Month: May 2016

Categories
Dating/Courting Engaged Single

The Truth Lemonade Revealed About Women Today

Prior to April 23, 2016, when we all heard the word “lemonade” I imagine that a picture of freshly squeezed, slightly-sweetened juice came to mind. However, after Beyoncé officially released her visual album entitled Lemonade, that word has now taken on a whole new meaning.
 
For me personally, Beyoncé’s Visual Album squeezed some lemon juice on old wounds, reminding me of the gut-wrenching pain I have experienced in past failed relationships. It also shined the spotlight on the current condition of many women’s hearts in America today.
 
Why did so many people love Lemonade? Because it showed us that Beyonce is a REAL person too, affected by the same pains and problems we humans experience. It made her appear touchable and realistic. We often forget that celebrities walk the same earth we do, and therefore experience the same struggles.  Lemonade gave women the opportunity to relate to her; it was as if for a moment she removed her superwoman cape and allowed us to sit on her bed while she poured out her deepest hurts and secrets.
 
It also revealed a much more mind-boggling reality – even America’s Pop Culture Queen: Queen Bey, can be cheated on. I have heard SO many men and women with eyebrows raised beg the question: “WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD CHEAT ON BEYONCE?!?!”
 
Although I do not celebrate the fact it happened, I praise her for her transparency. She may not even fully understand the lesson she taught – but what she really showed us all is this: Even Queen Bey herself cannot satisfy lust!
 
It doesn’t matter how pretty, sexually advanced/experienced/adventurous you are, how much money & power you possess, or how “wanted” you are by men, lust can NEVER be satisfied. Beyoncé is the icon of sex, beauty, body, power, independence, success, intelligence, and fame… and lust got bored with her too.
 
Any relationship that involves lust is DOOMED to fail from the beginning for one main reason: because lust is a bottomless pit – no matter how much you fill it, it will never be full. Many women are currently exhausted and devastated in relationships trying to satisfy an un-satisfiable lust.
 
The sad thing is that lust ALWAYS shows itself quickly, and the warnings signs are evident – so why is it that we ignore these warning signs and still end up in relationships with unfaithful, un-satisfiable men? Simple – we LOVE a good challenge.
 
We like to believe that we are the ultimate woman who can satisfy a man that has previously been unsatisfied. We like to think that we are superior to the women who have gone before us and tried to satisfy him.
 
Don’t believe me? If this wasn’t true the term “side chick” wouldn’t exist. A lot of women actually openly admit to preferring side chick status because they believe that makes them the one he really “wants,” versus the one he is “stuck” with.
 
However, what we fail to realize is at one point SHE was the one he wanted, or he wouldn’t have MARRIED HER. The very fact that he is willing to entertain a side chick, exemplifies his inability to be satisfied.
 
As women, we have to do better than this. I think Lemonade really tore the veil off of a BIG issue that has become common practice, acceptable, and normal in America – it’s not if you will be cheated on, but when. I know a lot of women who allow their boyfriend/fiancé/husband to cheat on them because they claim it’s unrealistic to expect anything more in 2016.
 
I disagree. It DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT be like that. But, the hard truth is, IF it is like that – the warning signs were there and you probably ignored them. Most likely for 1 of 2 reasons:
1. You thought you were the super woman that could make him be faithful
or
2. You don’t believe you are worth more than that.
 
Lemonade was hard to swallow, especially being a woman who has experienced every step of the pain Beyoncé outlined in her visual album. But, there was one great truth we all could, and should, learn from – if EVEN Queen Bey herself cannot satisfy lust, then men don’t cheat because you aren’t pretty enough, good enough, experienced enough, or desirable enough. They cheat because of lust.
 
It would be unrealistic to expect to find a perfect man or end up in a perfect marriage. However, the standard is only low because we as women refuse to raise the bar. Lust is not very good at hiding, it usually leaves a sloppy bread crumb trail of warning signs like wandering eyes, promiscuity, indecision, and refusal to commit… and if you choose to follow the bread crumbs willingly all the way to “I do,” then it will only be a matter of time before you are sipping on lemonade too.
 
