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Debt is a slippery slope. You can be doing just fine when an unexpected bill starts a slide. Maybe you use a credit card or three to keep up for a while. But one setback — like major car repairs — throws you off balance again, and eventually debt begins to swallow you up.

But there’s good news. First, you’re not alone. Second, millions of people like you have dug themselves out of debt using the Debt Avalanche Method. This debt reduction strategy focuses your efforts on the debts with the highest interest rates. Keep reading to learn the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy, as well as some proven alternatives for paying off debt.

How the Debt Avalanche Method Works

First, make a budget. Determine exactly how much money you have coming in each month and how much goes out to household bills. Find ways to trim the fat from anything you can — dinners out, streaming services — so you’ll have more cash to pay toward that smothering debt. If you need help, here’s a guide to the 70-20-10 rule of budgeting.

Then make a list of all your debts. Start with the loan or credit card that has the highest interest rate, and work your way down to the one with the lowest interest rate. Don’t pay any attention to which one has the highest balance or the highest minimum payment. The Avalanche Method is all about interest rate.

Continue to make the minimum payments on all your debts, but put anything you can (bonuses, tax refunds, that $20 your grandma stuck in your pocket) toward paying off the high-interest debt at the top of the list.

Now we’ll fast-forward to the glorious moment when the first debt on your list is paid off. Congrats! Cross it off and move to the next debt on your list: This should be the one formerly known as the second-highest-interest-rate debt, now the highest.

Roll whatever payment you were making on the first debt into the second debt, adding it on to the minimum payment. When that debt is paid off, do the same with the third on the list. As you continue paying off outstanding debt, you should have more and more money to put toward the next target balance. Keep going until you’ve plowed through each debt on your list and can declare yourself debt-free.

Advantages of the Debt Avalanche Method

Fans of the Debt Avalanche Method laud its efficiency. The most expensive debt is ditched first, which can be a big money saver. And the amount of time it takes to get out of debt overall is cut too, because less interest accumulates every month.

Remember, the compound interest (interest on interest) that you love in your savings account can crush you when you owe money. Although compounding periods vary from daily to monthly to annually, depending on the type of debt, credit card balances are typically compounded daily.

That means every little purchase you make and carry over months and years is probably costing you way more than you want to think about. And if you miss payments, the interest rate you’re paying will likely increase, costing you even more.

If you need help keeping yourself in line, check out the minimum payment warning on your monthly statement. It informs a cardholder just how long it will take to pay off a balance if only the minimum monthly payment is made, as well as how much will need to be paid each month to pay off that balance within three years. The total dollar amount paid in each scenario is also disclosed.

Downsides to the Debt Avalanche Method

Using the Avalanche Method to pay off debt isn’t necessarily a good fit for everyone. The method is great for disciplined, analytical thinkers who get excited by the knowledge that they’re playing the long game.

However, the Avalanche approach might not provide enough incentive for those who are motivated by feelings as well as logic. If you need the psychological boost from small wins to stick to a plan, it can be a tough ride.

Another downside to the Avalanche is that it assumes paying off debt as quickly as possible is always the right thing to do. But there are other factors to consider, like your credit score.

If you’re contemplating purchasing a home or car in the near future, or taking out some other kind of loan, it may be worth running the numbers and looking at how your paydown plan will affect your credit utilization ratio and improve your ability to qualify for a lower interest rate.

To make the Avalanche Method a success, it helps to be the type of person who is self-disciplined, self-motivated, self-aware, and capable of celebrating self-made milestones.

Which Debts To Include in a Debt Avalanche

It’s important to know which sort of debts should be included in a debt payoff strategy — and which ones you should leave out. When making your list of debts from high to low interest, include the following:

•   Credit cards

•   Personal loans

•   Student loans

•   Car loans

•   Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

•   Medical bills

With Buy Now, Pay Later, borrowers typically pay no interest as long as they make their payments on time for a designated period. So keep making those payments, but don’t worry about putting extra cash toward your balance until that debt rises to the top of the list.

The same with medical bills. Doctors and hospitals generally don’t charge patients interest on outstanding balances. Make your payments as agreed, but reserve extra cash for the higher-interest debt.

Do not include your mortgage. Financial experts consider this “good” debt. One day, you may decide to put extra money toward paying down your mortgage principal, but for now, focus on your other debts.

Debt Avalanche Example

Below is the debt list for a hypothetical individual, Jane, with over $35,000 in debt. Note that these debts are in order of highest to the lowest interest rate. The balances and minimum payments are in no particular order.

