Truth be told, there’s no such thing as a good time to lose your job. Unfortunately, a layoff typically does not stop the influx of bills. Generally speaking, people need to cover their monthly burn rates no matter what.
Luckily, individuals who find themselves in such a tough position have options. Before resorting to pulling out the big guns, like forbearance — a pause in monthly payments toward a loan — or other options that can potentially hurt your credit, it’s worth taking a look at all of the choices on the table. That way, you’ll fully understand your options and their implications before making a move when you’ve lost your job and can’t pay your bills.
First Thing’s First: Tracking Expenses
Even the richest people on Earth might benefit from re-examining their expenses and looking for ways to cut monthly costs. Although debt and a precarious employment situation can make the path back to stability feel out of grasp, getting one’s expenses in order is an important first step toward regaining control.
A clear-cut way to save money on food is to minimize or eliminate getting takeout from restaurants. That drive-through latte might feel like a part of the daily routine to preserve sanity and get a much-needed caffeine boost. But in the long run, these small expenses can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings when curbed.
When it comes to groceries, it helps to make a list before shopping. Start a Google Doc for the household and add to it as needs arise. Shift away from living to eat and try to adapt to eating to live. It’s easier that way to eat healthier, and, like coffee, snacks can wallop the bottom line.
In addition to making a grocery list, another great rule to adopt is setting a shopping limit. Stop buying things, from anywhere, on impulse. For groceries, maybe set a maximum total per trip.
Also try to get in the habit of keeping eyes peeled for coupons and promo codes, or installing coupon apps like Honey or Rakuten. Many of those types of apps have browser-extension versions, meaning that while you’re surfing the internet, coupons will automatically be displayed when looking at potential purchases.
Also keep in mind that while grocery pickup and delivery services like Instacart are convenient, the fees can add up, including local sales tax. Even if it feels like a hassle, DIY-ing your grocery shopping is another way you can save.
Saving More, Spending Less
Losing a job is obviously never a good thing, but it might be a catalyst for reducing non-essential credit card spending and becoming more goal-oriented in general. Many would argue that credit cards can be dangerous because they help people buy things they might not be able to afford.
Articles about budgeting (including emergency funds, which would apply to the situation explored in this piece) are worth a read and can inform a broader strategy of saving over spending. But understand that saving with many outstanding debts is less about amassing wealth and more about getting tactical with repayment. A checking and savings account can help you to track daily, weekly, or monthly spending to identify where cutbacks might be possible.
Reaching for Lifelines
Even with modified spending habits and a new budget, a loan due is a loan due — or at least a situation that won’t go away without dealing with it. The reason you lost your job will form a fork in the road of sorts about how to proceed.
If you voluntarily quit without good cause, then unemployment benefits probably will not be available. But usually the first part of a survival plan for unemployment — loans or not — is to get into the system for unemployment, if possible. To get started, this unemployment benefits finder can help, as can exploring unemployment resources by state.
With that in the pipeline, it’s time to grit down, pick up the phone, and call your lender. Many lenders have forbearance and deferment programs in place for their customers, but it’s generally up to the customer to reach out and ask for help.
Forbearance is an option offered in many lending agreements. The terms vary, but it can open the door to a revised agreement that may allow for decreased or delayed payments for a specific period of time, often up to 12 months. Some lenders may offer to reduce the interest rate charged on the debt, but there are no federal guidelines requiring specific terms for forbearance agreements across all industries (with the exception of federal student loans).
On the surface, this sounds wholly positive, but be forewarned that these options can significantly affect credit history and credit scores. The effects on credit depend on the type of loan and the lender. Also realize that interest will usually accrue and be added to your principal balance at the end of a forbearance period.
Looking Out for Debt Traps
Debt can lead to an even more desperate situation after a hasty decision. It’s worth highlighting a couple potential debt traps to consider eliminating altogether as you navigate dealing with your loans after a job loss:
• Turning to payday loans: Payday loans are a popular “break in case of emergency” option because they’re small, short-term, unsecured loans. People often turn to them when they struggle to get through to the next payday, which is also when the loan balance and interest will become due.
