24pete, Author at Northern Community Bank

The dangers of loan sharks and how to spot one

January 16, 2024 3:26 pm Leave a Comment

Jaws may have had people thinking twice about taking a dip in the ocean back in the 70s – but when it comes to creating waves of panic in 2024, loan sharks present a much scarier proposition.
And yet, despite a reputation for being the bad guys of the loan industry, they remain a very real and very dangerous part of the financial landscape.
On average, there are 300 google searches for loan sharks every month just in the Lancashire and Cumbria area, while there are currently 1.08 million people across the UK owing money to an illegal lender.
So, how do we change the payday lending tide and stop the population from drowning in a sea of debt? Caution and education – starting right here.

Five reasons loan sharks should be avoided at all costs

Excessively interest rates: Annual percentage rates charged by loan sharks can soar into the triple digits, making repayments a daunting task for borrowers.
Cycle of dependency: These high interest rates can trap individuals in a cycle of debt, leaving them struggling to pay off the loan while accruing additional fees. They may then find themselves continuously borrowing from the loan shark in order to meet their obligations, which can be detrimental to their financial and mental health.
Lack of legal protections: When dealing with loan sharks, borrowers have minimal legal protections compared to traditional lending institutions. Loan sharks operate in the shadows, evading regulations that are in place to protect borrowers. As a result, individuals who fall victim to their predatory practices may find it challenging to seek legal recourse.
Coercive collection practices: Loan sharks are known for adopting aggressive and intimidating tactics to collect repayments. This can include threats, harassment, even physical harm.
Impact on communities: Loan sharks tend to target, not just vulnerable individuals who may be in dire financial straits, but whole communities where access to traditional banking services is limited. This can lead to greater financial instability, crime, and a general decline in the quality of life within these areas.

How can I spot a loan shark – and what is the alternative?

Spotting a loan shark isn’t always easy. However, there will always be red flags. Excessively high interest rates and a lack of formal documentation are two of the main ones to be on the lookout for.
If you have your suspicions that something isn’t quite right, you can check that the lender you want a loan from is legal by checking the FCA website. If you suspect that you have borrowed money from a loan shark, you can report them anonymously via the Stop Loan Sharks website or through the government.
Desperate times can lead to desperate measures, but you should always take the time to carefully research your lending options before agreeing to anything.
Community banks are everything loan sharks are not – we operate within a legal framework, offering affordable interest rates and flexible repayment terms. We encourage our account holders to save, and we invest your money back into your community.
Contact us today for more information. And rest assured, we don’t bite.

Unwrap one of Northern Community Bank’s quick small loans for Christmas today

December 19, 2023 11:54 am Leave a Comment

Quick small loans for Christmas have been giving our account holders festive respite for decades. Whether it be last-minute gifts or an unexpected get-together, money has a habit of vanishing quicker than Santa up a chimney during the holiday season. Fortunately, Northern Community Bank has a sackful of financial stocking fillers ready to keep your Christmas merry and your new year happy.
Don’t just take our word for it, either. “Thanks to Northern Community Bank I can have a blessed and stress-free Christmas.”
That’s just one of hundreds of Northern Community Bank account holders who have come to us over the years asking about quick small loans for Christmas.
Our answer is always the same: “Let’s see what we can do.”

Five reasons why Northern Community Bank’s quick small loans for Christmas are a true gift

Quick and simple. Apply online. Decision online. Sign online. We make the whole loan application process as straightforward and as streamlined as possible. That’s because we understand that when people need money in a hurry, they don’t want to be kept waiting. Decisions are usually made within 48 working hours. Once that decision has been made the money will be BACS to your account the same day.
No credit check. Our £500 family loan and saving scheme lets you borrow for family expenses (and what’s more important than family at Christmas?) and use your child benefit for the repayments. There’s no credit check required as our decisions are based on affordability assessments.
Repayments tailored to you. By carefully assessing each applicant’s personal circumstances, we are able to make loan decisions based on what they can afford (not just a credit score). Meaning repayments can be spread out over a manageable period. So, quick small loans for Christmas don’t become big headaches in the new year.
Your own little savings pot. Saving’s hard, we get it. That’s why we do our best to help build better habits around it. Once approved for a loan, a portion of your repayments will be placed in a savings account, meaning you will have a nice little nest egg should you need it in the future.
What you see is what you get. Usually, when you enter into the realm of quick and simple loans, you’re entering into a world filled with high interest rates and sneaky fees. With community bank loans, what you see is what you get. No fancy sales speak, no hidden charges, no early settlement fees. Unlike other lenders, the interest rate you see advertised with us – which is always highly competitive – is the interest rate you will pay.