Debt	APR	Balance	Minimum payment
Credit card #1	23%	$3,000	$35
Credit card #2	18.99%	$4,000	$40
Credit card #3	15%	$5,000	$50
Car loan	9%	$10,000	$200
Student loan	4.99%	$9,000	$78
Buy Now, Pay Later	0%	$1,000	$166
Medical bills	0%	$3,500	$292

Jane is paying over $800 a month just to keep up with minimum payments. But only making minimum payments won’t get you out of debt anytime soon. Fortunately, Jane found another $500 a month to put toward her first credit card. She’ll save big on interest as she pays down the balance. However, she’ll still need to pay another $800 a month on her other minimum payments.

Alternatives to the Debt Avalanche Method

The Avalanche is for rational thinkers. But when it comes to money — and life in general — humans tend to follow their gut. That’s why some people prefer the Avalanche’s more emotionally available cousin, the Snowball Method.

With the Snowball Method, the steps are much the same, but you start your list with the smallest balance and work your way toward the largest, disregarding the interest rate. The idea is that those first targets can be knocked down quickly, creating a sense of accomplishment that helps keep you on task until it becomes a habit.

But if the Avalanche and Snowball methods leave you cold, maybe you’ll find inspiration in a hot hybrid. This one’s called the Debt Fireball, an original SoFi strategy created to help people torch their expensive “bad” debt and move on to the things that matter to them faster.

The Fireball blends the best parts of the Avalanche (the cost savings and faster timeline) and the Snowball (the motivation and feeling of achievement). And it adds some flexibility for those who wish to prioritize saving and investing.

How the Debt Fireball Works

After making a budget and determining how much money is left over each month after paying for necessities, prepare to tackle your debts. Start by categorizing all your debt as either “good” or “bad.”

Like the Avalanche, this method is all about the interest rates. Debts with an interest rate of less than 7% are “good.” Debts with an interest rate higher than 7% are “bad.” For example, a student loan with a 3% interest rate would be good, while a credit card with a 21% interest rate would be bad.

Take the list of bad debts and put them in order based on their outstanding balances, from smallest to largest. Keep making the minimum monthly payment on all outstanding debts, but funnel any excess funds toward the smallest of the bad debts. For that one, pay the minimum plus whatever extra amount you can.

When that balance is paid in full, move on to the next smallest bill on the bad-debt list. Keep burning through those balances until all your bad debt is repaid. After that, keep paying off your good debt on the normal schedule while you also invest in your future. You can look at putting your money toward a financial goal, such as saving for a house, starting a business, going back to school, or retirement.

The Fireball is a debt management plan that’s built for real people. It appeals to a person’s practical side because it prioritizes high-interest debt. It organizes a payoff plan in a logical way and focuses on paying off one debt at a time. But it also can provide the psychological strokes some of us need to stay interested and dedicated to becoming debt-free. It turns the trek out of debt into a series of short hikes.

Recommended: When to Start Saving for Retirement

The Takeaway

Using the Debt Avalanche Method is a great way to pay off debt for disciplined, logical personalities who want to maximize their savings on interest. The Avalanche works by paying down the highest-interest debt first, regardless of balance, while making minimum payments only on other debts. It’s not for everyone, though, especially if your highest-interest debt is also your biggest balance. For folks who want to celebrate short-term wins to keep them going, the Snowball Method is a popular option. Instead of focusing on interest rate, borrowers prioritize the lowest balance first. The key to any debt payoff strategy is to know yourself and choose the method that feels right for you.

Another option for paying down debt is a personal loan. SoFi offers personal loans with low rates and no fees required. Whether you need to consolidate your credit cards or other high-interest debt, consider an unsecured personal loan to simplify your finances.

Learn more about SoFi personal loans.

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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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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If the kitchen is the heart of the home, what does it say when yours is falling apart? Shabby fixtures, failing appliances, or a dysfunctional layout might have you daydreaming about a full gut reno — but how much does an average kitchen remodel cost? A minor kitchen update by DIY-savvy homeowners may come in at $4,000, while a major remodel can balloon to $50,000, or even $100,000+.

Before you begin your kitchen update, it helps to consider why you’re remodeling and whether it will add value to your home. We’ll help you scope out the average cost of a kitchen remodel — including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and labor — and where you can save money without sacrificing function or design.

