If you decide to finance a vehicle or a new house and have a good credit history, you may simply browse for the ideal financing. This is not as simple when it comes to purchasing a musical instrument. Without further security, a banker is unlikely to grant such a loan due to the lender’s risk.
In contrast to a significant piece of equipment or real estate, a musical instrument might quickly disappear if the borrower is dishonest. Banks are not targeting musicians for special treatment; affluent individuals who borrow money to purchase works of art must collateralize the loan with other assets.
Financing an instrument, on the other hand, is not impossible. Apart from installment loans, the following are some more choices for obtaining the agent of your dreams.
Plans for In-Store Financing
These have never been popular with my clientele since they often increase an instrument’s price.
I have little experience with them, but I know coworkers who use them and are satisfied with them.
Companions and Relatives
Have you considered seeking financial assistance from family and friends? If you offer to enter into a formal contract, such as a Promissory Note, and pay the current interest rate and any other expenses associated with the transaction. You may find that family or friends are more likely to assist you.
You will get the funds more quickly and possibly at a lower cost than if you went via a bank.
Cards de crédit
You may be eligible to deduct interest on a credit card if you can convince the IRS that the purchase was an item of capital expenditure for your firm. This is more effective if you use a card only for your company. Naturally, you should look around for the best deal on a credit card.
Loans Against Your Home
This is one of the simplest methods for obtaining vast amounts of money from a bank. There are no points, attorney’s fees, or closing charges associated with this transaction. Additionally, since the interest on a home equity loan is tax-deductible at 100%, this may appeal to another family member even if you do not own a property.
While most personal loans can be discharged in bankruptcy, there is a critical distinction to be aware of if you have an unsecured personal loan with a cosigner. During your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, creditors are normally unable to contact your cosigner. Creditors can still approach your cosigner for payment if you’re in Chapter 7. In other words, under BKHQ Chapter 13 bankruptcy, your cosigner has more rights than under Chapter 7.
State Councils on the Arts
These organizations may have facilities for lending instruments to charitable music groups. Often, individuals are unable to apply directly. Bear in mind that they usually keep ownership of the device until the loan is completely paid off, which means that if you fall behind on your payments, you will lose the instrument.
Union Mutual Funds
You may be able to get financial assistance through your local union. Additionally, Actor’s Equity maintains a credit union that lends money to professional musicians. If you have a close family who is a union member, see if they can assist you.
Plans 403(b) or Tax-Shielded Annuities
If you have money in one of these savings accounts, you may be able to borrow at meager interest rates. Assume you have a $50,000 balance in your account and need a loan of $20,000. The financial institution may be able to open a secondary (interest-bearing) account in your name and transfer funds equivalent to the amount you desire to borrow (from the primary account).
Then they lend you $20,000 (technically, their money) as security for the loan, using your money in the new account. Since the secondary account earns interest, the effective rate (the difference between the interest you pay and the interest earned) on the secondary account might be much lower than current borrowing rates. This approach assures that the money in the account maintains its tax-sheltered status.
Margin Liabilities
You may borrow money from a brokerage account if you have access to one. Depending on market circumstances, the interest rate may be close to the prime lending rate. This may make borrowing money a steal, and it may also be tax-deductible.
A Final Thought
These recommendations evolved from interactions with musicians over decades of assisting them in locating instruments.
I am not a financial expert, and you must consult with one to ensure that any solutions are appropriately suited to your specific circumstances and requirements.
Bear in mind that any financing option will result in a higher cost; the best deal is to pay for the instrument in full.