But even at a glance, it’s clear to see the trouble ahead: The large fees and hefty interest rates common to payday loans can leave borrowers with less to spend each month, even though payday loans can help with getting out of an immediate bind. But it’s a bit like wriggling loose from one bind and taking shelter in another.
• Leaning on credit cards: While it might be tempting to use credit cards to cover what’s owed on an existing loan, it can be a slippery slope. Compounding interest can mean replacing one trap with another. It’s a well-intentioned approach that seems sound, but a better alternative might be a personal loan with a fixed interest rate and no fees.
Moving Forward
The main thing to remember for anyone who is out of work and still responsible for loans is: You are not alone. It might seem difficult, even impossible, but it is doable — and even the longest journeys begin with taking the first steps. After you’ve started tracking your expenses, cutting back on costs, and reaching for lifelines through unemployment benefits and your lender, the next step in dealing with loan payments after a job loss is to explore your options.
Rather than turning to potential debt traps like payday loans and credit cards, you might consider a personal loan. SoFi, for instance, offers unsecured personal loans fixed interest rates and no fee options. Learn more and consider applying for a personal loan today.
Find your rate on a SoFi unsecured personal loan.
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Figuring out how to manage money during a recession — or any crisis — can be difficult. When facing a potential recession, financial decisions take on a new weight. After all, financial policy may change during a recession, which can leave consumers with questions. For example, if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, should you borrow money during a recession?
While lower recession interest rates might sound appealing, there are lots of things to consider before borrowing money during a recession.
Understanding Recessions
A recession is a period of time when economic activity significantly declines. In the U.S., the National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession as more than a few months of significant decline across different sectors of the economy. We see this decline in changes to the gross domestic product, unemployment rates, and incomes.
In essence, a recession is a period of time when spending drops. As a result, businesses ramp down production, lay off staff, and/or close altogether, which in turn causes a continued decrease in spending.
There are many possible causes of the recession. Usually, recessions are caused by a wide variety of factors — including economic, geopolitical, and even psychological — all coinciding to create the conditions for a recession.
For example, a recession could be caused by a major disruption in oil access due to global conflict, or by the bursting of a financial bubble created by artificially depressed interest rates on home loans during a financial boom (as was partially the case with the 2008 financial crisis in the U.S.). A recession also could be caused in part by something like a pandemic, which could create supply chain disruptions, force businesses into failure, and change spending habits.
As for how psychology plays a role in recessions, financial actors might be more likely to invest in a new business or home renovation during boom years when the market seems infallible. But when an economic downturn or recession starts, gloomy economic forecasts could make people more likely to put off big purchases or financial plans out of fear. In aggregate, these psychological decisions may help control the market.
In the case of a recession, for example, many people choosing not to spend out of fear could cause a further contraction of the market, and consequently further a recession.
How Does Financial Policy Change During a Recession?
Economic policy might temporarily change in an effort to keep the market relatively stable amid the destabilization a recession can bring. The Federal Reserve, which controls monetary policy in the U.S., often takes steps to attempt to curb unemployment and stabilize prices during a recession.
The Federal Reserve’s first line of defense when it comes to managing a recession is often to lower interest rates. The Fed accomplishes this by lowering the interest rates for banks lending to other banks. That lowered rate then ripples throughout the rest of the financial system, culminating in reduced interest rates for businesses and individuals.
Lowering the interest rate could help to stem a recession by decreasing costs for businesses and allowing consumers to take advantage of low-interest rates to buy things using credit. The increase in business and purchasing might in turn help to offset a recession.
The Federal Reserve also may take other monetary policy actions to attempt to curb a recession, like quantitative easing. Quantitative easing, also known as QE, is when the Federal Reserve creates new money and then uses that money to purchase assets like government bonds in order to stimulate the economy.
The manufacturing of new money under QE may help to fight deflation because the increase in available money lowers the value of the dollar. Additionally, QE can push interest rates down because federal purchasing of securities lowers the risks to lending institutions. Lower risks can translate to lower rates.
While it might seem smart to borrow during a recession thanks to those sweet recession interest rates, there are other considerations that are important when deciding whether borrowing during a recession is the right move. Keep in mind the following potential downsides of borrowing in a recession:
• There’s a heightened risk of borrowing during a recession thanks to other difficult financial conditions. Difficult financial conditions like furloughs or layoffs could make it more difficult to make monthly payments on loans. After all, regular monthly expenses don’t go away during a recession, so borrowers could be in a tough position if they take on a new loan and then are unable to make payments after losing a job.