As women, it’s our job to make sure that lust is not something we teach our friends and daughters is acceptable by accepting it ourselves. We need to stop being side chicks and stealing other women’s husbands. We need to stop ignoring the blatantly obvious warning signs. We need to know our value. We need to choose better. We need to stop drinking the lemonade.
 

Categories
Marriage

What If A Hot Shot Husband Took Your Place?

Cute loving couple is standing and embracing. They are holding a cup of coffee and smiling. The man is kissing a woman with love

When someone is running for political office you will hear the candidate declare they will do better than the current office holder. They say things like, “I will make the military stronger,” implying of course that the current person has made it weaker. They also say they will bring back jobs, make America safer, care about people more, etc.
The same thing happens when people apply for a new job. They say they are going to perform better than the previous leader did in their position.
In both of the situations above, it may be true.
They might do more than the previous person.
What if you died and a new Hot Shot husband took your place?
What would he do differently than you?
How would he treat your wife differently?
A.W. Tozer was a man of deep faith and conviction. After he passed away, his wife said, “A. W. loved Jesus Christ, but Leonard Odam (her new husband) loves me.”
As I read this, I am not shocked by the indictment that statement brings to the way A.W. loved his wife. Instead, I look at my own life. My own marriage. I know I need to do more.
A.W. had a “Hot Shot” husband come and take his spot as his wife’s husband. From the book A Passion for God, it looks like he lacked in many ways in his marriage.
I see the same things lacking in my own life.
What can you do to make sure some hot shot husband does not come into your marriage after you pass away? How can you be the hot shot husband to your wife right now?  Here are 4 things to consider:
1. Go Overboard With Winning Her Heart
A hot shot husband would come in and do whatever it takes to win her heart—every day! He would not have the attitude that they have been together for X years and so she doesn’t need the energy she first received from him. The hot shot husband attitude would be that he only has so many years with her on planet Earth and he wants her to know she is the focus of his attention.
2. Monthiversary

A hot shot husband would ditch just celebrating the yearly anniversary. He would make every month, on the day of their anniversary, a day he would do something special for her. Why not start doing this starting this month?

3. 99% Encouragement
A hot shot husband would spend 99% of his time speaking life over his wife. He would be generous with his prayers, his encouragement, and his life-giving words.
4. He Would Medicate His Wife
The Bible says that laughter does good like medicine. The hot shot husband would provide opportunities to laugh with his wife. Whether is it watching videos like this to her,  talking about funny situations in your lives, or telling jokes, the hot shot husband would know that the couple that laughs together stays together.
To be a hot shot husband has nothing to do with your wife. You are the one that determines to be the hot shot husband to your wife. You are the one that has to deny your slothful, lazy, and unproductive ways.
Guys, we can do this.
We can be the hot shot husband that our wives married.
Start now!
Question: What is one thing you need focus more on that a hot shot husband would do immediately if you died and he married your wife?

Categories
Communication Marriage Physical Intimacy Spiritual Intimacy

How to Love and Bless Your Mate On Purpose

Couple looking into each others eyes while smiling

Everyone wants an awesome marriage that glorifies God and shows the depths of His love and grace. Marriage is a true gift and an amazing blessing from God. Yet, sometimes life gets busy where the gift of marriage is not always cherished by couples the way that God intended. Being married for 8 years to a wonderful husband, I have learned that keeping Jesus at the center of our marriage helps us to continue to love and bless each other on purpose as we grow together in love.
Couples should live in marriage to love and bless each other with their words and actions. The atmosphere of any Christian marriage should be based the demonstration of agape love. Agape love, when shown continually, brings life into relationships. On the other hand, couples that spend time saying or doing hurtful things to one another, create an atmosphere that cultivates the demise of their relationship.
Love and intimacy in a marriage helps to build long lasting friendship and intimacy. When couples love and live according to 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 on a consistent basis, life-long marital bliss will be their portion. Intimacy can be described as familiarity, closeness, understanding, confidence, caring, tenderness, affection, a close relationship, quiet atmosphere, or private utterance or action. Couples that love each other and seek to be a blessing to each other as genuine friends and enjoy intimate times, will experience the increase and overflow of God’s love in their marriage (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
There should be everyday occurrences where couples long to love and bless one another out loud. Loving and blessing on purpose will help couples maintain a powerful marriage that is a testament to God’s love for the world to see. Examples of how couples can love and bless each other on purpose would be:

