Debt Management: Staying Ahead of Loans and Liabilities
Not all debt is bad—home loans or education loans can be productive if managed wisely. The problem arises when repayments become unmanageable or when high-interest debt accumulates without a clear repayment plan. Prioritize High-Interest Debt First Focus on paying off high-interest debt, like credit cards, before low-interest loans. This reduces overall interest paid and speeds up your journey to becoming debt-free. Consider debt snowball or avalanche methods based on your comfort. Avoid the Minimum Trap Paying just the minimum due on credit cards can trap you in a cycle of compounding interest. Always try to pay more than the minimum—or better yet, the full outstanding balance each month. Debt Consolidation and Refinancing If you’re juggling multiple loans, consider consolidating them under a single, lower-interest loan. Refinancing options can also help reduce EMIs, but check for hidden charges and read the terms carefully. Smart Borrowing Is Smart Living Borrow only when nec...