LAPLACE — The friendly team at World Finance knows a credit score isn’t the full story and shouldn’t be a roadblock to paying for life’s unexpected expenses, whether they involve auto repairs, medical bills or furniture costs.

Specializing in personal installment loans and tax services, World Finance is now accessible to St. John the Baptist Parish residents at 140 Belle Terre Boulevard Suite C, near the LaPlace Walmart.

The new location opened to the public on August 5. For store manager Colleen Sampey, it’s a chance for a new beginning.

Sampey worked in the medical field for five years and loved working one-on-one with patients. When she became pregnant with her baby girl, the overnight and overtime shifts began to take a toll on her, and she searched for a new career for her growing family.

“I took on a new role to find that excitement in something new,” Sampey said. “I still grow that connection with my customers. The people with World Finance go over and beyond. They are always there for you, and I’ve truly learned the meaning of customer service in a family-oriented team. I’m all for being a team player and working together, and that’s one thing I love about this company.”

World Finance team members welcome every person who walks through the front door, setting the stage for positive interactions. Sampey said customer service is No. 1 for World Finance, guided by a mission to make customers feel invited, provide a good workplace with fair benefits and provide shareholders with a fair return on their investments.

Unlike payday loan locations, Sampey said World Finance specializes in installment loans with consistent and equal monthly payments. Consistency provides peace of mind in managing a budget and building a plan for a better financial future.

Additionally, there are no hidden fees or penalties for paying off a loan early.

“I feel like we are a second chance company,” Sampey said. “From dealing with other loan companies as an insider and an outsider, to me, the atmosphere here is a little different. The way we handle and process our loans is different because we don’t base our loans just off of credit scores.”

According to Sampey, World Finance employees will work with customers to find a loan amount and payment plan suited to individual needs, with or without a top notch credit score.

Patrick Williams, regional vice president for Louisiana and Mississippi, said World Finance has been in business since 1962 and has more than 55 billion happy customers across the globe.

“All loans are safe, secure and confidential,” Williams said. “We have a quick approval process, and customers can apply for a loan online at loansbyworld.com.”

Company officials said World Finance provides the strength of a national financial institution and the personal services of local neighborhood branches.

After starting the approval process, customers can call the LaPlace branch at 985-248-4183 and come into the office to confirm information. It generally takes less than one hour to discuss needs, decide on loan options available, verify information and pick up a check.

Personal installment loans typically range from $100 to $10,000, and payments can be made online, in store or by phone. Funeral costs, seasonal expenses, home improvement, wedding expenses and emergency pet care are just a few of life’s hurdles that a loan from World Finance can help navigate.

The LaPlace location makers the 48^th office in Louisiana, according to Williams. With pre-existing offices in Gonzales, Thibodaux and Metairie, the LaPlace office makes services more accessible to River Parishes residents.

In addition to offering loans, World Finance also features income tax preparation.

Sampey said having a World Finance team member assist with taxes is a smart move toward becoming more financially savvy.

“Doing taxes here as compared to doing them online gives you somebody to be able to explain it to you,” Sampey said. “If you are doing them online and you don’t understand it, you’re not 100 percent sure if you’re filling out the right information or putting it in the correct spot. It gives you that advantage to ask questions.”

World Finance is open in LaPlace from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday. For more information, call 985-248-4183 or visit loansbyworld.com.

Free, online programs are available to educate the public on income expenses, saving and investing, credit, insurance and more through a World Finance partnership with the American Financial Services Association.