Credit Crunch

This week in the Wall Street Journal, David Enrich gave some important advice on "Weathering A Credit Crunch". In his article, Mr. Enrich advised firms to prepare themselves by having good financial records available so when credit gets tight, they'll have ammunition to persuade their bank to approve a loan. Great advice. Also, creating a relationship with your lender is time well spent. Both pieces of advice are an important part of dealing with a "Credit Crunch". By the way, it's already here. Lenders are not raising rates but it's near impossible to get any of their money. It should continue to get worse until the end of the year, then ease up into 2008. Traditionally, Equipment Leasing companies continue to offer fixed rate fixed term financing even when banks tighten their lending. Paying a slight premium for fixed rates now may be another way to deal with a Credit Crunch.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118645503130090098.html (Subscription Required)