James W Murphy - Tucson, AZ
  • Blog
  • About
  • Blog
  • About

Key Responsibilities of a Loan Administrator

4/8/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​A loan administrator manages the loan process from application to completion. This includes analyzing credit reports, processing applications, and verifying income and employment. They ensure loans meet organizational lending criteria and comply with federal and state regulations. Maintaining loan records also falls within their responsibilities.

Apart from these obligations, a loan administrator could also be in charge of offering loan candidates and borrowers customer support. This can entail responding to inquiries on loan terms and conditions as well as on the lending procedure. Working with loan underwriters and loan processors will also help them to guarantee that loans are approved and concluded promptly.

Since they are in charge of making sure loans are accepted and closed quickly and effectively as well as ensuring compliance with all pertinent laws, a loan administrator is ultimately a critical component of the lending process. They can be found working in credit unions, banks, or other financial establishments. Usually, the job consists in underwriting loans, processing loan applications, distributing funds, and loan servicing over its lifetime.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Essential Tips for Long-Distance Road Trips

3/12/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Long road trips offer the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but without proper preparation unexpected issues can arise, from mechanical failures to navigation difficulties. To minimize potential setbacks, start by ensuring that the vehicle is in top condition before departure. Inspect essential components such as the brakes, tires, oil and other fluid levels, looking for leaks or signs of wear that could become problematic on the road. Checking all exterior lights and replacing any burned-out bulbs helps maintain visibility and safety. Additionally, keeping the tires properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations improves handling and fuel efficiency. Having a properly inflated spare tire and the tools on hand to change a flat means you’ll be ready in case a tire goes down.

Packing efficiently makes travel easier, especially with multiple passengers. Distribute luggage space evenly and inform everyone about volume limits. Organize belongings by placing less-needed items at the bottom of any storage. Packing cubes can help keep things accessible. In cold or mountainous areas, bring snow chains to avoid road hazards.

Modern navigation tools improve long-distance travel by providing real-time weather and traffic updates and alternate routes. Apps like Google Maps and Waze help estimate travel times and adjust for road conditions. Some countries favor one app over another, so checking a country’s preferences ensures access to the most reliable information.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Helpful Strategies for Grandparents Raising Children

2/20/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​
Daily responsibilities like making meals, packing school lunches, driving to school, sports practices, and other activities demand your time and energy. Instead of enjoying your hobbies, you may find yourself helping with homework or navigating conversations about first crushes.

When it starts to feel overwhelming, establish a routine. Caring for grandchildren takes patience and persistence, so creating structure helps everyone. Set clear expectations about bedtime, screen time, chores, and other responsibilities. Communicate rules and explain the consequences of breaking them. Consistency builds understanding and makes daily life smoother.

Grandchildren often have questions about their situation. Answer honestly. Open communication shows them they are loved and strengthens trust in your relationship. Honest conversations can also help them process their emotions and feel secure.

Caring for your grandchildren doesn’t mean neglecting yourself. Meeting your physical, mental, and emotional needs is essential. It’s difficult to care for others when you’re running on empty. Prioritize eating well, exercising - whether a short walk or yoga - and getting enough rest to recharge for the day ahead.

Don’t hesitate to seek support if the challenges become too much. Many other grandparents are navigating similar situations, and peer support groups can offer advice and encouragement. Reaching out can provide useful strategies and remind you that you’re not alone.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Three Types of Commercial Loans

1/19/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Commercial loans cater to businesses seeking financing for various projects. The loans help them fund capital investments or manage operating expenses. Business loan applicants can apply for different types of commercial loans based on various criteria, including business lines of credit. 

Business lines of credit offer most business applicants the most flexible financing option. Applicants incur interest on the amounts that they use. In addition, business loan applicants can apply for commercial real estate loans. The loans assist applicants interested in purchasing real estate. Successful applicants can use the financing to acquire properties for business operations or investment purposes. 

