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SAW Framework for Lending – Stability, Ability, and Willingness

This video introduces the fundamentals of how lenders evaluate loan applications. It introduces the SAW framework – Stability, Ability, and Willingness.

Last updated: February 27, 2026 1 min read

This video introduces viewers to the fundamentals of how lenders evaluate loan applications. It introduces the SAW framework – Stability, Ability, and Willingness – and explains why these factors matter in lending decisions.

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1st Franklin Financial
135 E. Tugalo St.
Toccoa, GA 30577

States Licenses: 1FFC is licensed in AL, GA, KY, LA, MS, SC, TN, TX, VA, and FL.

¹All loan terms and applicable APRs depend on meeting our underwriting and income criteria for the loan size requested and may require collateral. Active-duty military, their spouse or dependents covered by the Military Lending Act (“MLA”) may not pledge a vehicle as collateral. Loans for MLA covered borrowers may not be available in all states. Loan proceeds obtained from 1^st Franklin Financial cannot be used for post-secondary educational or vocational expenses; to purchase securities; for business purposes; gambling or illegal purposes. 1^st Franklin Financial Corporation, NMLS #141654, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #5656. 1^st Franklin Financial Corporation is licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, CFI-215.

² To receive same day approval and funding, the customer must provide all information requested to complete an application, including verifying documentation, by noon.

Residents of AL: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 49, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 29.99%, a $192.00 origination fee and an APR of 34.97%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $219.39. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of FL: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24‑month repayment period, an interest rate of 29.99%, a $192.00 origination fee and an APR of 35.99%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $221.40. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of GA: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 30%, a $112.50 origination fee and an APR of 33.23%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $215.96. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details. 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, NMLS #141654, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #5656.

Residents of KY: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 24.00%, a $150.00 origination fee and an APR of 28.19%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $206.19. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of LA: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for a Premier Loan (including annual income, debt ratios, and credit history). Repayment terms of 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months area available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,650 with a 36 month repayment period, an interest rate of 19.81%, a $109.50 origination fee and an APR of 21.99%, the borrower will make 36 monthly payments of $139.37. The maximum APR is 21.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. Premier loan availability is limited to current and former premier loan customers, for a limited time. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of MS: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 29.92%, a $212.53 origination fee and an APR of 35.98%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $221.39. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of NC: Any offers referenced here do not apply to residents of North Carolina.

Residents of SC: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 35.99% and an APR of 35.99%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $221.40. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of TN: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 29.91%, a $243.47 origination fee and an APR of 35.98%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $221.39. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

Residents of VA: Not all applicants will qualify. Approval depends on applicants ability to meet our credit criteria for the loan size requested. Repayment terms of 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 48, and 60 months are available. Example Loan: A loan of $3,750 with a 24 month repayment period, an interest rate of 31.62%, a $150.00 origination fee and an APR of 35.99%, the borrower will make 24 monthly payments of $221.40. The maximum APR for this loan is 35.99%, fees and interest rates vary by state. This example is based on an average customer with good credit. Contact your local branch for more details.

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