Business

Financing vs. Leasing A Car: A Breakdown From Douglas Eze of Largo Financial Services

Published

3 years ago

October 1, 2021

If you’re interested in buying a car anytime soon, you may be wondering whether it’s best to finance it or lease it. There are many things to consider before making a decision that suits your lifestyle.

Here’s your guide to financing and leasing a car from wealth strategist Douglas Eze.

Leasing A Car

Leasing a car is good for people who don’t drive much or for people who have multiple cars.

For a middle-income American, there’s a lot to consider including out-of-pocket costs, mileage, and monthly payments.

While leasing may offer lower monthly payments, you’re still buying the car for the value of the car. If the car is $50,000, you’re leasing it for that same price. The major downside? You’re not receiving any discounts. Yes the finance guy will tell you that you will be paying lower because of the expected depreciation during the lease period and a possible benefit is that you can take it in for maintenance anytime you want, but, at the end of the day, when you lease a car, you’re not only paying more out-of-pocket each month, you’re also restricted by mileage.

Financing a car allows you to invest your money elsewhere. Your dollar today is more valuable than your dollar in the future. Your dollar today needs to be working for you and making you money.

Financing A Car

When financing a car, you own the car and get to keep it for as long as you want. If this is the option you choose, think about your financing options. Where do you want to finance it? How long do you want to finance the car?

Remember, a car cannot give you any equity. It’s more of a liability than it is an asset. Financing a car strategically offers you the opportunity to invest money elsewhere.

You may think that someone with a credit score of 850 whose income is over 7 figures would buy a car mostly or all up front. But, if they are wise, they won’t do this. Rather, they will finance for the longest term possible or allowed by the finance company. Again, it’s not that they can’t take a short loan term, because they most likely could, they do this because they are looking at the monthly out of pocket money. Here’s an example.

If someone purchases a $30,000 car, they are often presented with two loan options; 36 or 60 months. The 36 months option has an auto loan rate of 1.79%, resulting in a monthly payment of $857 and the total interest amount of $835 paid. The 60 months option, with a higher interest rate of 2.19%, results in a monthly payment of $528 and the total interest amount of $1700 paid.

Many will pick the 36 month option because of its low interest rate. However, the smarter decision would be to choose the 60 month one. Although you end up paying $865 more in interest total ($1700 minus $835), if you take the difference in the monthly payment, which is $329 a month ($857 minus $528), and save it, you will have $19,740 saved. Better yet, if you put it in an account that pays a 4% guaranteed interest, then the value will be $21,812. That’s WITH a $2072 interest earned.

The key is having access and control of your hard earned money. Keeping this example in mind, Douglas Eze can still show you how to pay off the car in 3 years without even making an extra payment.

Build Your Wealth Strategy With Financial Expert Douglas Eze

20 years ago, Douglas Eze founded Largo Financial Services. His calling is to equip individuals and families with the education and resources to build generational wealth. Douglas’ primary mission is to identify the areas his clients may be unknowingly throwing away money and empower them with the tools to begin saving for their future.

Largo Financial Services is Licensed in 50 states and the District of Columbia. To inquire about insurance, annuities, college plans, and tax-free retirement, schedule a free consultation with Douglas Eze and his team.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.