Tag Archive for: debt

Stop Letting Bad Debt Ruin Your Retirement

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Retirement should be the time to relax, not worry. Yet many people carry credit card balances, personal loans, or other high-cost debt into their golden years. The good news is you can Stop Letting Bad Debt Ruin Your Retirement by making smart changes now. With a few shifts, you’ll keep more of your money and enjoy more freedom later.

The Hidden Hurdle After 50

Retirement should be about freedom, travel, and family — not about stressing over debt. Yet more and more people are heading into retirement still carrying high-cost debt, especially credit cards.

It doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is simple: you can’t out-save or out-earn bad debt. But you can move into better debt and keep more of your money for life.

Debt Is Just Math

Debt feels scary, but it’s really just numbers. You’re either:

  • Paying the banks more than you should, or

  • Paying less and keeping more for yourself.

The trick is to look at your current debt and ask: “Am I paying less now and less over time?” If the answer is no, it’s time to reposition.

One Debt, Five Very Different Outcomes

Let’s take one simple example: $20,000 of debt.
Here’s how five different people could handle it:

  1. High-Rate Credit Card (24%)

    • Pays $4,800 a year in interest.

    • That’s money gone with nothing to show for it.

  2. Lower-Rate Credit Card (16%)

    • Pays $3,200 a year in interest.

    • Saves $1,600 compared to the first person.

  3. Personal Loan (12%)

    • Pays $2,400 a year in interest.

    • Cuts the cost in half compared to 24%.

  4. Home Equity Loan (8%)

    • Pays $1,600 a year in interest.

    • Frees up an extra $267 a month for groceries, travel, or paying debt faster.

  5. 0% Balance Transfer Card (with 5% fee)

    • Pays just $1,000 for the year.

    • Saves almost $3,800 compared to the first person.

👉 Same $20,000 of debt, five very different costs. The winners are simply the ones who decided to pay the banks less.

Why It Matters in Retirement

Think about this:

  • If you have $20,000 in savings at 1%, the bank pays you just $200.

  • But if you owe $20,000 on a 24% card, you’re paying them $4,800.

Even if your investments earn 8% (that’s $1,600), you’re still losing ground if your debt costs $2,400–$4,800. The math never works in your favor until you lower the cost of your debt.

The Freedom of Better Debt

Moving into better debt doesn’t just save money — it also lowers stress. Every dollar you keep is a dollar that can:

  • Cover rising grocery or medical costs

  • Pay down balances faster

  • Free you up to actually enjoy retirement

It’s not about being debt-free overnight. It’s about being in the right kind of debt so you can breathe easier and live better.

Take Your Next Step

The path forward is clear: pay the banks less, and keep more for yourself. Don’t let rising interest rates and monthly payments eat away at your dreams. You can Stop Letting Bad Debt Ruin Your Retirement by repositioning into better debt today. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll breathe easier, stress less, and enjoy the retirement you deserve.

Bad debt eats away at your retirement dreams. But better debt builds freedom.

👉 Start by looking at your balances. Then ask: Am I paying too much for this debt?

If the answer is yes, it’s time to reposition. At Smart with Debt, we’ve built calculators and simple tools to help you see exactly how much you can save.

Explore Smart Debt Tools

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This Debt Magic Trick Will Save You Thousands

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Did you know there’s a simple magic trick that can put hundreds of dollars back into your pocket every month?

It might sound too good to be true. But it’s real. And the best part? You don’t have to work extra hours or cut back on things you love. Let’s walk through it together.

The Problem: High-Interest Debt Eats Your Money

Many people carry big balances on credit cards. Because of this, they end up paying huge interest charges every year.

For example, one family had $40,000 in credit card debt at a 24% interest rate. That’s about $10,000 a year going straight to the bank in interest!

Think about it. That’s money that could stay in your life instead of flying out the door.

The Magic Trick: Move Your Debt to Lower Rates

So, how do we fix this?

It’s simple. Move your debt to a lower interest rate.

Here’s what happened with that same family:

  • They moved their $40,000 credit card debt to a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) at 8%.

  • Now, they only pay about $3,200 a year in interest.

That’s a savings of around $6,800 every year!

Guess what? That’s about $500 extra each month they get to keep.

Want to Save Even More? Try 0% Cards

If you have good credit, you might also qualify for a 0% balance transfer card.

In this case:

  • They moved $40,000 to a 0% card.

  • Even with a 4% transfer fee (about $1,600), they saved about $8,000 in one year!

  • That means over $650 extra each month to spend on what matters most.

Why This Works

Every dollar you don’t pay to the bank is a dollar you keep.

When you lower your interest rates:

  • You pay less to lenders.

  • You free up cash for your family, hobbies, or even to pay off debt faster.

  • You stress less and enjoy life more.

Move Fast Before Credit Tightens

Now is the time to act.

Lenders are getting stricter, and credit scores are dropping. Because of this, it could get harder to get a HELOC or 0% card in the future.

So, it’s smart to make a move before it’s too late.

Extra Tip: Use Savings Too

Got money sitting in a low-interest savings account?

Instead of earning almost nothing, you can use it to pay off high-interest debt.

For example:

  • You pay off $40,000 of credit cards.

  • You stop paying $9,600 a year in interest.

  • You can build your savings back up in just a few years, but now you owe way less!

Your Next Step

  • Check your credit score.

  • Look for lower-rate options.

  • Act fast before lenders tighten up.

When you pay less interest, you keep more money. It’s really that simple.

Ready to Make the Magic Happen?

This easy debt magic trick will save you thousands.

Because, in the end, it’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter with your money.