What is Northern Community Bank’s Christmas Club?

So, our quick small loans for Christmas are here, ready and waiting to ensure Christmas 2023 goes off without a hitch. But what about Christmas 2024?
Money saved through our ‘Save as You Borrow’ scheme – the one we mentioned in the previous section – cannot be accessed until your loan is repaid. But if your final repayment happens to be in June, you might well find yourself dipping into those savings to help fund a summer getaway.
We created our festive saving account to counter this exact issue. The Northern Community Bank Christmas Club allows you to only make withdrawals during the months of November and December. Meaning all that money you’ve been putting away to buy presents will go towards presents – or a winter getaway.

Tis the season to be…aware of affordable loans for Christmas

December 18, 2023 11:58 am Leave a Comment

Northern Community Bank’s affordable loans for Christmas are so easy to arrange, they’d give even the Grinch cause to smile.
Taking out a loan can be a stressful time, no matter the month. But with the festive season in full swing, a million and one things to do, and present pressure mounting; turning to a lender in your hour of need just days before the big day can be about as appealing as going shopping on Christmas Eve.
And yet, sometimes, needs must.
Maybe there’s more coming for Christmas dinner than you first anticipated. Or maybe, last minute, you’ve decided you want to treat your loved one to a romantic getaway next year.
From extra turkeys to two weeks in Turkey, Northern Community Bank’s affordable Christmas loans have you covered.

Just how affordable are Northern Community Bank’s affordable loans for Christmas?

At Northern Community Bank, we don’t do short-term gain for long-term pain.
The last thing we want is for you to cover the cost of the festive festivities only to spend the new year worrying about the same old things.
So, when we say, ‘affordable loans for Christmas’, we mean affordable loans for Christmas.
Our interest rates are set as low as they can possibly be. As a not-for-profit organisation we don’t have hungry, faceless shareholders to feed, which means our interest rates aren’t only low, they’re also transparent and consistent.
Repayments, which can be made on a weekly or monthly basis, are tailored to each account holder’s financial circumstances, too. This allows you to spread the cost over a manageable period, and means you can look forward to a new year filled with fun and adventure, rather than stress and anxiety.
We even offer a free bereavement fund benefit on all our savings and loans as well.

How quick do you process affordable loans for Christmas?

You know how Father Christmas can visit every house in the world in just one evening? Well, we’re not that quick.
But we have provided more than £90 million in loans to the community over the past 40 decades, so we do know a thing or two about loans and lending.
And one thing we know for certain is that, when individuals need financial assistance, time is often of the essence.
As long as we have everything we need, our decisions are usually made within 48 working hours. If the application is successful, payment can be made the same day by BACS.
We may not have a magical sleigh or a herd of reindeer pulling us along, but we do have a magical team of hard-working elves who always go above and beyond for our account holders.
Give them a ring today on 01282 691333, and they’ll tell you everything you need to know about affordable loans for Christmas.

Create Christmas memories with these simple ideas

November 24, 2023 12:14 pm Leave a Comment

Christmas may feel like it’s becoming pricier each year, but fear not! Creating lasting Christmas memories doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some simple and wallet-friendly ideas to infuse the holiday season with warmth and joy.

Cozy Movie Nights:

Transform your living room into a winter wonderland by turning on the Christmas tree lights, snuggling under a big blanket, and enjoying a selection of heartwarming Christmas films with your loved ones. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to create magical moments.