Kitchen Remodel Cost Overview

Homeowners remodel for different reasons: better functionality, entertaining, to update dated fixtures, or to prep for a home sale. It’s important to consider both what you want to get out of the remodel and what your return on investment (ROI) might be before diving into hiring contractors and purchasing appliances.

Do you plan to live in your place a few more years and enjoy your new kitchen? Or will you strategically upgrade for a home sale in the near future? The answer will influence where and how you spend money.

The truth is you probably won’t recoup the total cost of a kitchen remodel in a home sale.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report 2022, the national average ROI for a minor remodel with mid-range materials is 71%. A major remodel with upscale materials, on the other hand, yields just a 52.5% ROI.

Clearly, the best bang for your buck will be less costly but visually impactful minor updates: replacing cabinets fronts, countertops, faucets, and lights, plus painting and perhaps new flooring. But if you want to change the layout or add all-new appliances, you’re looking at five figures. (You may be interested in this story on the difference between a renovation vs. remodel.)

Average Kitchen Remodeling Costs by Feature

The average kitchen remodel cost can vary a lot depending on a few key items: cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. We’ll review your options and typical costs for low-, middle-, and high-end updates.

Kitchen Cabinetry Cost

Cabinetry typically eats up 25% of a kitchen budget. There are three types of kitchen cabinet construction, each priced per linear foot:

•   Stock cabinets, the least expensive, run $60-$200 per linear foot, or $1,250-$2,500.

•   Semi-custom are $100-$650 per linear foot, or $1,875-$10,000.

•   Custom will set you back $500-$1,200 per linear foot, or $7,500-$18,750.

Custom cabinets are made to order, based on your kitchen’s precise measurements, and made of solid wood. Stock are ready-made and mostly constructed of engineered wood, and semi-custom are a hybrid of stock and custom.

Countertop Cost

The cost of countertops is determined by the material. Typical materials include granite, marble, quartz, stainless steel, and butcher block wood. Granite, stainless steel, and butcher block are good budget options, ranging from $850 to $4,000 depending on the size of your kitchen. Marble and quartz command $2,000-$10,000.

Appliances Cost

The number of different appliances in the typical kitchen sets this home reno apart from, say, a bathroom remodel. Appliances generally account for 20% of your overall budget. Replacing all your appliances at once — fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher — can be quite pricey.

Discount shoppers might be able to find a full suite of lower end appliances for as little as $1,500. Midrange appliances can run about $5,500 all in, and higher end models can come to $17,000. Double wall ovens, a favorite of serious cooks, can cost $1,800-$6,500 on their own. And some homeowners may decide to annex a closet for a mini laundry room.

Installation and Labor Costs

Labor is another major cost that can be hard to predict. But count on spending 30%-35% of your budget on contractors and installers. Your price will depend on where you live, how large your space is, and the features being installed. Read more about these factors below.

Where You Live Matters

Bargain hunters should be aware that some factors influencing budget are not within their control — like where in the U.S. you live. Homeowners on the West coast and in the Northeast generally pay more for materials and labor than in the South. Prices also run higher in and around major cities.

Midrange vs Upscale Models

It may shock you to learn that upscale materials and appliances can cost you twice as much as midrange models. If a major midrange kitchen remodel comes to $50,000, a high-end remodel of the same kitchen might be $100,000.

Many homeowners pick and choose a combination of inexpensive, midrange, and higher end options.

Personal Budgeting for Your Remodel

HGTV recommends spending between 6% and 10% of the value of your home to get the best ROI. A major reno for a $400,000 home, then, would cost between $24,000 and $40,000. If your kitchen budget goes considerably higher, you risk making the rest of the house look mediocre by comparison. Aim too low, and your kitchen might not live up to the quality of similar homes in your neighborhood. Either way, your new kitchen may raise a red flag with home buyers.

It can be tempting to throw all your kitchen purchases on a credit card, but keep in mind that high-interest rates can inflate your renovation costs. These days, many homeowners are turning to a flexible personal loan to fund home renovations and remodels.

With this type of loan, you receive a lump sum payment to cover your kitchen remodel cost. You can pay back the loan over a term of your choosing in equal monthly installments. The interest rate is determined by your credit history and credit score, but is typically lower than credit card interest. Our Home Improvement Cost Calculator can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to borrow.

What Costs the Most?

What costs the most depends in part on the design decisions you make. Semi-custom cabinets will take up a larger part of your budget than stock will. Higher end brands, as we noted above, can double your appliance costs compared to mid-range. And with large kitchens or complex remodels, labor and installation can make up a third of your overall budget.

How To Save Money

In a full-scale kitchen remodel, new kitchen cabinets are typically the biggest expense, accounting for 20%-40% percent of the project budget. If your cabinets are in good shape and fulfill your storage needs, refacing them can slash your bill. Refacing can mean either stripping and repainting or staining existing doors, adding stick-on veneers, or replacing the doors while preserving the cabinet shelves. Add new hardware for a more modern look.

The next biggest line item in your kitchen remodel budget might be labor for installation. When you’re starting the home remodel process, find a contractor you can trust. That means doing your research, speaking with and getting quotes from multiple contractors, and reaching out to their previous clients for referrals. When entertaining bids, remember that an experienced, in-demand contractor will likely charge more than less capable competitors, but will almost certainly be worth it.

Finally, you may be able to trim some installation costs by doing simple things yourself: picking up items instead of paying for delivery, painting walls instead of paying contractors for the labor, or replacing your backsplash. Learn more DIY tricks in our guide on how to remodel a kitchen.

For more ideas, check out this roundup of ways to fight inflation’s effect on your kitchen remodel.

Cushion Your Budget

For any home remodeling project, financial experts and DIYers both recommend padding your budget by 20%. That means assuming you’ll spend 20% more than your projected total for materials and labor. Not only does that cover all the little things that can add up, it also accommodates pricier issues that may be uncovered, like necessary electrical or plumbing updates.

Stick to Your Budget

Experts recommend that homeowners fully commit to a plan and budget before undertaking a major remodel. Too many last-minute changes won’t endear you to your contractors and can inflate your costs as one small change can lead to other unforeseen adjustments.

House Exterior Style Quiz

The Takeaway

The average kitchen remodel cost can vary widely from $4,000 to $50,000 or more, or between 6% and 10% of your home’s value. Your cost will depend on a number of factors such as kitchen size and whether you choose bargain, midrange, or high end materials and appliances. The major kitchen remodel cost drivers are cabinets, countertops, appliances, and labor. The good news is that the ROI for a smart, mid-range remodel is 71%.

Home improvement loans from SoFi have low-interest rates available for those who qualify and offer fixed monthly payments. These 100% no-fee unsecured loans might be just the recipe to getting your perfect kitchen.

Find out more about using a SoFi personal loan to update your kitchen.

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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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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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Imagine you have four credit cards, each with a $5,000 limit, for a total of $20,000. You have a balance of $2,000 on Credit Card A from vacation travel, $1,000 on Credit Card B from buying new car tires, $2,000 on Credit Card C from last holiday season, and $1,000 on Credit Card D from regular monthly bills. Altogether, you owe $6,000. If we calculate that as a percentage, we have your credit card utilization rate: 30%.

In this guide, we’ll focus on credit utilization, determine how much of your credit you should use, and show how credit card utilization affects your credit score and overall financial standing.

What Is a Credit Utilization Ratio?

Your credit utilization ratio is a fancy way of referring to how much of your credit you’re using. Lenders and credit reporting agencies use it as an indicator of how well someone is managing their finances.

A low credit utilization ratio says you live within your means, use credit cards responsibly, and therefore probably manage the rest of your finances well. A high credit utilization hints that your expenses are outpacing your income, a sign that you’re misusing credit cards, and possibly mismanaging the rest of your finances.

The reality of the situation may be different. Perhaps you have temporary cash flow problems due to a job loss. Or you happen to have a pileup of pricey expenses within a short time, such as medical bills, car repairs, and a destination wedding. It happens. That’s why credit utilization is just one factor that goes into calculating your credit score.

Recommended: Types of Personal Loans

How Do You Calculate Your Credit Card Utilization Rate?

In the example above, we saw that if you have $20,000 of credit available to you, and you owe $6,000, your credit utilization rate is 30%. How did we get there? To find out your credit card utilization rate, simply divide your total credit card balances by your total credit line, like this:

Total Balance / Total Credit Line = Utilization Rate

With the numbers from our example, it looks like this:

6,000 / 20,000 = .3 or 30%

Simple, right? You’ve got this.

Recommended: Getting Your Personal Loan Approved

What Counts as “Good” Credit Card Utilization?

As it turns out, just because you’ve been approved for a $10,000 credit card doesn’t mean it makes financial sense to charge $10,000 worth of rosé and seltzer — even if you know you can pay it off over a couple of months. In fact, you might be shocked to learn how little of your available credit you’re supposed to use.

The general rule is that you should not exceed a 30% credit card utilization rate. That means that in our example, you would not want to use more than $6,000 of your available $20,000 credit. Even though 30% might seem like a small percentage, keeping below that threshold can ensure that your credit score isn’t being dinged for over-utilization.

How Can You Lower Your Credit Card Utilization Ratio?

You can lower your credit utilization ratio by paying down your credit card balances. Ideally, you should pay off your credit card balances in full every billing cycle to avoid paying interest. When that’s not possible, pay off as much of the bill as you can.

Whatever you do, don’t make a habit of paying only the credit card minimum payment suggested on your bill.

When trying to pay down your credit cards, focus on the one with the highest interest rate. That way, you’ll save the most money on interest. Or you can pay off your cards with a personal loan. In fact, debt consolidation is one of those most common uses for personal loans.

Another way to lower your utilization rate is to increase your available credit. Ask your bank to raise your credit card limit. If they agree, your utilization will quickly drop. Also, keep open any cards you don’t use rather than closing the accounts. They’re serving a valuable purpose by contributing to your credit limit, even if you’ve cut up the actual cards.

As you can tell, credit utilization is a nuanced topic. Learn all the ins and outs in our Guide to Lowering Your Credit Card Utilization.

How Does Credit Card Utilization Affect Your Credit Score?

Credit card utilization plays a big role in how companies compute your credit score. In fact, about 30% of your credit score is determined by your credit card utilization rate. That means a high credit card utilization rate can adversely affect your credit score. For a deep dive into the topic, check out How Does Credit Utilization Affect Your Credit Score?

How Do You Monitor Your Credit Card Utilization?

Your credit utilization might seem difficult to keep track of. But we live in the 21st century, so it’s actually quite easy to set up account reminders to alert you when you are approaching that 30% credit card utilization mark.

In addition to watching your utilization rate, make your best effort to pay your credit card bills on-time each month. Checking your credit score regularly will also help you keep your financial health in check. Although you don’t want to check your score too often, it’s good to keep tabs to make sure the data being reported is accurate.

The Takeaway

Your credit card utilization ratio is the sum of all your credit card balances divided by the sum of your credit limits. Credit reporting agencies recommend keeping your ratio at 30% or below. Higher ratios can hurt your credit, since credit utilization accounts for 30% of your credit score. To lower your utilization rate, simply pay down your credit card balances. And think twice before closing a credit card you no longer use. You might also consider consolidating your credit card debt with a personal loan; a personal loan calculator can show you how much you could save on interest.

Have high credit card utilization across multiple cards? Consolidating credit card debt with a low interest personal loan will reduce your utilization rate, which can positively affect your credit score. With SoFi Personal Loans, you can borrow $5K to $100K, with low fixed rates and no fees required.

Compared with high-interest credit cards, a SoFi personal loan is simply better debt.

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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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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There are many reasons people end up in debt. Medical bills, emergency home or car repairs, a job layoff. And some of us just didn’t know that it’s best to pay off credit cards in full every month. Either way, no judgment here. If you have high-interest credit card debt and are ready to put together a plan to pay it back, you might be considering one of two popular methods: Credit card refinancing vs. debt consolidation.

Both involve paying off your debt with another credit card or loan, ideally at a lower interest rate. Still, the two methods are not the same, and both options require careful consideration. Below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each debt payback method, so you can make an informed decision.

What Is Credit Card Refinancing?

Credit card refinancing is the process of moving your credit card balance(s) from one card or lender to another with a lower interest rate. The main purpose of refinancing is to reduce the amount of interest you’re paying with a lower rate while you pay off the balance.

Borrowers may accomplish this by paying off their existing credit cards with a brand-new balance transfer card. This type of credit card offers a low or 0% interest rate for a promotional period of up to 21 months.

For example, say a borrower has $10,000 on a credit card that charges 20% interest. By switching to a 0% interest card (and making payments on time), they can save around $2,000 in the first year alone, provided there are no fees or penalties. Alternatively, if the borrower switches to a card that charges 10% interest in the first year, they can save around $1,000.

Recommended: The Risks of Payday Loans

What Are the Pros and Cons of Credit Card Refinancing?

We’ve discussed the goal of credit card refinancing — to lower your interest rate — and how to accomplish it. Now let’s explore some of the pros and cons of refinancing.

Pros of Refinancing

The primary benefit is the chance to pay off credit card debt while paying little to no interest for the first 12 or more months. For a relatively small credit card balance — one that can comfortably be paid off within a year — this can be an effective strategy.

Cons of Refinancing

Balance transfer cards come with major catches: The low or 0% interest period is short-term (6-21 months), and there may be a balance transfer fee of 3%-5%. For a borrower with $10,000 in credit card debt, a 5% balance transfer fee comes out to $500.

For some borrowers, the amount they’re saving in interest might not be worth the transfer fee. This is especially true if the borrower ends up unable to pay off their balance within the introductory period. After the promotion ends, the interest rate can skyrocket to as high as 25%.

This brings up yet another consideration: Balance transfer cards don’t put any structure into place for the borrower to follow in order to fully pay off the credit card debt. A borrower can just as easily continue making only the minimum payments and even add to the balance of the debt. This is the risk we run with what is called revolving credit.

Finally, 0% interest balance transfer cards often require a high credit score to qualify. However, borrowers hoping to qualify in the future can build their credit by making all payments on time and reviewing their credit report for errors.

Recommended: Loans With No Credit Check

What Is Credit Card Debt Consolidation?

Credit card consolidation refers to the process of paying off multiple credit cards with a single loan, referred to as a debt consolidation loan or personal loan. Unlike refinancing, the main purpose of consolidation is to simplify bills by combining multiple credit card payments into one fixed loan payment.

A borrower may also pay less in interest, but the difference may not be as great as with refinancing. An applicant’s credit score and other financial data points will determine their personal loan interest rate.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Credit Card Debt Consolidation?

As we mentioned, credit card debt consolidation serves to pay off multiple credit cards with a single short-term loan. But as with credit card refinancing, there are advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Debt Consolidation

Consolidation allows borrowers to pay off multiple debts and replace them with one monthly payment and a set repayment term of their choosing. Borrowers benefit from the structured nature of a personal loan: They make equal payments toward the debt at a fixed rate until it is completely eliminated.

With most personal loans, the borrower is able to opt for a fixed interest rate, which ensures payments won’t change over time. (Variable interest rate loans are available, but their lower initial rate can go up as market rates rise.) You might have a $10,000 loan, for instance, with a repayment term of five years at 8% interest — a rate that will not change for the duration of the loan.

Secured personal loans that require collateral sometimes offer lower interest rates. However, the savings is usually not worth the risk of losing your car or home. For that reason, unsecured personal loans are preferable.

Cons of Debt Consolidation

The terms of a personal loan will almost always be based on the borrower’s credit history and their holistic financial picture. That means that not every borrower will qualify for a low interest rate, or get approved for a personal loan at all.

Another hazard is the potential for a borrower to run up their credit card debt again, once their cards are paid off. Canceling all but one card can help prevent that. However, borrowers should research how canceling their credit cards might affect their credit scores.

Credit Card Refinancing vs Debt Consolidation

To recap, the difference between debt consolidation and credit card refinance is first a matter of goals. With credit card refinancing — as with other forms of debt refinancing — the borrower’s aim is to save money by lowering their interest rate. Debt consolidation may or may not save the borrower money on interest, but will certainly simplify bills by replacing multiple credit card obligations with a single monthly payment and a structured payback schedule.

The other difference is that credit card refinancing typically utilizes a balance transfer credit card that has a 0% or low-interest rate for a short time. This limits the amount a borrower can transfer to what they can comfortably pay off in a year or so. Debt consolidation utilizes a personal loan, which allows for higher balances to be paid off over a longer payback period.

Credit Card Refinancing vs Balance Transfer Cards

These two terms are not mutually exclusive. Instead, a balance transfer credit card is one way to refinance credit card debt.

The Takeaway

Credit card refinancing is when a borrower pays off their credit card(s) by moving the balance to another card with a lower interest rate. A popular way to do this is with 0% interest balance transfer credit cards. However, borrowers typically need a high credit score to qualify for these cards. Debt consolidation, on the other hand, is when a borrower simplifies multiple debts by paying them off with a personal loan. Personal loans with a fixed low interest rate and a structured payback schedule are a smart option for consolidating debts.

If you have a relatively small balance that can be paid off in a year or so, refinancing with a balance transfer credit card may be right for you. If you have a larger balance or need more time to fully pay it off, personal loans are available for terms of up to 7 years.

Tired of juggling logins and payment schedules with a bunch of other lenders? SoFi Personal Loans can help you save money, take control of your finances, and simplify your life by consolidating everything at a single, low rate. It only takes minutes to apply.

Don’t let high interest interfere with your interests.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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.

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