  • Smiling and laughing together daily.
  • Kissing, hugging, and embracing each other regularly.
  • Showing kindness in interactions with each other.
  • Going to church and pray with one another regularly.
  • Having dates and time alone together each month.
  • Listening to one another and communicate with each other.
  • Always seeking to promote forgiveness and understanding in the marriage (Ephesians 4:32).
  • Never going to bed mad at each other.
  • Saying, “I love you” often.

Husbands and wives that love and bless each other on purpose operate in powerful love and exhibit Christ-like character, where loving each other deeply is above anything (1 Peter 4:8). Loving one another selflessly, showing affection, working together, and honoring one another will help defeat the enemy at any attempt to bring division in your marriage. Loving and blessing each other on purpose will strengthen your marriage daily, uniting each other as a powerful team for the Lord.
 
 
 
 

Categories
Home Marriage

5 Areas Marriage Should Add To Your Life

When you get married you should be marrying someone who adds on to your life and not take away from it. The kingdom of God works in multiplication and addition, not subtraction. As you and your spouse grow together you should see yourself growing and becoming better in the following areas:
1.Spiritually– Your spouse should push you to God and encourage you to love Him with all your heart. Marriage allows you to have someone to pray with, to encourage you in the Lord, and push you to walk out your assignment.
2. Emotionally– A healthy marriage creates a place where a person can express their emotions. Marriage provides a refuge for your heart. Marriage should help defuse stress, worry, and fear.
3. Financially– While people get married at different phases of their lives, when a couple works together as a team, they should gradually see their financial status begin to change. Cooperation in career choices, schooling and bringing two incomes together should help the family grow financially.
4. Physically– Research states that people who have healthy marriages often tend to be physically healthier, especially men. Regular sexual intimacy in marriage helps diffuse physical problems such as cancer and stress related issues.
5.Overall Life Satisfaction– A healthy marriage helps a person’s overall satisfaction in life. Having a witness to walk with you through life brings a lot of joy, especially when the person is supportive, loving and kind.