• It may be harder to find a bank willing to lend during a recession. Lower interest rates may mean that a bank or lending institution isn’t able to make as much money from loans. This may make lending institutions more hesitant.
• Lenders could be reluctant to lend to borrowers who may be unable to pay due to changes in the economy. Most forms of borrowing require borrowers to meet certain personal loan requirements in order to take out a loan. If a borrower’s financial situation is more unstable due to a recession, lenders may be less willing to lend.
When to Consider Borrowing During a Recession
Of course, there are still situations where borrowing during a recession might make sense. One scenario where borrowing during a recession might be a good idea is if you’re consolidating other debts with a consolidation loan.
If you already have debt, perhaps from credit cards or personal loans, you may be able to consolidate your debt into a new loan with a lower interest rate, thanks to the changes in the Fed’s interest rates. Consolidation is a type of borrowing that doesn’t necessarily increase the amount of total money you owe. Rather, it’s the process by which a borrower takes out a new loan — with hopefully better interest rates and repayment terms — in order to pay off the prior underlying debts.
Why trade out one type of debt for another? Credit cards, for example, often have high-interest rates. So if a borrower has multiple credit card debts with high-interest rates, they may be able to refinance credit card debt with a consolidation loan with a lower interest rate. Trading in higher interest rates loans for a consolidation loan with potentially better terms could save borrowers money over the life of the loan.
Having one loan to pay off instead of many loans may be easier than managing multiple payments each month. When a borrower is paying off a variety of credit cards, they usually have to consider a number of different payment due dates, interest rates, and outstanding balances. Additionally, if the entire credit card balance isn’t paid in full by the end of the billing period, compounding interest accrues, increasing the amount owed.
When considering consolidation, borrowers may want to focus on consolidating only high-interest loans or otherwise comparing the interest rates between their current debts and a potential consolidation loan. Also note that interest rates on consolidation loans can be either fixed or variable. A fixed rate means a borrower may be able to lock in a lower interest rate during a recession. With a variable interest rate, the loan’s interest rate could go up as rates rise following a recession.
Additionally, just like many other types of loans, consolidation loans require that borrowers meet certain requirements. Available interest rates may depend on factors like credit score, income, and creditworthiness.
Deciding whether or not to borrow during a recession, including taking out a personal loan, is a decision that depends on your specific circumstances. There are downsides to consider, such as the general economic uncertainty that can increase risk and heightened uncertainty from lenders. But if you have high-interest debt, or could secure a lower rate by consolidating, then taking out a consolidation loan during a recession could make sense.
If you think a consolidation loan might be right for you, SoFi offers personal consolidation loans with fixed interest rates. SoFi consolidation loans have no fees required, which means you can be sure of exactly what you’re getting. Plus, applying for a personal loan with SoFi is quick and easy.
Thinking about a consolidation loan? Learn more about how SoFi can help.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Debt: It’s something many of us live with, but it can really bog down our finances and prevent us from meeting our money goals.
Paying off debt is a long-term commitment that requires discipline, and staying motivated until your debts are paid off can be a major challenge. Consider these examples:
• If you have a student loan of around $43,000, it can take almost eight years to pay off with monthly payments of around $450, according to the Education Data Initiative.
• If you have $10,000 of credit card debt at an 18% interest rate and want to pay it off in three years, you’ll have to pay $362 every month.
It may sound daunting, but here’s a pep talk: The advantages of paying off debt are well worth the effort. You will have a higher credit rating and qualify for better loans in the future. And with more money to spend each month, you can invest and build a nest egg toward retirement or simply save for luxuries like vacations.
To help you buckle down and say goodbye to your debt, read on to learn how to stay motivated while paying off your debt.
Why It’s Hard to Stay Motivated When Paying Off Debt
How to stay motivated while paying off debt can be tough. It can seem like an uphill, almost endless battle. Depending on how much you have to pay off, the process may seem as if it requires some uncomfortable (and even unfair) sacrifices you’d rather not make.
