Running a small business is a major investment of your time and energy. To some extent, being your own boss will always be a gamble. However, there are ways to protect your financial security, and taking advantage of small business loans is one.

Sick of staring at that 30-year-old formica countertop? Are you planning to make major improvements to your home to increase the value of it? Home improvements — from major projects, like a large addition, to small jobs, like replacing the fridge — can be a considerable investment, and they may not be something for which you have cash on hand.

If you’ve listened to the radio or turned on the TV, you’ve probably heard dealers offering 0% interest on a new car. Have you ever tried to take advantage of these offers? If so, you were likely told that you or your purchase didn’t qualify. So how can you qualify for one of these offers?