Military installment loan and educational services system

• US 20020055851A1
• Filed: 07/27/2001
• Published: 05/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dealers' Financial Services LLC (LSF8 Sterling Parent LLC)
• Original Assignee: Dealers' Financial Services LLC (LSF8 Sterling Parent LLC)
• Inventors: Jacobs, Donald L., Minor, Joseph S.
• Application Number:
  US09/917,474
• Publication Number:
  US 20020055851A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/03 Credit; Loans; Processing thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/08 Insurance

Abstract

A system or method is disclosed for facilitating the purchase of a product, including a vehicle, to be financed for an end-user individual, such as a member of the military. An approved network of suppliers is provided and maintained including certification in criteria to meet the needs of the individual. Each individual is educated in personal finances and related principles as a prerequisite for approval to purchase the product through the system. A working liaison relationship is established with the military. The system provides representation that assists in obtaining the financing through an installment loan program from an approved member of a financial institution network. Other features of the system/method include a purchase application, a loan disclosure video, verifying the employment and projection of income, assisting in the selection of the vehicle, personal as well as on-line instruction and supplier training and monitoring. As another enhancement, an onsite facility is provided. A limitation of eligibility as to the vehicle selection is provided by limiting the installment loan payment to approximately 30% of income. The individual is assisted in establishing good credit history, purchasing of insurance, reliable servicing of the loan and exit counseling upon leaving the military. Supplier performance assurances are required to meet after-sale requirements of the system.

Claims

1. A system for facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product by end-user individuals in a closed group comprising the steps of:

providing and maintaining an approved network of suppliers of the product that are certified in criteria to meet the needs of the end-user individuals in the group;

educating the individual in personal finances and budgeting principles as a prerequisite for approval to purchase the product;

establishing a working relationship with the closed group;

providing and maintaining a source of financing through an installment loan program from an approved network of financial institutions; and

managing the loan program in conjunction with the representation from the system,

whereby the individual is assured of obtaining the system guidance and service availability needed for good value in the purchase of the financed product.

2. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of providing an application for completion by the individual for the purchase of the product and a loan disclosure video for viewing by the individual.

3. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of verifying the employment and projecting the income of the individual.

4. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of assisting the individual in s election of the product for purchase from one of the approved suppliers after the successful completion of the educating step.

5. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of personal instruction of the individual concerning financial matters during the educating step.

6. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 5, wherein is further provided the step of providing on-line self-instruction concerning financial matters over a global computer network.

7. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of system personnel conducting supplier training, monitoring performance and assisting in resolving disputes as a part of the providing and maintaining the approved supplier network.

8. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of establishing an on-site facility where the group is present to allow direct contact with the individual.

9. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of limiting eligibility to qualify under the loan program of the network of financial institutions to a payment schedule of approximately 30% of income.

10. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the steps of assisting the individual in establishing good credit history, purchasing of insurance to cover the product, making prompt payment and servicing of the loan and exit counseling, all as a part of the managing the loan program.

11. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein is further provided the step of establishing supplier performance assurances to meet after-sale requirements to help establish and maintain the integrity of the system as a part of the providing and maintaining the approved supplier network.

12. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 11, wherein is further provided the steps of establishing a manufacturer'"'"'s warranty and service contract as a part of the providing and maintaining the approved supplier network.

13. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 1, wherein the product being purchased is a vehicle.

14. The system of facilitating the purchase of an affordable, financed product of claim 11, wherein the closed group is made up of individuals that are enlisted military personnel.