However, with some smart strategies to change your money mindset, you’ll find that paying down debt becomes easier as you learn better money management.
If you are ready to get rid of debt, read on to learn 15 ways to stay motivated.
15 Ways to Help You Stay Motivated When Paying Off Debt
Here are 15 tips to help setting yourself up for success. They’ll give you a boost as you consider how to stay motivated while paying off debt.
1. Remember the “Why”
Why have you decided to pay off your debt? Are you tired of never having as much spending money as you’d like and watching the debt pile up? Do you hate the idea of dollars flying out of your bank account to pay for interest?
Do you have financial goals that are falling ever further out of reach?
Whatever your reasons, remind yourself regularly why you are working so hard and monitor your progress so that you can see the results.
2. Get Organized
Achieving a goal is easier if you have a plan. Your strategies to become debt free might include consolidating your debt with a lower-interest loan, or you might decide to get a roommate and save on rent.
Whatever your method, plan a budget that you can live with and set up automatic payments each month so that you don’t have to think about your bills daily. (This will also help you avoid late fees.) Then, be disciplined, stick to your budget, and watch your debt diminish.
Quick Money Tip:Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts will pay you a bit and help your money grow. An online bank account is more likely than brick-and-mortar to offer you the best rates.
3. Have an Accountability Partner
Telling someone you are working on paying down debt can help motivate you. Called an accountability partner, this person could be your spouse, a friend, or a financial advisor. If you worry about telling your accountability partner that you fell off the proverbial wagon, remember that nobody’s perfect. Don’t beat yourself up. Just get right back on track with some encouraging words from your partner.
4. Put Yourself in an Uncomfortable Situation
Achieving a goal often takes acknowledging the difficulty saving money can present and then pushing through it. Paying down debt will require making changes to your lifestyle so that you can live more economically.
That might mean going out less with friends, not spending so much on clothes, or moving in with parents temporarily. Feeling uncomfortable is not a bad thing; it can be a powerful motivator. You will power through any feelings of deprivation to get on better financial footing going forward.
5. Track Your Progress
When you initially decide to tackle accumulated debt, it can seem overwhelming. By tracking your payments and your diminishing debt, you will see progress. This in turn can give you confidence and enhance your saving motivation as you stick with your plan.
6. Have a Vision Board
How to stay motivated while paying off debt can involve having a vision of what you will do once you are debt free. Use that as a motivator, not just in your mind but in your home. Perhaps you want to take a vacation to London once you better understand your credit score and then boost it by cutting down your debt. (As you lower your debt ratio versus your credit limit, for instance, your score will likely rise.)
If you want to reward yourself with travel, post your goal where you can see it so you are reminded each day of your intention. You might want to create a vision board with photos of your goal to help spur you on. Whether it’s photos of the West End theaters or teatime at a posh hotel, those photos can be motivating.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Find ways to reward yourself as you gradually pay down your debt. These special treats should be inexpensive (so as not to blow your budget) but meaningful. It could be reading the latest book by your favorite author, a meal out with friends, or buying yourself new running shoes. Build room into your budget for rewards.
8. Have Like-Minded Friends
Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to spend less rather than overspend. Friends who like going out to expensive restaurants or shopping at expensive stores are not going to help your cause. There are lots of ways to socialize that do not require spending a boatload of cash. For example, grab a coffee with a friend, or go for a hike. Don’t let keeping up with the Joneses (when the Joneses are big spenders) foil your efforts.
9. Reach out to Others
Knowing that you are not the only one fighting debt is comforting, and hearing success stories will encourage you to continue. Seek support by listening to others.
Podcasts on personal finances and online discussion platforms can provide community and give you ideas on how to manage your debt.
10. Focus on the End Date or End Goal
Have an end date or a final goal, and mark it on your calendar. Plan to reward yourself for your hard work when you reach it. It might be a weekend away or finding a new apartment now that you have freed up some cash in your budget. Looking forward to something will keep you motivated.
11. Listen to Sound Financial Advice
How to stay motivated to pay off debt comes down to making informed decisions that hasten the process. It’s important to make sure the financial advice you listen to comes from reliable sources. Many finance “gurus’ on YouTube and social media platforms may not give out the best advice. Find a financial advisor via recommendations if you are unsure of the steps to take to pay down your debt or need additional guidance.