Lastly, business loan applicants can apply for equipment financing. These loans help applicants purchase large machinery and equipment to render services and manufacture or sell their goods. The financing can provide financial relief for business owners who cannot fund the equipment purchases through other means. However, most financial institutions place strict application requirements on equipment financing loans.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Overview of the Commercial Lending Process for Businesses

12/25/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Commercial lending involves borrowing funds from financial institutions to cover business expenditures. The process begins with pre-approval or qualification, where the lender evaluates the borrower's financial history, credit lines, debt service coverage ratio, loan purpose, and creditworthiness. If the borrower qualifies, they move forward by submitting a formal loan application along with supporting documents like financial statements, tax returns, and income reports.

After submission, the lender reviews the application to further analyze credit history, personal and business collateral, forecast business income, and similar financial documents. The underwriting process follows, where the application is passed to a team. This team assesses the information provided and determines whether to approve or decline the loan.

Once a decision is made, the lender will duly attach information about the interest rate, loan terms, loan to value ratio, monthly payments, and closing date if the loan is approved.

There are various types of loan products available. These include traditional (term) loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, bridge loans, construction loans, and other types of lending facilities.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Essential Travel Information for Bosnia and Herzegovina

12/9/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes, far removed from its war-torn past. While the country was deeply affected by the Yugoslav Wars and the Siege of Sarajevo, it has since stabilized, making it safe for travelers. Visitors won’t need to exercise more caution than they would in most other countries.

In order to gain legal entry into Bosnia, most nationalities can get a 90-day in every 180 visa on arrival. Each visitor only needs to confirm their eligibility before planning a trip. Because it’s a multi-ethnic country, there are three official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These include Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. English is commonly spoken by young people and in commercial areas.

The country uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina mark as its official currency, though near the Bosnian-Croatian borders euros and Croatian kuna are also accepted. For tourists, though, paying in euros or US dollars comes at an unfavorable exchange rate.

Due to the economic effects of the war, Bosnia's financial system is still developing. Cash remains the primary method of payment, as cashless transactions are rare. ATMs are available but conversions, fees, and commissions can reach a significant 7 percent. Bosnia is not a part of the European Union (EU), so there are trade restrictions with other countries, making imported good cost higher. Some shops offer Western European prices for inexpensive lower-quality items.

In addition, weather extremes are normal in BH. It can get very cold in winter and summers temperatures are unpredictable, sometimes only reaching a high of 10 degrees Celsius. Despite its history, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina display warmth and resilience, welcoming visitors with open arms as they continue moving beyond the difficult times of the past.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

CAA Diaper Distribution Program Meets Family Needs Across Pima County

11/1/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​With living costs in Tucson and surrounding areas rising, community outreach centers have focused on diaper distribution. Funded through the Arizona Diaper Bank and Wildfire AZ, the Community Action Agency (CAA) Diaper Distribution Program of Pima County provides eligible families with 150 diapers or pull-ups monthly for each child.

With 400 local families participating, the pilot program has room to expand. It believes that when one toddler grows out of the program, a new one will take their place. With initial funding now sunsetting, the state will inject capital and ensure that diaper distribution continues uninterrupted.

Over 15 months, the program has supplied more than 340,000 diapers to families with limited financial resources. Qualifying for the CAA Diaper Distribution Program requires an in-person visit to the program location, where family needs and eligibility are assessed. On the horizon is a new program that will potentially distribute adult diapers alongside those provided to infants.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

An Overview of Commercial Finance

6/27/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Commercial finance includes short and long-term options offered by funding institutions. Companies pursue commercial financing for multiple reasons, such as expansions, inventory, and new machinery.

Commercial financing helps companies reach their objectives without delaying growth due to a lack of funding. Therefore, the primary function of commercial finance is to make working capital available for companies.

Traditionally, banks served as the primary lenders of commercial finance. However, the field has expanded, and alternative finance providers have emerged.

Alternative commercial financing lenders may benefit companies of all sizes, particularly small ones with difficulty meeting bank requirements. In addition, alternative lenders may provide financing more quickly than banks.

Trade credit, a type of commercial financing, is an agreement to purchase products and services without immediate payments. Moreover, suppliers and other business entities can extend credit instead of banks. Credit facilitates business expansion by securing agreeable terms with suppliers, which alleviates the strain on cash flow typically caused by immediate payments.