Categories
Home Single

4 Mental Distractions That’ll Keep You From Finding Love

beautiful woman at home with heart for valentine's day

The year was 1992 in a small town called, Albany, GA. It was there that I had my first record of experiencing what I concluded at the time was love. Until, she moved and we no longer were in the same daycare together due to her family moving away. Yes, I said, “Daycare”. It was a real life example of the young and the playful.
From then I’ve always had a fascination with this thing called, love. My interest in love has peeked another fascination, which is how easy it is to allow things in our life to block us from finding it.
Many will argue that love is something you “fall into” hence the statement, “We fell in love”, but I’d like to challenge that statement by saying anytime I’ve fallen into anything it was an accident that I don’t want to do again.
Love shouldn’t be something you fall into with your feelings but rather something you walk into with your heart, soul, and mind all in agreement.
I want to look at 4 things I believe could be mentally distracting you from finding love.
1. Searching For the perfect person.
The search for the perfection person. Not only do I not believe there is only one person for you, I also believe there is no perfect person either. Dating can be very challenging simply because it is when a person puts on their best everything in order to impress the other person. This is why it is imperative that you watch for the small actions that determine everything about a person. For example one small thing you can do it see how the person treats the waiter or waitress at the restaurant. You have to give grace for flaws because guess what, you have flaws too.
2. Fear of Getting Hurt
Relationship should actually be spelled RISK. Because that is really what any relationship is, it is a risk. This is why it is crucial to set boundaries from the very beginning. No matter what your standards are in regards to what’s okay and what’s not okay, there should always be boundaries implemented in order to guard your heart. At the end of it all being hurt is NO FUN, but it is something you must not allow to distract you from being vulnerable once the time is right in order to allow a person in to who you really are.
3. Waiting For It to “Feel” Like Love.
Your feelings do not know your future. My wife and I were watching the new episode of The Bachelorette the other night. I literally counted more than 25 times that she mentioned “feel” or “felt”. It was clear that she was waiting for the feeling to hit her with one of the many guys she will attempt to find love with. Your feelings are the worse thing to rely on when trying to assess a person for the potential of marriage. What rather should be the assessment is wisdom. Wisdom will help you to see the person for who they are aside from feelings because you can get feelings for your dog but that doesn’t mean you should marry him. Don’t be distracted because you’re waiting for that special feeling, but rather allow wisdom to tell you if the person is good or not for your future.
4. Thinking “It’ll Never Happen, So Why Try”.
This negative thinking will cause you not to be optimistic while meeting new people and distract you away from being hopeful to give someone a chance beyond “hello: or  “nice to meet you”. You cannot give love up to fate which believes, “no matter what I do, if it’s meant to be then it will be”. Wrong. That means if you sit on the couch everyday, when fate decides it’s time, he/she will come to your front door in a chariot to take you away into your fairy tale castle. You must try by getting out and meeting new people; that will encourage you to stay optimistic because it can happen when most least expect it.
I pray these 4 mental road blocks will help bring clarity to your journey to finding a person that has the capacity to love you the way you deserve and you love them them the same.

Categories
Communication Dating/Courting Single

He's Just Not That Into You

by Kay King 
We’ve all been there, you finally find someone and then POOF! something changes.
You’re calling, texting and stalking his social media pages and all you get are half way replies. He barely calls you back and he’s stopped responding to you altogether on social media. You start doing drive byes just to see if he’s home. You call up your girl and she says those dreadful words that no girl wants to hear, He’s Just Not That Into You. 

You’re left wondering, why not. All of a sudden those 6 little words cause your emotions to erupt and you suddenly turn into Angela Basset from Waiting to Exhale in her famous scene no one can forget.

So what is it? Why is it that, as single women, we keep choosing the wrong guys? Is it because we desire the one so bad that we ignore the signs?

During my last “He’s not that Into You Moment” I stopped crying long enough to analyze the situation. Here’s what I noticed:

  1. Communication!You go from talking daily: by phone, by text, sending each other cute messages on social media to a few texts per day, a couple phone calls per week and social media basically becomes non-existent. I didn’t see it then but all the “I’m sleepy”, “I’m busy”, “Oh, I didn’t hear my phone” was actually his way of saying “I’ve moved on”. These type of guys usually try to avoid contact with you so that they don’t have to have that dreadful conversation.

 

  1. Commitment!Now you would think it would be easy to spot the ones with commitment issues, but oh no, for some reason we think we will be the exception. I can remember this one guy I would talk to and he would always tell me that he wanted to get married… eventually. Whenever I would talk about commitment and being in a relationship, he would always bring up his past relationships and how they went wrong and now he’s taking his time. Key word: I’m unavailable, however as women we see that as a green light to continue to pursue. Listen ladies, if it’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that men know exactly what they want and when they want it. So no matter how many cookies you bake, or how many times you have sleeps overs, you won’t change him. Move on!

 

  1. Friend Zone!Now Ladies, I know this is what we usually do to men when we aren’t interested, but did you know they do the same thing to us? I know, how dare they! These type of guys always look at you as one of the guys. You talk on the phone,  you hang out but he never really fixes himself up and he asks you for advice about other girls he’s interested in. He flirts with other girls in your presence and overly uses the word friend with you. Do not fall for him! He’s not interested in you in that way. He thinks you’re a great friend, he appreciates your honesty and your willingness to be the wing man but he does not look at you as anything more. Don’t get caught up because when you’re falling for this type of man, you neglect to see the men who are really trying to pursue you.