Festive Light Adventures:

Bundle up and take a stroll through your neighborhood to find houses adorned with twinkling Christmas lights. Spice it up by playing a round of Christmas-themed “Eye Spy” along the way. It’s a delightful and cost-free activity that kids will absolutely adore

Elf on the shelf:

Younger children love the Elf on the shelf and yes, it’s very annoying when you have just got into bed and realized that you haven’t moved the Elf. You can pick up an Elf quite cheap from the poundshop and elf ideas can be found quickly online.

Community Celebrations:

Explore your local town’s Christmas light switch-on event, typically featuring free entertainment that lasts for a couple of hours. Another fantastic memory-making opportunity is visiting Santa in a shopping or garden center. These outings are not only festive but also budget-friendly.

Create a Christmas breakfast:

It’s really easy to create a reindeer from pancakes or some penguin porridge. Get your little ones to help you create a Christmas breakfast that everyone can enjoy.

Advent Story books:

Build anticipation for Christmas by incorporating bedtime stories from an advent book set. There are different ones available from The Works, and with 24 different books for as little as £5, it’s a fantastic and affordable option. Let your children choose a different story each night to make bedtime extra special.

Polar Express night:

Why not watch the film all cuddled up in your pyjamas and make some hot chocolate. To make it even more special, you could make up train tickets or have a sleighbell like in the film.

Take a photo in front of the Christmas Tree:

Take a photo in the same position in front of the tree every year, then you can look back to see how everyone has changed. Wear Christmas jumpers or pyjamas to make it more festive.

This Christmas, focus on the simple joys that won’t strain your budget. These affordable and heartwarming activities are sure to create lasting Christmas memories for you and your family.

I want to apply for a Christmas loan online – what should I do?

November 21, 2023 12:04 pm Leave a Comment

Are you wanting to apply for a Christmas loan online, but don’t know where to start?
This blog will help you unwrap the best loan deals ahead of the stressful festive rush.
No matter how well we plan, or how early we start buying presents; unexpected costs at Christmas are as common as Lynx Africa gift sets.
Don’t let this put a dampener on your celebrations, though. Instead, take a deep breath, apply for a Christmas loan online with Northern Community Bank, and let us help you make this the happiest of holidays.

Five reasons why you should apply for a Christmas loan online with Northern Community Bank

Affordable. The first thing people think when they hear the word ‘loan’ is, ‘How much is this going to cost me?’ Northern Community Bank prides itself on providing affordable loans, with competitive interest rates, and payment plans especially tailored to suit your financial circumstances. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free Christmas, knowing that in the new year, you won’t stress about repayments.
Ease. If, like us, you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, time is probably something you don’t have in great quantity. With Northern Community Bank, there’s no need to make an appointment at one of our branches. You can apply for a Christmas loan from the comfort of your own home, giving you time to get any information together that you may need. The entire process – from start to finish – can be completed either through our Online Accounts Area, or via the secure Nivo app.
Speed. Apply for a Christmas loan online today, and you won’t be kept waiting. We aim to reach a decision within 48 working hours, providing all the information we need has been provided. If your application is successful, we can make a same day BACS payment. Also, our loan decisions are made by real people, not computers. This means we’re able to look at all the circumstances surrounding your finances. We look at affordability, income, expenditure, payment history – rather than just relying on a credit score reading.
Savings. Unlike with some lenders, we don’t want loan applications to become a habit. This is why all Northern Community Bank account holders are encouraged to save with us from the outset. If you want to make sure Christmas 2024 is affordable and comfortable, the Northern Community Bank Christmas Club allows you to save throughout the year, with withdrawals only possible during November and December. It’s free to join, and you can sign up any time during the year.
Trust. Since 1982, Northern Community Bank has helped thousands of families pay for everything from bills, holidays, car repairs and home improvements. And as an ethical, not-for-profit, financial co–operative, we are able to ensure all money remains within the community, instead of lining the pockets of shareholders.

Speak to our team today

We can’t help you put up your tree. And we won’t help you wrap all those presents. But we can give you honest, easy to understand information about personal loans.
Give us a ring on 01282 691333, and one of our team will be more than happy to get the (snow)ball rolling.