12. Choose a Repayment Method that Makes Sense
There is more than one way to pay off what you owe, and the debt repayment strategies you choose should suit your particular situation and financial goals. You might choose the debt snowball method, where you pay off your smallest debts first, or you might pay off the debts with the highest interest rates first.
Feel as if you are in too deep of a debt hole? Consulting with a financial advisor or a credit counselor at a nonprofit can help you find the best ways to pay off debt faster.
13. Break Repayment Down to Smaller Goals
It helps to break down your task into smaller goals. For example, the first step might be to meet with a financial advisor for advice on debt consolidation or do your own research on the topic. This can help you lower the interest rate on the money you owe, making it easier to pay off.
The next step might be to arrange a loan with the bank and set up payments. Then, set goals to achieve after six months, 12 months, 18 months, and so on. It can help motivate you to pay off debt to see the individual steps that will get you there.
14. Earn Extra Money
You’ll pay off debt quicker if you can earn extra money. Think of ways to increase your income. Can you do overtime, gig work, or part-time work? You might meet new people and expose yourself to a whole new industry that interests you. Who knows? It could be the start of an entirely new career.
Setting yourself a challenge can add a sense of fun to paying off debt, and it can boost your confidence. For example, set a goal of making an additional $1,000 this month from a side hustle. Or each month vow to briefly give up a typical bit of discretionary spending, such as no take-out coffee for one month. The money saved goes towards debt. Gamifying can help you reach your goals quicker, just make sure your challenge is achievable.
The Takeaway
Paying down debt is a long process, and it is not easy to stay motivated. Some of the ways to stay motivated when paying off debt are to acknowledge exactly how much you owe and then develop a plan, with clear benchmarks, to whittle it down. Reach out to others to learn their experiences, set achievable milestones, and reward yourself when you reach them. These steps will keep you going till you reach that debt free finish line.
Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
Does paying off debt make you happier?
Paying off debt may be difficult to start with as you adjust to changes in your lifestyle and budget. However, ultimately, being debt free is a huge relief. It can reduce your financial stress, and it frees you to do so much more with your money.
What are the benefits of paying off debt?
When you are debt free, a weight may well be lifted from your shoulders. Paying off debt can teach you to live within your means and not overspend. The money you were paying in interest on your debt can now be invested in a nest egg toward retirement or used for discretionary spending, like vacations. Lastly, taking control of your finances and paying off debt are huge accomplishments that can boost your confidence to tackle other challenges.
Is it worth it to pay off your debt?
Paying down debt avoids paying unnecessary interest over the long term. There are short-term benefits too. If you are actively reducing your debt, your credit score will likely improve. That can improve your ability to qualify for loans with lower interest and fewer fees in the future. You can also free yourself of the mental burden of debt.
Photo credit: iStock/BartekSzewczyk
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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About 28 million Americans made a move in 2021, with about 5 million moving interstate. As you’re probably painfully aware, a move can cost several thousand dollars, whether you’re going across town or cross-country. Amid the chaos of purging and packing, it’s easy to forget some of the moving-related costs you might face.
The key to paying for a move without a load of stress is planning. We’ve drawn up a Moving Expenses Checklist that aims to include every little thing that needs to be accounted for in your budget, from supplies to cleaning to a new driver’s license and car registration.
Your Moving Expenses Checklist
Like a lot of things in life, moving costs aren’t entirely predictable. Much depends on how far you’re going, whether you’re crossing state lines, how much stuff you have, and so on. Our aim is to cover the basics — truck, strong movers — as well as the costs that sneak up on you midway. Keep on reading to find out what they are.
1. Moving Your Stuff
There are at least three different ways to get your stuff from one place to another: Rent a moving truck, pay professional movers, or rent and move a storage container.
Renting your own truck. Yes, this is usually the cheapest route. The downside is that you — and possibly your friends — will be putting in many hours of hard labor.
At first glance, renting a moving truck or van for an across-town move seems like a great deal. You may be familiar with companies advertising van rentals for $19.99. Except that figure doesn’t include gas, tolls, parking, damage protection, and cost per mile. Suddenly, that $20 becomes more like $100.