Biggest RED flag: He doesn’t ask you out and he doesn’t take an interest in you or anything you do.

Ladies, you don’t want a man that’s not into you, not when God has created someone just for you. Falling for these types of guys will only delay your happiness.

For more blogs like this, subscribe to “SingleWomansDiary” on WordPress. Also follow me on Periscope @KayKing for live discussions.

Categories
Home Single

How to Prepare For the Right One

Young woman drinking tea reading book on sofa

 
I believe as Christians who seek to glorify God it’s important to be patient and wait for the one who complements us, at a time when we’re ready to receive it. Falling into the wrong relationships knowingly does not please nor seek to glorify God; rather it is a method of self gratification whether it be from feeling pressured or just wanting something badly. I have had friends tell me that they knew they were with the wrong person, but they just couldn’t stand the mere thought of being alone. That it is a fearful way of thinking. Staying with someone you know isn’t the one does not demonstrate faith in an almighty God and the abundant blessings he has for your life, nor does it help fulfill your purpose. Scripture states “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11.
I am reaching a place where I am seeking and trusting God to help me recognize the right person, and shaping myself to be the Godly woman I was called to be. In the midst of this period it is important to be faithful and patient. Here are the ways I believe are helpful in doing so:

  • Praying– Being in communication with God to not only shape your future partner, but to also help acknowledge when you hear his voice, so that way when a suitable partner does come along you know.
  • Strengthening the Relationships You Have Now– A book titled, “A Course in Miracles” states, “Make your brotherly relationships more romantic and your romantic relationships more brotherly” and basically what this means is treating our friendships with the same significance that we put into romantic relationships. Our friendships are also important, and if we can maintain healthy relationships with friends and family this can transcend to our romantic relationships, making them that much more meaningful.
  • Self-Improvement– Improving something about ourselves that may need some work. For example, learning to be more patient, working on building credit, whatever the case may be; your single period is a great time to work on things that may need improvement, because when you’re in a relationship those issues become more evident.
  • Finding Your Purpose– It’s important to seek the purpose that God calls for your life, and not just a partner. When we know our purpose we can ensure God’s will be done, which enhances our relationships and the roles we play in them.

 

Categories
Communication Marriage Single

10 Reasons Why You Must Stop Taking Things Personal in Relationships

Portrait of angry woman standing with arms folded on gray background

People and relationships are a type of commodity for this life that will never be fully understood. The beginning of your existence came from someone (Yo Mama) having the courage to push you out and then another person (The Doctor) having the intelligence to pull you out to prepare you for the life on this planet.
One of the most ironic statements I’ve heard and I know you’ve heard it too is, “I don’t need NO BODY, I can do this all BY MYSELF”
Maybe you’ve made that statement once or twice or possibly a few seconds before you clicked to read this article.
That statement is so far from the truth. If you needed HELP to get INTO THIS WORLD then you surely are going to need HELP to MAKE IT in this World.
This brings me to my point. Just like you need others, others need you.
The bible even states in Philippians 2:4, “ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
There is one key way I have seen over and over that literally ruins relationships and this is something you must stop doing in order to be the person your friends need you to be.
You have to stop taking things personal!
When you take things personal in relationships it robs the relationship the opportunity to grow into what its needs to become.
At any point of the relationship that you feel you are being personally attacked or sense your feelings being hurt you must guard your heart in order to be sober towards that person and their actions.
Here are 10 Reasons Why You Can’t Take Things Personal in Relationships:

  1. The other person’s actions may reflect pressure in his or her life.
  2. Your perspective on the situation may be misinterpreted.
  3. You may have unrealistic expectations of the relationship.
  4. You may have said something to cause them to react the way they did.
  5. You are not perfect.
  6. Your friends are not perfect
  7. The relationship is bigger than you.
  8. Forgiveness comes AFTER conflict.
  9. Your friend cannot read your mind.
  10. You will not agree with everything your relationships do.

Just like a diamond can only grow from pressure applied to it, the same is true for relationships. It is in the challenging times that relationships are given the opportunity to mature. You must program in your mind during times of conflict and trials that this is a moment for growth not destruction. Relationships either positively mature or negatively sink in times of conflict.
Your friends do not need you to assume the worse in them, but rather hope for the best in them.
Just like you need others, others need you.

Categories
Home Single

Confronting Your Inner Child In Preparation For Marriage

Growing up, all of us encounter difficulties and disadvantages that shape our development as individuals. Most of the time, we never give any real thought to these circumstances. Instead, we accept these situations as the norm, carrying years of baggage from one developmental stage in life to another until we reach adulthood. Often, we don’t realize the problem of dragging this baggage along throughout our life until after we’ve gotten married. At that point, both husband and wife are either: A) trying to unpack years of baggage while also trying to build a solid foundation for a marriage, or B) Trying to build a solid foundation for your marriage on top of the baggage that exists. Neither option is a recipe for marital bliss. For this reason, all of us must be very intentional about confronting the child that lives within us.
Bringing childhood baggage into my own marriage caused utter chaos in the beginning. Both my beautiful wife and I grew up in very unhealthy environments. Extreme verbal abuse was rampant in my home, and in order to cope as a young child, I built in laughter as an automatic response to conflict. The first time my wife attempted to make herself vulnerable and shared the issues of her heart with me, the outcome of that situation was less than positive to say the least. I burst into laughter. She felt as though I was actively belittling her and mocking her feelings because of her childhood hurts and pains, but in reality, I was simply trying to process what she was saying while maintaining control of my emotions. This was an inappropriate and unacceptable response from me. Until both my wife and I began to intentionally attack the origins of those negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we would continually bump heads unnecessarily.
In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul said, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. BUT when I grew up, I put away childish things.” As a single person, “unpacking your baggage” and putting away childish things are two of the greatest things you can do to prepare yourself for this journey called marriage. No matter what habits and tendencies you’ve accumulated as a result of your childhood circumstances, there’s no greater time than when you’re single to stand face to face with your inner child! You must look jealousy, insecurity, anger, resentment, irresponsibility, selfishness, or any other negative tendency directly in the face, and begin to deal with those emotions appropriately so that you don’t hinder your future marriage.
It won’t be an easy fight. It will take a ton of prayer and reading God’s word to discover God’s truths concerning marriage and gain the strength needed to win this battle. Prayer and spending time in the word of God can help you combat all of the negative responses you have built up to cope with life’s negative experiences. If you put in the work now, your future spouse will thank you down the road.  If you’re already married like myself, but you never took the time time to confront your inner child, don’t fret my friend, it’s never too late to do this. You owe it to yourself, your spouse, and you’re children to confront those behaviors that hold you back from truly becoming the best man/woman, husband/wife, father/mother, and child of God possible. Since my wife and I began that process a couple of years ago, I can honestly say our communication has never been better, and we’re headed to even greater heights than we’ve ever dreamed in our marriage! So, what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to confront your inner child, once and for all!