Why Northern Community Bank’s ‘Christmas loans pay weekly’ are a merry good idea

11:06 am Leave a Comment

‘Christmas loans pay weekly’ – four words that may not fill you with much festive cheer on first hearing.
Certainly, not compared to ‘pigs in a blanket’.
And yet Northern Community Bank’s ‘Christmas loans pay weekly‘ could well be the difference between you being a happy elf this festive season, or a grumpy grinch.
It’s no secret that Christmas can be a costly time of year. There are parties to prepare for, rooms to decorate, presents to purchase, and guests to wine and dine.
Even if you’ve been saving up since January, unexpected costs, combined with the four words we’re all tired of hearing – ‘cost of living crisis’ – can leave us feeling a little anxious in the run-up to the holidays.
Spreading the cost of the festive period over a longer, more affordable period is one way of helping manage that pressure.
And that’s where our Christmas loans pay weekly option comes in.

How can Christmas loans pay weekly help me?

If you take out a loan to help cover the cost of Christmas 2023, you don’t want to be waking up come January 2024 worrying about you’re going to pay it back.
With Northern Community Bank, not only can you borrow as little or as much as you like, all our account holders’ repayment plans are based around affordability. This means you won’t be spending the new year looking over your shoulder.
The fact that no one person’s circumstances are the same is something we truly understand at Northern Community Bank. This is one of the reasons why we offer a pay weekly option. For some, this can make budgeting a lot easier. Others might prefer the routine of monthly repayments. Talk to us, and we will help you find a solution that best fits your needs.
And, if you want to settle your loan early, unlike with other lenders, you won’t be charged a penny extra.

What is Northern Community Bank’s Christmas Club?

How much easier would it be if you didn’t even have to think about ‘Christmas loans pay weekly’ when Christmas 2024 comes around.
Northern Community Bank‘s Christmas Club enables you to save throughout the year. Withdrawals are only allowable during November and December, meaning that Christmas savings really are just for the festive period.
This year, account holders saved a record-breaking £525,000 – a 50% increase on 2022’s total.
The Christmas savings account was designed to meet the needs of account holders. They told Northern Community Bank that they wanted to save throughout the year for the Christmas period but found it hard when unexpected bills appeared. Unlike with some other saving schemes, you’re not restricted to certain shops to spend the money you’ve saved either. And you can also join at any point in the year.
For more information on our Christmas Club, or on Christmas loans pay weekly and how they could help you, speak to one our team today.

Helpful tips for a stress-free Christmas

November 16, 2023 10:27 am Leave a Comment

To ensure a stress-free Christmas this year, we’ve compiled some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy the festive season without feeling overwhelmed..

Make lists

Take a page from Santa’s playbook and create separate lists for presents, food, and cleaning. Checking off tasks as you complete them will provide a sense of accomplishment and help keep stress levels in check.

Plan ahead

We know that Christmas comes the same time every year, yet we always seem to leave things to last minute. Plan out what needs doing and when it needs doing by and we and guarantee this will help you have a stress-free Christmas. If you want to be more organised for next year, why not think about saving with Northern Community Bank’s Christmas Club? Save as much or as little as you like throughout the year, and withdrawals can only be made through November and December.

Start Christmas shopping early

There are some Christmas things that can be bought early and stored away until nearer the day. Pick up tubs of chocolate, cranberry sauce, and crackers in with your weekly shop, helping you to spread the cost and be more prepared. There is less chance on them being out of stock and missing out on them too.

Set a budget

Everyone is guilty of doing of overspending at Christmas, but this can cause your stress levels to rise. Make a budget for the festive period, then break it down further into a present budget, food budget etc. Try to make sure the budget is a realistic one that you can afford to stick too.

Do a bit at a time

Rather than attempting to complete all your Christmas shopping in a single day, break tasks into manageable chunks. This approach can make the process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

Ask for help

We know this is easier said than done, but many people feel stressed thinking they have to do it all by themselves. Ask your partner or your family members for help, even if it’s just making tea while you do something else.

get outside and take a winter walk

A great way to make this a stress-free Christmas it to get out in the fresh air and take a walk. Go outdoors and enjoy some time away from the present wrapping, tree decorating and cookie baking duties that need doing.

