Benjamin Locke
articles from Benjamin
637 posts
Interest Coverage Ratio, Formula, and Examples
Published 06/24/2022 by Benjamin Locke
The interest coverage ratio is a formula used to measure a company’s ability to cover its existing debts. The interest coverage ratio measures the time frame it will take a company to pay off its debts, should its existing revenue stay the same. The ratio is used by a variety of lenders and investors to determine the financial health and viability of a company.

Why is Diesel More Expensive Than Gas?
Published 06/17/2022 by Benjamin Locke
Due to excessive regulation, global demand, and the oil refining process for fuel, diesel is currently more expensive than gasoline in the United States.

How Do Quotas Help Domestic Producers?
Published 06/15/2022 by Benjamin Locke
Quotas are limits on the importation of goods from foreign countries. Established by the government, a quota sets a ceiling on how much of any good may be imported from any single nation, based on either the physical amount or the monetary value of that good to protect domestic producers of the same good from foreign competition. Policymakers implement quotas to protect and nurture domestic industries they deem important or believe threatened by unfair trade practices such as dumping.

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on your Record?
Published 06/09/2022 by Benjamin Locke
In most cases, it takes seven or more years to expunge an eviction-related notice from your credit report. An eviction record could negatively affect your credit report, though the eviction itself will not appear. What will appear (and decrease your score) are any notices from collections agencies who were sent to collect the outstanding debt.

Do No-Credit-Check Loans with Guaranteed Approval Exist?
Published 06/08/2022 by Benjamin Locke
No-credit-check loans are loans that are often marketed to people with bad credit or limited credit history. In many cases, approval is not actually guaranteed, and the lender might go ahead and check your credit anyway. Best used in financial emergencies, if at all, no-credit-check loans typically have unfavorable terms and very high interest rates.

Bridge Loan vs. HELOC: What’s the Difference?
Published 06/07/2022 by Benjamin Locke
Bridge loans and HELOCs are short-term financing tools that are often used by real estate investors. Homebuyers who are considering whether they should go with a bridge loan vs. HELOC are typically trying to buy a new property while they have yet to sell an existing one. There are important factors to consider when comparing the two, including loan structure, time frame, interest rates, and restrictions.

How to Invest in Starlink
Published 06/03/2022 by Benjamin Locke
Starlink is a division of SpaceX, and its goal is to bring internet connectivity and internet service to the world through low-orbiting satellites. As the current internet exists primarily in physical broadband cables, Starlink wants to change this paradigm and make the internet available through satellites that they provide. As SpaceX is not a publicly traded company, it’s very difficult to invest directly in Starlink. However, there are ways you can invest in the Starlink concept, as well as prepare for a future IPO.

How to Build Credit at 18
Published 05/27/2022 by Benjamin Locke
You can build up your credit score even at a young age by becoming an authorized user or getting a secured credit card or credit builder loan. However, you can’t get a great score just by opening accounts. You’ll have to continue building your credit by making timely payments and maintaining a balanced credit utilization ratio.

Which Investment Has the Least Liquidity?
Published 05/23/2022 by Benjamin Locke
The liquidity of an investment is related to the amount of time it takes you to sell the investment and get it out of your portfolio. Rare collectibles with a niche market and real estate are among the most illiquid assets around, but there are other assets that are other contenders for the investment with the least liquidity.

Is a 529 Plan Worth It?
Published 05/19/2022 by Benjamin Locke
In most cases, a 529 plan is definitely worth the effort. 529 plans are government-backed savings and investment plans that allow parents, guardians, or family members to save for education while receiving major tax benefits. Although 529 plans can be used for different types of education, most of the time they’re used for a four-year college. To make sure a 529 is worth the effort, it’s important to understand how, when, and where to structure a 529 plan to best finance your child’s college education.