If you enlist friends and family to help, factor in the price of pizza, beer, or gift cards to lure them to your aid and keep them motivated. Also, long-distance moves may involve shipping some boxes, which adds up quickly.
Hiring pros. Get estimates from a few companies to make sure you’re getting a good deal. A local move is usually considered under 100 miles. A long-distance move is anything more than 100 miles. Expect to pay $800-$2,500 for a basic local move with two movers, and $2,200-$5,700 for a long-distance move.
The price of a local move is often based on an hourly rate; some companies may offer a flat rate. In some states, if you’re moving more than 50 miles, the cost may be based on the weight of the truckload instead of the hourly rate.
A packing service can add a chunk to these costs. You may also want to purchase “full value protection” insurance through your mover to protect your belongings in case of loss or damage.
Hauling a container. Moving a self-storage container, those units popularized by PODS®, is typically less expensive than using full-service movers. Three factors influence your cost: the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, and seasonality. A local container move can range from $1,100 to $1,600, including the container and transport. A 1,000 mile move costs on average $4,430 for the contents of an average-size home. Prices tend to be higher during “moving season,” typically March through August.
If you’re comparing quotes, know that each company handles costs differently. Some itemize the costs for each part of the move; others include everything in one quote.
Short or long move, you’ll have to get yourself there, too. That could mean a road trip, which includes gas, tolls, possibly lodging, and meals along the way. An online fuel cost calculator can help you tally how much you’ll spend on gas. Otherwise, it means the cost of a plane ticket, getting yourself to and from the airport, and possibly the price of shipping your car.
3. Moving Supplies
You probably know that you’ll need boxes. But don’t forget the oodles of tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, labels, and protective blankets for furniture. And you’ll need to rent or buy a dolly if you’re planning a DIY move.
You may be able to save by asking for free boxes from local grocery stores and using recycled newspaper as packing material. But the little things can still add up.
4. Costs Upon Arrival
If you’re renting, you might owe a security deposit and first month’s rent to your new landlord. You may also be responsible for a pet deposit or fees for getting utilities hooked up.
If you’re moving into a home of your own, you might need to make repairs before you settle in. Some new homeowners also invest in changing locks, putting in security alarms, or replacing smoke detectors.
You may also want to take care of renovating some areas before all your stuff is in the way, and if you have a lawn for the first time, you might need to buy a mower or hire a service.
Will you need a storage unit? Plan on $100 to $300 a month.
You might be responsible for leaving your old place in tip-top shape. That means paying for stuff like floor cleaner, mops, brushes, and wipes. You may also need to hire a carpet cleaner or house cleaners if you’re short on time or your place needs serious attention.
On the other end, you might need supplies to clean your new apartment or house before you unpack everything.
6. Furniture and Other Items
Even if you’re bringing a lot of things with you, chances are you’ll need to buy some furniture for your new home. You might save by searching online or perusing garage sales and flea markets.
Still, if you need any substantial pieces, like a bed, couch, or table, you could be looking at a few hundred dollars. Beyond furniture, if you’ve moved far away, you might need to stock your new place with all kinds of everyday items, from groceries and pantry staples to toiletries.
7. New License and Vehicle Registration
If you’re moving to a different state and have a car, you’ll need to apply for a new license and register your car with the local department of motor vehicles. This comes with a fee, of course. Vehicle registration can cost up to $225, depending on the state. A new driver’s license can cost around $30 to $60.
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Preparing for Moving Costs
When making a moving-cost checklist, the worst budgeting mistake you can make is underestimate your needs because you’re not sure how you’ll pay for them. If anything, you want to pad your budget so that unexpected costs don’t make the experience harder than it has to be.
If you’ve got the cash to cover your move, great. That’s what emergency savings are for. You can also use a 0% interest credit card, crowdsource from friends and family, or consider a personal loan.
Personal loans are a form of installment debt, where you receive a lump sum that you then repay in equal monthly payments. There are different types of personal loans, so you can choose the terms that best fit your budget and circumstances.
Believe it or not, moving expenses are one of the most common uses for personal loans. And because of their relatively low fixed rates compared to high-interest credit cards, you can roll in related new-home expenses like new furniture and painting.