Make time to relax

With all the rushing around that comes with the festive season, make sure to take time out and relax. Choose an activity that you enjoy and take some time out for yourself. It could be watching a film, a long soak in the bath or listening to some music.

Get some sleep

It can be easy to burn the candle at both ends to make sure everything is done. Bedtime schedules seem to go out of window at Christmas with the extra late nights and early starts (thanks to the little ones) that getting a good night sleep seems to be forgotten about.

Remember Christmas is for you too

Embrace the imperfections and enjoy Christmas in your own way. It doesn’t have to mirror a TV ad to be perfect. Laugh, eat, and be merry with your loved ones, cherishing the moments that make the day special for you

Top 10 toys for Christmas 2023

November 9, 2023 11:50 am Leave a Comment

The holiday season is just around the corner, and children across the UK are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. While it’s always a magical time of year, one of the most exciting parts for kids is undoubtedly the prospect of new toys under the tree. So, what will be the top 10 toys for Christmas 2023?

Barbie estate dolls house and 3 dolls:

£180.00 – Argos

This Barbie doll-house is ready for move-in! Three dolls, furniture and accessories — including a pool with slide -help imaginations set a storytelling scene. The doll-house has plenty of space: its two stories are connected by a slim white staircase, and its four rooms include a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. A pool with a slide brings the fun outside for all-around play — fill it with water and dive into a pool party!

MGA’s miniverse make it mini food diner:

£9.99 – Symths Toys

MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Food Diner Series is the only mini collectible that you can prep, set, and display. Each ball comes with realistic mini “ingredients” and kitchen accessories to make your own mini replicas of your favourite snacks and desserts! Each package is a surprise, so you won’t know which mini you have until you unbox it!

Beast Lab core line shark:

£77.99 – Very

The Beast Lab is equipped with more than 80 light and sound effects, bringing the experiment to life. Your child is tasked with the ultimate responsibility and will need to add the correct measurements of key ingredients: Attack Serum, Roar Rocks, Fossil Fragments and Skin Scrapings into the vessel! Make sure to add Roaring Rocks to give your shark a ferocious roar.

Squishmallows Drew the dragon:

£13.00 (or 2 for £20) – Argos

Squish time is playtime when you add this plush to your Squishmallows Squad. This ultra-squeezable, 10-inch plush is made with high-quality and ultrasoft materials. This soft plush is perfect to snuggle with while relaxing at home, watching a movie, or taking a long car or plane ride. These loveable and squeezable Squishmallows are the softest and cutest plush toys around.

Twister Air:

£19.00 – The Entertainer

No mat? That’s right! This app-enabled game is an exciting, augmented reality spin on the Twister game that moves the party onto a player’s smart device. This fun party game includes 8 colourful Twister Air bands and a device stand that works for any smartphone or tablet up to 9-inches in width.

Polly Pocket Suitcase:

£47.99 – Smyths Toys

Take a trip with Polly Pocket doll in this child-sized travel bag! The Pollyville Resort Roll Away doubles as a playset and storage unit for Polly compacts! The playset has an extendable handle to take the resort anywhere on-the-go. It opens to a 3-story hotel with an elevator, a fun arcade to play with friends, a spiral slide, speedbumps to activate exciting features, and so much more to discover!

Lego Harry Potter Dobby:

£17.99 – Smyths toys

The instantly recognisable brick-built Harry Potter character figure has a posable head for different looks, and posable arms and fingers so Dobby the elf can hold the included LEGO Harry Potter accessories. There is a detailed buildable model of Harry Potter’s sock with Tom Riddle’s diary that Harry used to set Dobby free and Aunt Petunia’s ‘floating’ pudding cake to inspire memories of classic scenes.

Bluey Beach Cabin Surprise:

£30 – George Asda

Now your kids can go on a beach holiday with Bluey when she visits her Beach Cabin! Bluey’s Beach Cabin playset is loaded with fun features to make it a vacation to remember! The Cabin is over 10″ (25cm) wide and comes with everything Bluey and her family need to relax and play! There are different play areas for your child’s 2.5″ Bluey figure to play in.

