. That will help you avoid a new HELOC or a home equity loan to accomplish the goal.

You will need to initiate the request to terminate the PMI policy and are responsible for the cost of an appraisal acceptable to the agency and the lender. Talk to your lender to get further details as you approach your second anniversary in the home.

Dear Dr. Don,

I work for a large telecommunications company with a 401(k) managed by a major financial services corporation. I have taken out several loans over the years and currently have three loans outstanding. The bimonthly loan payment amounts are taken directly out of my paycheck. I'm wondering why it takes up to four business days for my loan payments to be posted. With thousands of other people in my position, who's getting this loan interest?

Thank you,

-Ramiro Remits

Dear Ramiro,

Generally, the money segregated from an individual's compensation to repay a loan is held by the employer or the trust for their retirement plan.

While the money held by the employer is generally not invested, employers are under strict time constraints to have the benefit allocated to the trust for the participant as soon as it's practical.

Depending on the employer and the payroll process, it can take a few days for the data to be transmitted to the plan's trustee and record-keeper. The file is processed and reviewed to ensure no errors exist. The loan repayments are funded to the trust by the employer within two days, depending on the employer's method of funding the contribution. By the end of the following day, the trustee has segregated the loan repayments and sent the payments to the participant's account, investing the money as directed. Any investment gains earned while the money is held in trust goes to the benefit of the plan participants, like you.

I suggest you stop worrying about this delay. Plan administrators are quite aware of the rules and tend to abide by them. This is especially true of large firms. The concern, however, shouldn't have any impact on loan interest expense, assuming that the interest is paid in arrears. In other words, this month's payment pays last month's interest expense, causing only a minor, if any, impact at all on your investment earnings.

Get more news, money-saving tips and expert advice by visiting Cathford Group Credit Inc.