The Takeaway
Moving is a major financial commitment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When planning a move, first decide whether you’re going to DIY or hire pros. Then make a list of packing supplies, cleaning supplies and services, and the cost of moving yourself if it’s long-distance. Next, consider your costs upon arrival: security deposit, prepping your new space, replacement furniture, and new household items. If you’re moving interstate, there may be car-related expenses, such as a new license and registration. And it’s always wise to pad your budget — 10%-20% — to accommodate anything unexpected.
Planning a move and need money to help? A SoFi personal loan can be a smart way to cover your costs without adding emotional baggage. Our personal loan calculator can help you choose the terms that are right for you.
Get a move on to see what a personal loan can do for you.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
It’s a common dilemma: Should you pay off credit cards or student loans first? The answer isn’t totally cut and dried. But if your credit card interest rates are higher than your student loan interest rates, paying down credit cards first will probably save you more money in interest.
But don’t stop there. Keep reading to learn how to calculate what’s best for your situation, and why. Along the way, you’ll learn more about how credit cards work, the complexities of student loans, and two very different strategies for paying down debt.
Prioritizing Your Debts
Experts are split over the best debt to pay off first. Some recommend you tackle the smallest balance first because of the psychological boost that comes from erasing a debt entirely.
However, from a purely financial standpoint, you’re better off paying off the debt that carries the highest interest rate first. That’s because the higher the interest rate, and the longer you hold the debt, the more you end up paying overall. This usually means tackling high-interest credit card debt first.
Keep in mind that prioritizing one debt over another does not mean that you stop paying the less urgent bill. It’s important to stay on top of all debts, making at least minimum monthly payment on each.
Failing to make bill payments can hurt your credit score, which can have all sorts of effects down the road. For example, a poor credit score can make it difficult to secure new loans at low rates when you want to buy a new car or home, or to take out a business loan.
You might consider setting up automatic payments on your loans. Automatic payments can make it easier to pay bills on time and juggle multiple payments.
If you’re having trouble making your monthly payments, consider strategies to make your payments more manageable, such as refinancing.
Student Loan vs Credit Card Debt
Before we get into if it’s better to pay off credit cards or student loans first, let’s look at how each debt is structured.
Student Loan Debt
A student loan is a type of installment loan used to pay for tuition and related schooling expenses for undergraduate or postgraduate study. Borrowers receive a lump sum, which they agree to pay back with interest in regular installments, usually monthly, over a predetermined period of time. In this way, student loans are similar to other installment loans such as mortgages, car loans, and personal loans.
At a high level, there are two types of student loans: federal and private. The U.S. government is the single largest source of student loans. Federal student loans have low fixed interest rates: Current rates are 4.99% for undergrad loans, and 7.44% for graduate and professional loans. These loans come with protections like income-driven repayment plans, deferment and forbearance, and loan forgiveness.
Private student loans are managed by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. They may have a fixed or variable interest rate, which is tied to the borrower’s credit score and income. Average interest rates range from 3.22% to 13.95% for a fixed rate, and from 1.29% to 12.99% for variable.
Payback timelines vary widely. As with other loans, the longer your repayment timeline, the lower your monthly payment will be — but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan. The shorter your repayment period, the larger your monthly payment, and the less interest you’ll pay.
Credit cards offer a type of revolving credit, where account holders can borrow money as needed up to a set maximum. You can either pay off the balance in full or make minimum monthly payments on the account. Any remaining balance accrues interest.
Credit cards usually come with higher interest rates than installment loans. The average credit card interest rate in September 2022 was 21.59%. But an individual credit card holder’s rate depends on their credit score. People with Excellent credit will pay an average of 18.04%, while those with Bad credit will pay closer to 25.14%.
Depending how the account is managed, credit card debt can be either very expensive or essentially free. If you always pay off credit cards in full each month, no interest usually accrues. However, if you make only minimum payments, your debt can spiral upward.
Should I Pay Off Credit Card or Student Loan First?
When it comes to student loan vs credit card debt, there’s no universal answer that fits everyone in every situation. A number of factors can tip the scales one way or another, especially the interest rates on your loan and credit card.