Leapfrog Pizza Cart:

£45.00 – Argos

0+ role play pieces allow aspiring pizza chefs to learn about numbers, colours, shapes and more as they cook up hours of pretend play fun! Begin by ringing the bell on the pizza cart to hear your customer’s order, and follow the instructions to create a slice of pizza with the topping they’d like! Use the interactive spatula to scoop up the pizza slice, and hear as it’s recognised by name, colour and shape! Next, open the oven door, put in your slice and turn the oven dial to cook your pizza!

Bitzee Digital Interactive pet:

£31.99 – The Entertainer

Bitzee Interactive Pets go beyond the 2D screen, it’s the virtual pet you can really touch and feel in a 3D world. Your interactive pet will respond to swipes, tilts, shakes and touch with sounds and reactions. Like real pets, Bitzee virtual pets need love and care to grow. The more you play, the more pets you’ll get! Feed them, play with them, rock them to sleep, clean up after them and give them love. Watch them grow from baby, to adult, to Super Bitzee!

With these exciting options, you’ll be well-prepared to make this Christmas a memorable one for your little ones. Happy shopping!

If you are looking to borrow & save this Christmas Northern Community Bank’s affordable Christmas loans may be of interest to you. Taking out one of our Christmas Loans will enable you to enjoy a stress free celebration, certain that you can afford what you’re spending, and won’t be dealing with forbidding bills due for payment in January.

Community Bank’s £525,000 Christmas Cracker 2023

November 8, 2023 9:49 pm Leave a Comment

Northern Community Bank account holders’ record-breaking 2023 Christmas savings total gives families a head start going into the festive period.

Northern Community Bank is ecstatic to see a 50% increase in Christmas savings by residents from the local communities who use the account specifically designed to reduce the pressure on families at one of the most expensive times of the year.

Tia Warbrick, Chief Operating Officer described how pleased the community bank was by the response from the community “Last year our account holders saved £340,000 throughout the year in our locked Christmas Club Account, it blew the whole team away to see this year totalling £525,000”

The free-to-open Christmas Club Account helps people to save throughout the year but withdrawals are only allowed during November and December, meaning that Christmas savings really are just for the festive period.

Tia explained why the credit union first introduced the account “The Christmas Club was designed to meet the needs of account holders who told Northern Community Bank that they wanted to save throughout the year for the expensive Christmas period but found it hard when unexpected expenses appeared.”

Northern Community Bank has seen the savings total increase year-on-year. In 2018 account holders had saved an impressive £150,000. In 2019 this rose to £160,000, and even the Coronavirus pandemic could not stop account holders from making sure they had the best Christmas possible, with £230,000 being saved in 2020 and £270,000 in 2021.

Northern Community Bank’s Family Loan & Saving Scheme account holders have once again taken Christmas savings to a new level. Last year 42% of the total balance was made up of Family Loan members’ festive savings, this year that has risen to an unbelievable 56% of the total Christmas Club Account. Northern Community Bank account holder Victoria praised the account “The Christmas savings club, it’s brilliant to have the money saved for Christmas – so there is no worry”.

When Northern Community Bank merged with Affinity Community Bank in September 2021 to provide services across the county of Cumbria there were very few Cumbrian account holders saving in the Christmas Club. At Christmas 2022 Cumbrian account holders had £30,000 in the Christmas Club, it is especially pleasing to see that grow to over £103,200 in 2023.

Tia highlighted how the credit union works throughout the year to promote the account with existing and potential account holders “We encourage people to save as little or as much as they can throughout the year, explaining that saving as little as £3 per week can make a great start at Christmas. To see our amazing account holders save over half a million pounds as we all face a cost-of-living crisis, nearly £240 per person, for Christmas is incredible.”

Already an account holder but currently don’t have a Northern Community Bank Christmas Club savings account? Talk to a friendly member of the team today and be an early bird for Christmas 2024.

Stop searching for payday loans online. Northern Community Bank is the cheaper alternative.

