Many of our clients come to us with a mix of securities and cash. On some occasions, they come to us with all cash. This is perfectly fine, of course, but it is important that they understand the mechanics of using cash for a LeverageLine.
The most important rule — and the one likely to cause the most misunderstanding — is that with a LeverageLine, we are not looking at the cash in a brokerage or bank account as part of the client’s “overall net worth” as might be the case with a mortgage or conventional loan, but rather as the collateral itself.
Put differently, the client is deploying their cash as collateral for the loan by having it converted to a money market fund, a CD, a stock, a bond, or another acceptable security or securities, usually. But clients may also opt to simply keep it in a money market fund earning interest — and still use it as part of their overall collateral, if desired. The licensed lending institution and adviser will work with each client depending on the client’s priorities and wishes when cash is part of the collateral base. Once turned into a lendable asset, it is treated just like any security for LeverageLine.
Please be sure your clients know that we will assume any bank statement sent will be sent to us because they wish to use it as part of their collateral for a LeverageLine. When used in this way (as collateral) it of course is no longer accessible for paying for other things without diminishing the collateral value.
Visit our website at https://abnicholas.com to refresh you understanding of the program and to answer specific questions. Feel free to ask via email at [email protected] or contact us here.