Leadpile's Blog» APR

Payday Loans-A Perfect Option For Many

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:19:22 +0000

There is a lot os scrutiny on payday loans and what their purpose is. However, many turn to these short term loans because they have no other option. These loans are overly scrutinized as bad for a consumer because their listed APR, which really is not applicable to a short term loan that does not last a year. The Missourian pointed up some positive benefits to the payday loans. For instance, “Research from the Federal Reserve Board indicates that such loans are not “predatory.” Rather, by supplying credit where otherwise there would be none, they help borrowers by enabling them to avoid less-desirable alternatives, such as fees associated with bounced checks, late bill payments and utility reconnections.” If the Federal Reserve Board understands there is value added to these types of loans, why are so many politicians and consumers looking down on payday loans as a “bad” option? Have they never had a reason to get a short term loan for some unexpected expense???? Probably not….

Possible Changes With MS Payday Lending Laws

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:17:06 +0000

Sounds like there might be some talk in Mississippi to potentially try and make some changes to the payday loan process. As we all know these short term loans are a necessity for many individuals, however some states are trying to incorporate stricter laws for the lenders. This is what appears to be trying to happen in MS. The proposed amendment would allow all consumers at least 28 days to pay on loans of $201 to $500. On loans of $200 or less, the $21.95 fee would be reduced to $20, and consumers would have up to 21 days to pay. The positive thing that this particular house banking committee chairman said was they are trying to help the consumers, but not get to a point where they are trying to put a legitimate business out of business (the lender). This seems to be something that more states should focus on. How can we continue to make sure the consumers are protected, but also allow them to get these short term loans…. and not put the lenders out of business. We all know consumers need these loans and some never expect they will be one that is in dire need of a short term payday loan, but for those situations where needed these loans must remain available to consumers. In order for loans to remain available to the consumers, we must also protect the lenders that are extending these loans. Stay tuned to see what happens with this MS amendment.

Payday Loan Regulations In Montana?

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:21:38 +0000

It seems that Montana might be the next state that could be incorporating payday loan interest rate caps. Myloansconsolidated.com is reporting that there is some new news out there regarding Montana, and a potential vote on a payday loan law that could be passed. If the law passes it would put a cap of 36% interest rate on payday loan and cash advances.
States jumping in and trying to regulate these short term loans is something that is not anything new, however what state will be affected next is what we are all watching. We work a lot with the payday loan leads and want to make sure we are knowledgeable of any new payday loan news going on. We will all wait and see if Montana implements this new law. Stay tuned.

Colorado Passes Payday Lending Law

Mari Woods Holt — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:15:50 +0000

In recent payday loan news, the state of Colorado has passed a law restricting the APR on payday loans. The new law puts a cap of 45% APR. This is just following suit with some other states that have put some sort of restrictions on these short-term loans. Other states that have some sort of payday loan legislation or the payday loans are banned are the states of: AZ, AR, CT, GA, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, VT and WV.
Many talk about installment loans or other short-term loan options. Is there going to be a transition from what we all know as a “payday loan” to something else to help those consumers that need the help? Either way, there HAS to be an option for consumers. If we want to call it payday loan.. installment loan, or whatever, consumers need to have somewhere to turn for unexpected situations that happen in their lives.

Banks Will Be Scrambling Soon With Lost Fees

Mari Woods Holt — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:43:25 +0000

July is fast approaching for banks and their inability to charge overdraft fees to debit card consumers who use their debt card with not enough funds. In the current scenario, debit card consumers can have a transaction go through even if they do not have the funds available in their bank account, and then pay for it with high dollar overdraft fees. With this new federal reserve law that goes in effect for new debit card consumers in July (and in August for current banking customers) will not allow banks to charge overdraft fees to consumers that did not opt in for overdraft protection. In July’s scenario the consumer’s transaction will be denied versus processed and then charged high overdraft fees. This is now causing banks to scramble on how to recover from having all these “FREE” checking account offers they have in place. Where will the banks now make up for this lost revenue?
Is this really different than what a payday loan is? Why are banks not going through the same scrutiny as payday loan lenders are going through? Oh wait maybe the

Payday Loan: A Healthy Alternative To NSF Fees?

Mari Woods Holt — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:35:01 +0000

We all know the payday loan industry gets a lot of scrutiny for it’s “high interest” rates, however I found this article very interesting about the annual percentage rate (APR) on returned checks.
According to The Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA), “the median interest rate on bounce protection loans to be in excess of twenty times that of payday loans.” When a consumer bounces a check, in essence it could be a lot more expensive for them to do that, than go get a short term payday loan. When a consumer bounces the check they pay a certain fee, and that fee is accumulated daily until the funds are sufficient. Unfortunately, this could sometimes cause a snowball affect, being that charge after charge could lead to more insufficient funds.
Payday loans might not be the only alternative, however a consumer needs to really look at the overall picture. They need to try and determine how they can prevent this sort of situation from happening again. Banks will make their money on fees, however there are certain circumstances that happen where you should look at alternatives that might cost you less in the long run.. like a payday loan, borrowing the money etc.
Leadpile Lead Exchange works with various lead types that deal with helping consumers be matched up with financial institutions to provide that service. Unfortunately, not all consumers reach out for help, and in turn get deeper and deeper in a “hole”. There are resources out there such as the payday loan that can be very helpful in trying times.