Business credit cards differ from personal credit cards. They help companies establish a credit history, have higher credit limits, and offer varying interest rates. In addition, business credit cards allow professionals and entrepreneurs to separate their business expenditures from personal ones, which aids them when reconciling accountants and filing taxes.

Crowdfunding has become an alternative form of commercial finance. Companies and entrepreneurs can source small funds from numerous individuals rather than substantial funds from a few investors. Crowdfunding leverages social media and other platforms to connect companies with investors.

Companies and entrepreneurs can consult with commercial finance brokers to find suitable financing. Brokers know lenders' preferences, prevailing rates, and offerings across the market, making them authorities on the transactions. Commercial finance brokers possess extensive networks in the lending industry, which significantly benefits their clients by relieving them of the burden of researching available deals.

Further, SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are a type of commercial finance designed for small businesses operating in the United States. These loans are usually given or administered through traditional lenders like banks and credit unions. The SBA7(a) loan is one of the most popular SBA loans. Borrowers can use this loan to consolidate debt, manage operational expenses, and buy land or equipment. SBA 504/CDC is another type of SBA. However, unlike the SBA7(a), the SBA 504/CDC has strict guidelines and is geared toward real estate and development purposes.

Unlike traditional commercial loan facilities that offer a lump sum that is paid at once, a revolving line of credit involves the lender approving the business for a series or line of credit reaching a particular amount. With this system, the borrower is only charged interest over the amount that they have used. Also, during the draw period, they can initiate monthly payments on the balance. The draw period refers to the duration or number of times that the borrower is permitted to take out funds from the line of credit. At the expiration of the draw period, the borrower will be required to close down the line of credit and reapply for another one.

Vendor credit is another type of commercial finance. This type of financing allows businesses to acquire goods and services from a vendor with a stipulated credit limit and terms. For instance, the vendor credit agreement might give a lender a grace period of 90 days to pay for goods that they have collected from the vendor. This is helpful because the business is able to convert goods into revenue before paying the vendor.

Before companies and entrepreneurs choose any form of commercial finance, they must research all their options and avoid rushing into any agreement. They must approach the financing the same way they find new business partners or suppliers.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

Diaper Insecurity – A Major Issue in the United States

6/16/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Building a hot rod is fun. You get to dismantle an old car and rebuild it in the shape and design you want. To do it well, though, you’ll have to be meticulous throughout the process, from start to finish.

The first step is to have a plan. Figure out the kind of car you will use, note the specifications you want the car to have, list all the parts and tools you will need, identify the places you can get them, and budget for each item. Talk to suppliers to find out whether they stock these older parts and whether they are interchangeable.

Settle on a theme for your hot rod, and have a timeline for the rebuilding process. Typically, it takes about 1,000 hours, but if you are planning an elaborate rebuild, it will take much longer. Identify the tasks you can comfortably do and those that you will need help with. Reach out to professionals, ensuring that your plan is indeed achievable. Having everything written down beforehand ensures you will not get tempted to change direction, costing you time and money down the road. While it’s normal to make small adjustments to the plan, stick to the core of it.

Next, get your car. Choose an affordable car with affordable parts. Building a hot rod is expensive, and you will likely go above your budget, so starting with an affordable build is ideal. You can get ideas on these from websites like hotrod.com or by going to car shows and speaking with other hot rod builders.

When you get your car, go to the manufacturer’s website and read about the model, how it was built, and how its unique parts fit into the whole system’s function. Refer to the manual when needed.

Once you understand how the car works, it’s time to take it apart. Use your phone to record the disassembly process in its entirety. Have resealable bags with you to store the nuts, bolts, and small pieces of hardware. Keep parts from the same structure in one bag and label it for easier referencing. Hang on to the parts you have taken out, as you may need at least some of them later on.

