The state of our economy for the past few years has been hard on small business owners. Not only have small businesses and individuals taken a hit in regards to their income, but it’s been very hard to even get the funding necessary to support a small start up.

Can 2012 possibly be the year of change for small businesses owners?

A recent bill, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, has been signed and put into law. This bill will hopefully mean that banks will finally approve loans to help small business owners start off on the right foot.

With the loan limits now up to $5 million, it’s going to be up to the banks to help small businesses get the money they need to get started.

So, how can you best use your loan money? Having a firm plan in place will help banks see your vision and approve your loan. Here are a few of the most important items you’ll need on your list to show banks that you mean business.

1) Building Space: First things first, one of the biggest start-up costs is finding a place to conduct business. Finding a building for rent and paying the monthly fees will be one of your biggest expenses, and the number one most important item for getting started. Do your research and find potential rental spaces in an up and coming area, or a spot that is relevant for your specific business venture. Though you will need the money to close the deal, go into your loan meeting with a few solid leads, and as close to starting negotiations or even closing as possible.

2) Business Furnishings: After your actual renting expense, having the supplies you need to run your business will be your next largest cost. Have a clear budget set so you know how much you’ll need in loans to cover the cost of filling your building. Whether you’re running a restaurant, hair salon, clothing boutique or specialty store, you should have a list of furnishings, supplies and appliances you’ll need along with a clear cost analysis and planned budget. Always factor in extra money for getting the space up to speed, repairs and unforeseen expenses.

3) A Company Car: If your business relies heavily on transportation in the form of deliveries or a lot of travel time, you may not want to put the miles on your own vehicle. A company car would be a responsible use of loan money. Compile a list of possibilities for finding a reliable company car. You can save money buy buying a used vehicle. If you’re looking for the used cars Oklahoma has to offer, you might consider Tulsa Ford or even buy here pay here car lots in Oklahoma.

Going into your loan meeting with a clear goal, budget and list of start-up expenses will help banks realize that you are serious about starting your small business. While the bill has been signed into law, it is still up to you and the banks to make your dream real!

The struggling homeowners who are unable to make their monthly mortgage payments can get a better deal through a mortgage modification from their lender. But often it is considered that the concept is too complicated or onerous and this makes the homeowners step back while thinking of a loan modification. It often becomes difficult for the borrower and the lender to arrive at a point where both benefit from each other’s decision. The main aim of a home owner is to create a repayment plan that can facilitate the debt repayment procedure and save their home from a forced foreclosure. Have a look at some benefits that you may reap if you modify your present home loan.

A temporary interest rate reduction: If you’re not being able to make timely payments on your present mortgage loan, chances are high that you are not coping up with the high interest rates on this loan. If you take resort to mortgage modification, chances are high that your interest rates will be much lower than what you were paying before modification. Reduction in interest rates will help you lower the monthly payments too and you can easily save a considerable amount of money.

An extended repayment period: The repayment period of your loan will also be extended and you can repay the mortgage loan in easy and affordable monthly installments. If you feel you want to repay the mortgage loan earlier, you can even shorten the term of the loan so that you can make extra payments and repay the total balance as soon as possible. Therefore, you can both shorten the term of the loan, or extend it according to your present financial needs.

Helps you avoid foreclosure: You can avoid foreclosure by modifying your home loan and getting back on the monthly payments on it. As the interest rates and the monthly payments will be low enough, you can easily make timely payments on the loan and thereby avoid a forced foreclosure.

You need to write a loan modification letter when you go for a mortgage modification. Tell them about the financial hardship so that they come to know the exact reason that is barring you from making the timely payments. Make sure you repay the loan on time, once your loan is modified.

Buying a new car can be an expensive task.  However, you can often save a lot of money by being aware of and acting on various rebates and incentives offered by manufacturers and car dealers.  Many prospective buyers aren’t aware of these programs, until the dealer themselves tell them.

Most times, manufacturers offer rebates and incentives to try to get rid of cars that aren’t in high demand.  This is particularly the case these days.  This is because the automotive industry is suffering from decreased sales. A while ago, Toyota had to issue a widely publicized recall.  Not many people were visiting Toyota dealerships shortly after that happened.  In response, they started issuing rebates and incentives to try to get more customers in the door.  This was a great time to get a Toyota Corolla or Toyota Prius, for example, for a great deal.

There are many different types of rebates and incentives that you may not know about.  You can easily find information about some of the ones available to you by going here: New Car Rebates – InternetAutoGuide.com or HERE. In the meantime, here are some of the most common that you’ll find:

An incentive to buy or lease a new car.  The manufacturer’s financing division will offer you lower interest rates on a new loan in order to entice you to buy a new car.  However, there is one disadvantage of this.  In order to get this incentive, you will need to meet strict eligibility requirements.  You likely won’t qualify if you have less then great credit, especially nowadays, because bad credit auto loans mean that the buyer should be happy to get a car in the first place—incentives nonwithstanding.

Dealers will also offer cash rebates.  They are very common to find.  After you have bought the car, you will be entitled to a cash rebate.  This can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. There are various ways that you can use these cash rebates.  You could request a check in the mail.  You could also use the money toward your down payment.  If the rebate is high enough, it could provide all the money you need for your down payment.  However, most people combine the rebate with what they’re already putting down so that they don’t have to finance as much money.

You may also find dealerships that are offering loyalty rebates.  In order to get this rebate, you will have to own a car from the dealership.  For example, if you owned a Ford Explorer, you may be entitled to a loyalty rebate if you go back to the dealership to purchase another Ford car.

There are also conquest rebates.  As their name suggests, they are the complete opposite of loyalty rebates.  You may be offered a rebate if you’re driving a certain type of car and the dealership wants you to switch brands.

There are also rebates depending on what you do for a living.  Manufacturers commonly offer rebates for students.  This enables them to get their first car for a slightly cheaper price.  Military personnel are often offered rebates too.  In order to get this type of rebate, you will need to provide proof that you’ve actually served in the military though. Also, check with your employer as many large corporations have some ties to the auto industry.

Interested in a hybrid, or other green car?  You’ll often be offered rebates and tax breaks whenever you purchase one of these vehicles.  There are both federal and state incentives and credits to encourage people to buy these cars.

There are certain times when you’ll find plenty of rebates and incentives to choose from.  Whenever new car models come out, dealerships may have models left over from last year.  They will often offer rebates in order to get rid of this excess inventory. Another good time to go shopping for a new car is during the holidays.  Most people are focused on buying other things during this time of year.

It’s important that you not talk about the rebate when negotiating the price of your car.  Instead, wait until you’ve come to terms before telling the salesman you want to accept the rebate.

Now that you know how many are available, you’ll just need to search for ones that you qualify for, and what type of car you’re looking to buy. There are some sites out there that promise to get you a car for below invoice (for example this site), but with some nice outgoing models and sweet rebates, you may get the same price with no hassles.