October 23, 2023 3:28 pm Leave a Comment

To say payday loans online come with a bad reputation would be somewhat of an understatement. On the surface, they might not seem all that harmful. You have a financial emergency, a payday lender loans you £500, and you have a few weeks to pay it back. Straightforward enough.
However, it’s what lurks beneath that seemingly innocent agreement that can leave you trapped in what feels like a never-ending cycle of debt. Payday loans come hand-in-hand with high interest rates, as they target people who don’t have access to other, more affordable sources of credit.
They also bring the possibility of additional charges to deal with due to the very small window of time you have to pay back the loan. Before you know it, that financial emergency has suddenly become an extremely expensive one.
Thankfully, there’s a safe, secure and speedy alternative to payday loans online. Here’s everything you need to know:

Why are Northern Community Bank loans a better alternative to payday loans online?

We understand that life isn’t always straightforward. We understand that financial challenges can arise unexpectedly. And we understand how a bad credit score can affect future plans.
That’s why, unlike the majority of lenders, we don’t rely on a computer to give us a green or red light. Instead, we take the time to understand a person’s circumstances. By carefully assessing each applicant’s personal situation, we are able to make our loan decisions based on affordability (not just credit scores), and tailor repayments to suit them; repayments that can be made by standing order or a direct benefit payment such as Child Benefit, Universal Credit or Tax Credits etc.
The main reason people prefer Credit Union loans to payday loans online though? Our loans are considerably cheaper. For instance, borrow £500 on our family loan and savings scheme over 12 months at 42.6% APR, and you will pay back just £96.92 in interest.
Even paying it back over a longer period will still be cheaper than a payday loan.

Are Northern Community Bank loans quicker than payday loans online?

At Northern Community Bank, we will always prioritise accuracy over speed. But that doesn’t mean we don’t understand the urgency that often surrounds loan applications.
Having that money land in your account within 48 hours as opposed to a week could be the difference between paying a bill on time or putting food on the table.
As long as we have all the information needed, you will have a decision within 48 working hours. And once the loan is signed, the money can be transferred into your account the same day.
We also offer a free bereavement fund benefit on all savings and loans, and you don’t need to worry about early settlement fees, either.
To find out more about why we’re a far better alternative to payday loans online, contact our team today on 01282 691333.

Don’t get left out in the cold looking for ‘loans for Christmas no credit check’

October 19, 2023 1:17 pm Leave a Comment

Imagine if there was a Christmas chart for online searches; ‘Loans for Christmas no credit check’ would be a top contender for the number one spot. Christmas, for many, is undoubtedly the most magical time of the year. The parties, the presents, the endless amount of food.
For just as many, though, it can be a time of stress and financial worry. After all, those parties, presents, and pies don’t come cheap – especially with inflation reaching heights even Father Christmas’ reindeers would struggle to hit.
At Northern Community Bank, we can’t promise a magic money Christmas tree, but we can offer you help for whatever you have planned this festive season – whether that’s spoiling your loved ones rotten or having a low-key Christmas that just requires a little cash boost.

What are Northern Community Bank’s ‘loans for Christmas no credit check’

Remember when you were young and all you had to worry about was keeping off Father Christmas’ naughty list.
Well, adulthood brings with it an even more terrifying list you want to steer clear off – the bad credit report.
No matter how ‘nice’ your spending habits may be, though, a bad credit score can be tricky to avoid.
So, at Northern Community Bank, while we do check credit history, we don’t shut up the grotto and tell you to go elsewhere just because a computer might say you’re ineligible for a loan. That wouldn’t be very festive now, would it?
Each application is assessed individually by an elf, sorry, person, who will look at things like affordability, income and expenditure – we only lend amounts we are confident people can afford to pay back. And unlike banks and other lenders, we’re far more likely to lend money to someone whose credit score is less than perfect.
If you have been searching for ‘loans for Christmas no credit check’ then our £500 family loan and saving scheme could be the best present you receive all year. The scheme is available to anyone in receipt of child benefit and doesn’t require a credit check. We aim to reach a decision within 48 working hours and if successful we can make a £500 BACS payment that same day.