We’ll explore two scenarios: one in which paying off credit cards is the best move, and another where student loans get priority.
The Case for Paying Down Credit Cards First
If you are carrying high-interest credit card debt, you’ll likely want to focus on paying off credit cards first. As you saw above, the average credit card interest rate (21.59%) is significantly higher than the maximum student loan interest rate (13.95%). Even if your credit card interest rate is lower than average, it’s unlikely to be much lower than your student loan’s rate.
Credit card debt can add up quickly, and the higher the interest rate, the faster your debt can accumulate. Making minimum payments still means you’re accruing interest on your balance. And as that interest compounds (as you pay interest on your interest), your balance can get more difficult to pay off.
A high balance can also hurt your credit score, which is partially determined by how much outstanding debt you owe.
Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Once you decide to focus on paying off credit cards first, start by finding extra funds to send to the cause. Look for places in your budget where you can cut costs, and direct any savings to paying down your cards. Also consider earmarking bonuses, tax refunds, and gifts of cash for your credit card payment.
Next, make a list of your credit card balances in order of highest interest rate to lowest. The Debt Avalanche method refers to paying off the credit card with the highest interest rate first, then taking on the credit card with the next highest rate.
It bears repeating that focusing on one debt doesn’t mean you put off the others. Don’t forget to make minimum payments on your other cards while you put extra effort into one individual card.
You may also choose to use a Debt Snowball strategy. When using this method, order your credit cards from smallest to largest balance. Pay off the card with the smallest balance first. Once you do, move on to the card with the next smallest balance, adding the payment from the card you paid off to the payment you’re already making on that card.
The idea here is that, like a snowball rolling down a hill gets bigger and faster as it rolls, the momentum of paying off debt in this way can help you stay motivated and pay it off quicker.
Managing Your Student Loans
Meanwhile, it’s important that you continue making regular student loan payments while you’re prioritizing your credit card debt. For one thing, you shouldn’t just stop paying your student loans. If you do, federal student loans go into default after 270 days (about 9 months). From there, your loans can go to a collections agency, which may charge you fees for recouping your debt. The government can also garnish your wages or your tax return.
You can, however, typically adjust your student loan repayment plan to make monthly payments more manageable. If you have federal loans, consider an income-driven repayment plan, which bases your monthly payment on your discretionary income.
While this may reduce your monthly student loan payments, it extends your loan term to 20 to 25 years. That can end up costing you more in interest. So make sure the extra interest payments don’t outweigh the benefits of paying down your credit card debt first.
Refinancing Your Student Loans
It can also be a smart idea to refinance student loans. When you refinance a loan or multiple loans, a lender pays off your current loans and provides you with a new one, ideally at a lower rate.
You can use refinancing to serve a couple of purposes. One option is to lower your monthly payment by lengthening the loan term. This can free up some room in your budget, making it easier to stay on top of your monthly payments and redirect money to credit card payments. Just remember that lengthening the loan term can result in you paying more interest over the course of your loan.
Or you can shorten your loan term instead. This can be a good way to kick your student loan repayment into overdrive. Your payments will increase, but you’ll reduce the cost of interest over the life of the loan. In other words, you’re giving equal weight to paying off your student loans and your credit card debt.
When you refinance with SoFi, there are no origination or application fees.
Take control of your debt by refinancing your student loans. You can get a quote from SoFi in as little as two minutes.
FAQ
Should you pay off your student loans or your credit cards first?
The answer depends on a number of factors, especially the interest rates on your loans and credit cards. But if your credit cards carry high interest rates, you’ll likely save more money in interest by paying off your credit cards before your student loans.
What is the best debt to pay off first?
From a purely financial perspective, it’s best to pay off your highest interest-rate debt first. This is called the Debt Avalanche method. Paying off the most expensive debt (usually credit cards) first will save you the most money in interest.
Is it smart to pay off credit card debt with student loans?
This is probably not a good idea. First of all, paying off credit cards with student loans may violate your student loan agreement, which limits the use of funds to tuition and related expenses. If you use a credit card exclusively for educational expenses like textbooks and computers, you might be able to use loan funds to pay it off. However, you should check your loan agreement carefully to make sure this is allowed.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