Once all the car’s parts are out, clean up the chassis. Use wire wheels, scrapers, and steel-bristle brushes to clean it out completely, removing all rust and old paint. Finish off with a powder coating. Underneath the car, remove old undercoating and use a truck bed liner. For the engine, steam clean it and then apply spray paint. Clean up all other salvageable parts.

Some parts you’ll have to repair or replace. Repairing is more affordable, but if it will be too elaborate or not align with your end goal, upgrade the parts. Parts that you can easily replace are wheels, tires, brake and exhaust systems, and seats. For the bigger components like the engine, ensure the replacement align with your chassis and overall goal for the hot rod. For example, do not overpower your chassis by buying an 800-horsepower engine when a 350hp version is adequate. If you are not so good at tuning an engine, setting up the transmission, or wiring the car, have an expert do this as you focus on the bodywork.

For the body of the car, first strip it down to bare metal using sandblast and chemical or mechanical stripping. Then prep the metal, apply good fillers, and use hand sanding blocks to do the final body work. Apply a good primer and paint.

Finally comes the reassembly. Clean all parts before installing them on the chassis. Ask for help to install heavy parts like the bumper and trunk. Protect the paint on the doors, do not scrape the windows, and be careful not to puncture the tires. Fit everything together nice and tight.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments

An Overview of Commercial Lending

4/8/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Commercial lending serves as the lifeblood of businesses worldwide, providing the necessary capital for growth, expansion, and day to day operations. Whether it’s a small startup looking to take its first steps or an established corporation aiming to fund a major project, understanding the fundamentals of commercial lending is essential.

Commercial lending encompasses a diverse array of financial products tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses. For instance, term loans involve borrowing a lump sum of money from a financial institution and repaying it over a set period, typically with fixed or variable interest rates. These loans are commonly used for long-term investments such as funding expansions or purchasing equipment or real estate.

A line of credit is another type of loan that provides businesses with access to a predetermined maximum amount of funds that they can draw from as needed. Businesses only pay interest on the amount they borrow, making it a flexible financing option for managing cash flow fluctuations and short-term expenses.

Commercial mortgages are loans secured by commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, or industrial facilities. Similar to residential mortgages, they involve borrowing against the value of the property and repaying the loan over a specified period, often ranging from 5 to 25 years.

Asset-based lending allows businesses to borrow money using their assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment, as collateral. Lenders assess the value of the assets to determine the loan amount, making it an accessible option for businesses with valuable but underutilized assets.

The commercial lending process typically involves several key stages. Businesses begin by submitting loan applications to lenders, providing detailed information about their financial history, creditworthiness, and the purpose of the loan.

Subsequently, lenders evaluate the application, assessing the borrower’s credit risk, financial stability, and ability to repay the loan. This process may involve reviewing financial statements, tax returns, and other relevant documents. If the borrower meets the lender’s criteria the loan is approved, and the terms and conditions are finalized. This includes determining the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and any collateral requirements.

Once the loan is approved the funds are disbursed to the borrower, giving them access to the capital needed to achieve their objectives. Borrowers are responsible for repaying the loan according to the agreed-upon terms, which may include regular installments of principal and interest over the loan’s duration.

Before pursuing commercial lending, businesses should consider several factors to ensure they choose the right financing option for their needs. Lenders assess the financial health of businesses to determine their ability to repay the loan. Strong financial performance, positive cash flow, and a solid credit history can improve a borrower’s chances of securing favorable terms.

It’s also advisable for businesses to clearly define the purpose of the loan and how it will contribute to their growth and success. Whether it will be used for funding a specific project, purchasing assets, or managing cash flow, having a clear plan in place indicates credibility to lenders.

Moreover, it’s necessary for borrowers to compare interest rates, fees, and terms from multiple lenders to find the most competitive offer. While lower interest rates may be appealing, it’s essential to consider the overall cost of borrowing, including any additional fees or charges.

Depending on the type of loan, lenders may require collateral to secure the loan. Businesses should carefully assess their assets and be prepared to offer collateral if necessary, understanding the implications of defaulting on the loan.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

Shop
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    James W. Murphy - Financial Professional and Volunteer in Tucson, AZ

    Archives

    March 2024

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.