Bringing Christmas cheer for decades

Community is at the heart of everything Northern Community Bank does. So, naturally, Christmas is a very special time of the year for us.
For decades, we have been helping families from across the community create happy memories that will last a lifetime.
That’s because, as a not-for-profit organisation, we’re able to offer much lower interest rates than you’re likely to find anywhere else. More than that though, we offer a level of support that can be felt at every step of your application, right through to final repayment.
We don’t want you just to have a merry Christmas; we want you to have a happy (and financially stress-free) New Year, too.

Spooky Fun for Kids: Halloween activities that’ll delight your little ones

October 3, 2023 6:26 pm Leave a Comment

It’s that time of the year again when pumpkins glow, skeletons dance, and little ghosts and goblins come out to play. Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect occasion to create some spooktacular memories with your little ones. From creepy crafts to sweet treats, here are some fantastic Halloween activities that’ll keep your children happily haunting the neighbourhood.

1. Pumpkin Palooza:

Halloween and pumpkins go hand in hand. Head to a local pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin with your kiddos. Once you’re home, let them get creative with carving or decorating their jack-o’-lantern. Be sure to supervise and provide child-safe carving tools for little hands.

2. Costume Parade:

Encourage your children to dress up in their favourite costumes and organise a costume parade around your home or yard. You can even make it a street event by inviting friends and neighbours to join in the fun. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of their adorable outfits!

3. Haunted House Craft:

Transform your living room into a mini haunted house with spooky decorations made by your little artists. Craft paper ghosts, bats, and spiders to hang from the ceiling. Create eerie handprint or footprint ghosts on black paper, and let your children add spooky details with white paint or markers.

4. Trick-or-Treat Practice:

If your children are new to trick-or-treating or just need some practice, set up a mini trick-or-treat session at home. Hide treats around your yard or inside the house and guide them on a sweet treat hunt. This is a great way to ensure they know the rules and stay safe on Halloween night.

5. Halloween Movie Night:

Host a cozy Halloween movie night with age-appropriate spooky films. Classics like “Disney spooky Buddies” and “Casper” are perfect for younger kids. For older ones, consider movies like “Monster’s Inc.” or “Hotel Transylvania.” Don’t forget the popcorn!

6. Spooky Snack Making:

Get your little chefs involved in making Halloween-themed treats. Decorate cookies with orange and black icing, make mini finger hot dogs by cutting out the tip of the hot dogs to look like a fingernail, or create a “witches’ brew” punch using fruit juices and ginger ale.

7. Ghostly Storytime:

Gather around for some spooky story time. Read Halloween-themed books appropriate for your child’s age. Classic choices include “Room on the Broom” or “The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree.” Dim the lights for extra ambiance!

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun:

Turn off the lights and let your children have a glow-in-the-dark party. Provide glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces for them to wear and play with. You can even draw spooky faces on empty milk jugs and place glow sticks inside for homemade lanterns.

9. Pumpkin Bowling:

Set up a pumpkin bowling alley in your driveway or backyard using empty plastic bottles as pins and a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. It’s a fun and active game that will keep the little ones entertained.

10. Halloween Music Dance Party:

Create a Halloween playlist with spooky tunes like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller.” Have a dance party with your kids and encourage them to show off their silliest dance moves.

Remember, Halloween is all about having fun, so adapt these activities to suit your children’s ages and preferences. Safety is paramount, so be sure to supervise them during any pumpkin carving or crafting. With these fantastic Halloween activities, you’re all set to have a bewitching and memorable celebration with your little monsters. Enjoy the spooky season, and may your Halloween be filled with treats, not tricks!

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Bringing Christmas cheer for decades

1. Pumpkin Palooza:

2. Costume Parade:

3. Haunted House Craft:

4. Trick-or-Treat Practice:

5. Halloween Movie Night:

6. Spooky Snack Making:

7. Ghostly Storytime:

8. Glow-in-the-Dark Fun:

9. Pumpkin Bowling:

10. Halloween Music Dance Party: