An adjustable rate mortgage is a type of mortgage with a twist. Unlike a fixed-rate loan, where your interest rate stays the same, an adjustable rate loan starts with a lower rate for a set period. After that, the rate can change based on market conditions.

Let’s break it down with an example. Imagine you buy your first home with a loan that has a 7-year adjustable rate. For the first seven years, your interest rate is locked in, let’s say 4%. That means lower monthly payments compared to a fixed-rate loan at 5%. But after those seven years, the rate adjusts. If market rates go up, your payment could increase. If rates drop, your payment might go down.

Adjustable rate loans can be a smart choice if you plan to move or refinance before the rate adjusts. They’re a way to save money upfront but come with some uncertainty down the road.

The key is to know your goals and plan ahead. This type of loan can work well for people who don’t expect to stay in their home long-term. Want to learn more? Contact us today and we can help you decide if this loan type is right for you.

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Save big on credit cards and keep more cash today! If you’re tired of watching your hard-earned money disappear into high-interest credit card payments, you’re not alone. But don’t worry, there’s a solution! By lowering your interest rates and repositioning your debt, you can save thousands of dollars, pay off your balances faster, and keep more cash in your pocket.

Today we are going to discuss how you can take control and make your money work for you.

Why Pay More When You Can Pay Less?

High-interest credit card debt is like a leak in your financial bucket. It not only drains your cash, but it also keeps you stuck in a cycle of payments. However, there is a solution! Instead of sticking with those sky-high rates, reposition your debt to a lower-interest option like a home equity loan or 0% credit cards.

By making this one smart move, you can:

  • Save on interest payments
  • Pay off debt faster
  • Free up money for what truly matters

Example: The Cost of High-Interest Credit Cards

Let’s look at an example of someone with three credit cards totaling $21,000 in debt:

  1. Card 1: $7,000 at 19% interest
    Monthly Payment: $184
  2. Card 2: $7,000 at 24% interest
    Monthly Payment: $213
  3. Card 3: $7,000 at 29% interest
    Monthly Payment: $244

That’s $641 per month in payments. After putting these numbers in the online debt payoff calculator, it would take 4 years and 6 months to pay it off, with total payments of $34,320. Just to clarify, that’s over $13,000 in interest alone!

The Power of Lower Interest Rates

Now, let’s see what happens if you reposition that $21,000 into a home equity loan at 8.5% interest. Here’s what changes:

  • Monthly Payment: Same $641
  • Time to Pay Off: 3 years and 4 months
  • Total Payments: $25,296

You save $9,024 and pay off your debt 14 months faster! That’s the power of lower interest rates.

How to Reposition Your Debt

Ready to save big? Here are two easy ways to get started:

1. Home Equity Loan

  • Use the equity in your home to consolidate credit card debt.
  • Rates are much lower than most credit cards.
  • Make one monthly payment instead of juggling multiple bills.

2. 0% Credit Card Balance Transfers

  • Many cards offer 0% introductory rates for 12–18 months.
  • Transfer your balances and pay no interest during that period.
  • Repeat this strategy every 18 months until the debt is gone.

Tools to Help You Save

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Try tools like Calculator.net’s Debt Payoff Calculator to compare options. Input your debt details, payments, and interest rates to see exactly how much you’ll save.

Take Control of Your Debt Today!

Why overpay when you don’t have to? By repositioning your debt, you can save money, get out of debt faster, and keep more cash in your pocket to enjoy life. It’s all about making interest work for you, not against you.

Take the first step now. Visit SmartWithDebt.com for more tools and resources to help you get into good, healthy debt. Have questions? Contact us today! We’d love to help you run the numbers and create a plan that works for you.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about how you can save big on credit cards and keep more cash!

Start saving today and take back control of your finances!

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When you are shopping for a mortgage you may hear about points. Points are a percentage that is added to a loan amount. For example, 1 point or 1% of a $300,000 loan would equal $3,000. Points are a way for you to pay upfront in order to get a lower rate. Many people ask whether or not you should pay paints and if it is worth it in the long run, however, it is dependent on your financial situation. Buyers beware! Even lenders who say that there are no points often increase the interest rate so that they can still make money on the loan. 

What is the right move for you?

The decision to pay points depends on your plans. If you’re only staying in your home for a couple of years, it may not be worth it to pay points. On the other hand, if you’re planning on staying longer, you could save thousands by paying points and reducing the interest rate.

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Do you want to find out more about mortgage rates with and without points? Contact us today to learn some tips that can help you to achieve your goal quickly and easily!  

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Today we are going to discuss an article that highlights the average American debt in 2024. In 2024, the average American carries $104,215 in debt, which includes mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, student loans, and more. Mortgage debt is the largest piece, averaging $244,498, followed by student loans at $38,787 and auto loans at $23,792.

Debt varies by age and tends to peak for people in their middle years. For example, Gen X holds the most debt at $157,556, while younger Gen Z consumers have much lower debt, averaging $29,820.

Credit scores play a huge role in how much debt a person carries. Those with excellent credit (800-850) average $158,839 in debt, while consumers with poor credit (300-579) hold much less, around $43,584.

Where you live also impacts your debt. States like California and Washington see higher averages, with residents owing more than $140,000, while states like Mississippi have averages closer to $65,000.

If you’re working to pay off debt, two common strategies are the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods. Both can help you tackle what you owe. Some also choose debt consolidation or refinancing to lower their interest rates and simplify payments.

Debt relief options, such as credit counseling or debt settlement, are available if your situation becomes overwhelming. But it’s important to take action before debt becomes a bigger burden.

Click here to read the entire article.

Do you have questions about average American debt in 2024? Contact us today!

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Today we are going to help you to learn to use debt instead of having debt use you.

What is debt?

What exactly is debt? Debt is when you borrow money from someone and promise to pay it back later. There are many types of debt including credit cards, mortgages, student loans, and car loans just to name a few.

Good or bad?

While many people consider debt to be “bad” that is not always the case! Instead there is a difference between “good debt” and “bad debt”. “Good debt” will help you grow your wealth or income, however “bad debt” can hurt your finances. Which type of debt do you have? Are you setting yourself up for success? By learning how to manage your finances and finding the best debt options, you can turn debt into your friend instead of your enemy! 

Contact Us Today! 

Contact us today to find out more about how to turn your debt into your friend instead of your enemy! 

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Accelerate Debt Payments Calculator to see which option is best for you! 

Learn to Use Debt Today!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about using debt instead of letting debt use you! 

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