Ways to Work auto loans

There is a program that helps both low and moderate income individuals and families solve their transportation issues by providing them with low interest rate auto loans. Ways to Work is an organization that provides small, low interest, short-term loans to working families that have either no or poor credit histories. Funds can also be offered to pay for car insurance. The typical loan amount provided is around $4,000, but the exact amounts will vary. They provide an alternative to families so that they do not need to use so called predatory lenders, payday companies, or other high interest rate options. The Ways to Work program and organization is funded by the federal and state governments, as well as private foundations.

What are the loans used for?

The goal of Ways to Work loans are to help people either remain in or advance and move forward in their job. So the program is in effect focused on helping people become self sufficient over the long term by ensuring they have what they need to be successful in their jobs and careers. It is not a charity. While the loans can be issued for various reasons, the majority of loans are made for the purchase of modestly priced used vehicles or car repairs. Over 90% of all Ways to Work loans processed are made for the purchase of used cars.

Individuals who receive these loans almost will always have some type of improvement or stabilization in their employment situations. Another benefit of the program is that clients also show a marked improvement in their financial literacy, they will have a higher credit rating and scores, they have a heightened their sense of self-esteem. And of course, and most importantly, for those who apply for an automobile loan and are successful with the program, the new car and transportation has always brought a significant improvement in their family’s quality of life and financial situation.

 

 

 

How many people have been helped?

Tens of thousands of families have been helped since the program started. Tens of millions of dollars in low interest loans have been provided to low income families as well as people with low or poor credit histories.

If you meet the criteria and are provided with a loan, you also receive additional assistance. Clients will also be provided with financial literacy training, budgeting skills, credit repair strategies and techniques, debt counseling, referrals to other resources, and more.

What other options do I have?

For the millions of Americans with poor or no credit ratings or scores, the pursuit of a used or new car will often lead to them having to make a choice between financial disaster and remaining afoot. They usually have limited options, and turn to predatory lenders (i.e. those “buy here, pay here” car lots). These lenders are almost always all to happy to put people into one of their poor quality, high interest loans, high priced used or new vehicles, financing included. These car dealers usually “prey” on the buyers, as they know that they are desperate for a new or used automobile. Sometimes the interest rate these lenders or car dealers charge can be 20-40%. Alternatives to Ways to Work loans include:

• Low interest automobile loans - Many credit unions offer smaller dollar loans at a low interest rate, even if your credit is poor. These low interest loans can supplement the Ways to Work financing options and can be used to help purchase a car. Click here.
• Refinance car loan - Major lenders such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo can help consumers refinance existing auto loans, and possibly save hundreds of dollars over the life of the loan. Read more.

 

 

How much can I receive from Ways to Work auto loans?

While the exact amount provided will vary based upon your needs and a review of your application and financial situation, the most common amount is $4,000. The interest rate will also vary, but the rates have been as low as 4%. Some of the local organizations that they work with may even provide additional funding to help the low income family pay for their car insurance. Most of the loans will be offered for up to 36 months.

Ways to Work auto loans contact information

To learn more or to apply, you can contact Ways to Work at (866) 252-7171. Unfortunately the program is not available in all parts of the country, but if it is offered in your state or area, then they will put you in contact with who to call for a low interest auto loan.