Categories
Finances Home

7 Steps to Finance a Car With a 600 Credit Score…or Lower.

by Calvin Russel Jr.
Financing a car can be time consuming. First, you must find a car you like, look for a reasonable price to pay, and decide where you will do business. But the longest part of the process is being at the dealership. Whether you are going back and forth on a price, going through their selection of cars, or the dreadful finance office. For some consumers, financing a vehicle is not a problem. They know they will get the lowest interest rate possible. While other consumers, play the waiting- hoping-and-wishing game for a bank to finance them. Since over 94% of consumers finance their vehicles, this is a major piece to the puzzle. Waiting on the bank to finance a person with a credit score of 600 or lower can take hours and sometimes overnight! Don’t worry though, I will show you how to finance a car with a 600 credit score or lower.
First: Get Your Credit Reports
The biggest mistake I have seen in 4 years in the automotive business is consumers not knowing their credit score. Or worse, they have an idea they that they may have a low score but set unrealistic car goals to achieve. 90% of top lenders use FICO® Scores. With that said, consumers should know where they stand before they step foot in dealership. If you want to see what score the dealership will see and send to the banks, I recommend you get your personal FICO® score and reports as soon as possible. Click the banner below to obtain yours.
Second: Understand You Will Pay A Double Digit Interest
With a 600 credit score or lower, you must be prepared to pay a double digit interest. Consumers always seemed to be shocked when they see that the interest rate is 12-24% when they have late payments, collections, civil judgments, child support, missed payments, and etc on their credit report. I always say an interest rate with an approval is better than not being approved. Consumers must also understand that lower interest rates are earned through on time payments.
 
Third: Keep The Vehicle For Less Than 36 Months (3 Years)
With a high interest auto loan, consumers should try to get a lower interest rate by doing one of a few things.

  1. Refinance The Car For A Lower Rate With Remainder Of Term
  2. Refinance The Car For A Lower Rate With Extended Term
  3. Trade The Car In

Assuming the consumer has made their payments on time for some time, the credit score should be higher which will get the increase the chances of the consumer to lower rate depending on where their new credit score is.
Fourth: Bring Proof & Documentation
Before going to the dealership, be sure to grab proof and documentation as the bank will need it. You should bring: proof of income by 2 check stubs within 30-45 days ( the self-employed should bring 3 previous months bank statements along with the previous years 1099), proof of address by utility bill or phone bill, 3-6 references, and proof of full coverage insurance. You will need all of these documents as the banks will want to know who you are and where their car will be at all times.
Fifth: Be Prepared To Put A Down Payment On The Car
Notice I said, “prepared to put a down payment” as a down payment may not be needed. Here is a fact for you to consider. Over 80% of consumers with 720 or higher credit scores put a down payment on the vehicle financed. Why is that? So the they can finance less and have a lower payment. This is perfect for someone with a 600 score or lower as this shows the bank more of a commitment from the buyer and puts the bank in a better equity position if the consumer defaults on the auto loan. A good down payment of $500-$1000 is very common.
Sixth: Understand The Choice Of Vehicles
Consumers with a 600 score or lower should only look at vehicles under $18,000 or lower as the payments with double digit interest rates can range from $430 or higher. Most lenders won’t feel comfortable financing more than 18k-20k for a car. Anything more and the lenders will decline the application or expect a higher down payment.
Seventh: Wait 6-12 Months & Consult With A Certified Credit Consultant
Getting a car with double digit interest rate may not be the route you want to go at the moment and that’s alright. While you wait, its important to take this time and learn how to improve your credit score and report. One of the easiest way is to open a new credit card account, keep a low balance or no balance at all and make your payments on time each and every month. You can find the right credit card for your credit score by clicking the banner below. You can also schedule an appointment to talk with a Certified FICO® professional like myself and learn exactly what you need to do and see results in less than 3 months. For more information, visit my website.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, financing a car with a 600 credit score or lower isn’t that difficult as long as you are prepared for what’s ahead and know what to expect. Of course, these steps won’t guarantee a bank approval as everyone has a different credit situation and debt balances, but this will most definitely increase your chances in getting approved for a car loan.
 
Calvin Russell Jr is a Certified FICO Professional, Approved Partner With Bankrate, and the CEO & Founder of GoSimplyPro Credit Consultation. GoSimplyPro Credit Consultation is a Chicago based Credit Repair Company. GoSimplyPro Credit Consultation has helped hundreds of people increase their credit scores, qualify for homes, cars, and lower interest rates with their personal, Step-By- Step Game Plans. Contact us today to learn more at 877.205.7771 or email us at info@gosimplypro.com