Tell my audience about yourself. What made you want to start your website visualfin.com?

I have been a licensed investment consultant for over 10 years. During that time, I’ve come across thousands of people who have made terrible investment and money management decisions. I started VisualFin.com to provide some type of investment education using simple and easy to follow visuals.

Please name some quick and easy ways for a person to improve their credit even if they’ve recently been through a divorce or some type of financial calamity?

Fixed loans look much better on paper than revolving credit lines. If possible, get a personal loan to pay off high interest credit cards.

When a person walks into a car dealership what are some credit questions you recommend that consumer ask the salesman or finance manager?

I would also recommend that consumers secure a loan from a bank or credit union before shopping for a car. If your credit is bad and your only option is the dealership, you should save up a few thousand dollars and pay cash for a used vehicle.

How long does the credit restoration process take?

Late payments take at least three years to fall off of your credit report. More significant events like a bankruptcy take up to 7 years.

If a person can’t purchase a vehicle in cash, what’s the ideal down payment you recommend they have? Does a larger down payment mean a shorter loan and APR?

Generally, I would always put down at least 25%. The more you put down, the lower your APR will be and the lower you will pay each month. You can select to decrease your loan duration, but I wouldn’t. Rates are so low today, that I would extend that payment as long as possible.

In your a first time car buyer and you’ve never shopped for insurance before, what are some tips to get the lowest payment possible? What are some questions you should ask your insurance agent?

Look for the lowest rate online. Many insurers will compare their rates with others so you can easily determine which provider will be the cheapest.

Besides visualfin.com what are some of websites/blogs you would recommend our visitors visit while trying to improve their credit?

To monitor your credit for free, Credit Karma is great. The site provides access to your credit score and a driver score.

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This is our twenty-second interview in our “1000 Interview Challenge” If your interested in an interview, please contact me.

This interview was conducted by Shane McC. Shane currently is attending RISD studying computer programming. He enjoys traveling and plays hockey. He played for the Boston Junior Bruins of the EJHL during the 01-02 season. You can follow him on Google+