Contact us today to find out more about: This Debt Magic Trick Will Save You Thousands

Watch our most recent video to see this magic trick first hand!

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What Is a Fixed Rate?

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Today we are going to answer the question, “what is a fixed rate?” A fixed rate is a steady, unchanging interest rate on a loan. No surprises. No sudden jumps. You lock in one rate, and it stays the same for the life of the loan.

Think of it like locking in the price of your favorite coffee. If you could pay the same $3 per cup for 30 years, no matter how much prices rise, that can make a big difference in the long run.

For example, if you get a fixed-rate mortgage at 6%, your monthly payment stays the same, even if market rates go up to 8% or drop to 4%. That means predictability in your budget.

The opposite is a variable rate, which can change over time. That might start lower, but it can go up, sometimes way up.

This option is great when interest rates are low or when you want stable, predictable payments. It keeps your budget in check and helps avoid surprises.

Contact Us Today! 

Which loan is best for you? Contact us today to find out more about: “What is a fixed rate? 

Free Tools For You! 

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

Learn more!

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

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What Is a HELOC and Why Do You Need One?

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Today we are going to answer the question, “what is a HELOC and why do you need one?” A HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit, is a powerful financial tool that lets you tap into the equity in your home. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, pay for home improvements, or manage unexpected expenses, a it can help you lower your overall cost of debt, but only if you manage it responsibly.

HELOC Defined:

A HELOC is a mortgage on your property. Unlike credit cards, which are unsecured, it requires you to pledge your house as collateral. This means the loan is secured by a lien on your home, which puts your property at risk if payments are not made.

This option can serve as either a first or second mortgage. For example, if you already have a mortgage on your home, the HELOC acts as a second mortgage. But if your home is paid off, it can serve as a first mortgage. Typically, you’ll qualify for more funds if it’s in the first position.

How Does a HELOC Work?

A HELOC functions much like a credit card. You are approved for a maximum line of credit—for example, $50,000. During the draw period (usually 10 years), you can borrow from this amount as needed. If you take out $10,000, you still have $40,000 available. Once you pay down the balance, those funds become available again.

After the draw period ends, the HELOC enters the paydown period. At this point, you can no longer borrow, and the remaining balance converts to a fixed loan with regular payments.

Example of HELOC Payments:

Payments during the draw period are interest-only. For instance, if you borrow $10,000 from a $50,000 line of credit at an 8% interest rate, your monthly payment would be approximately $67. By contrast, credit cards often require payments three times as high, just in interest! This makes HELOCs a more cost-effective way to manage debt.

5 Benefits:

  1. Lower Interest Rates: HELOCs generally have lower rates than credit cards. For example, transferring $10,000 in credit card debt to a HELOC could reduce your interest cost from $2,400 annually to just $800.
  2. Low Closing Costs: Unlike a full refinance, which can cost $6,000 to $12,000, a HELOC often has closing costs of less than $400 when working with credit unions or banks.
  3. Flexibility: Use your HELOC for anything, home improvements, debt consolidation, or even a vacation. The draw period allows you to borrow and repay funds repeatedly.
  4. Access to Cash: HELOCs let you transfer funds directly to your bank account. For example, if you need to pay a contractor in cash, you can easily move money from your HELOC.
  5. Customizable Payments: During the draw period, you can choose to make interest-only payments or pay extra to reduce your balance faster. This flexibility can help you manage your finances more effectively.

3 Drawbacks:

  1. Risk to Your Home: Since a HELOC is secured by your property, failing to make payments could lead to foreclosure.
  2. Variable Interest Rates: Most HELOCs have variable rates tied to the prime rate. If rates rise, your payments will increase.
  3. Ease of Access: While the ability to borrow easily is a benefit, it can also be a drawback if you’re tempted to overspend.

Qualifications:

Your credit score plays a big role in qualifying for a HELOC. For instance, someone with a 780 score may qualify for a higher loan amount and a better rate than someone with a 680 score. Lenders will also evaluate your income, loan-to-value ratio, and how you plan to use the funds.

For example, using the HELOC for home improvements may make lenders more favorable, as these improvements increase the property’s value.

Where to Get a HELOC:

Local and national credit unions often provide the best rates and lowest closing costs. For instance, some credit unions waive fees if you keep the HELOC open for a few years. Compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best deal, focusing on the margin, the amount added to the prime rate. A lower margin or even a negative margin can save you thousands.

Get Started Today:

A HELOC is a fantastic tool when used responsibly. By lowering your debt costs, you can free up money for other areas of your life. Whether it’s consolidating credit card debt or funding home improvements, a HELOC can help you take control of your finances. Explore your options, shop for the best rates, and make your money work harder for you!

Contact us today to find out more about HELOCs and how they can help you take control of your debt!

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: What Is a HELOC and Why Do You Need One?

 

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Where Is the Best Place to Start When Paying Off Debt?

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Today we are going to answer the question, “where is the best place to start when paying off debt?” Paying off debt can feel like climbing a mountain, but the right first step can make the journey easier. So, where do you begin? The answer lies in two simple words: a plan.

Start by taking stock of all your debts. Write them down on a piece of paper or in a spreadsheet. Include the amounts, interest rates, and minimum payments for each. This step alone often feels empowering because you’ll know exactly where you stand.

Once you’ve listed everything, choose your strategy. Here are two popular approaches:

The Snowball Method

Focus on paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest. Once the smallest debt is gone, roll that payment into the next smallest debt. This method builds momentum and confidence as you see quick wins.

The Avalanche Method

Attack the debt with the highest interest rate first. This strategy saves you money in the long run since high-interest debt costs more over time.

Still unsure which to choose? Here’s a tip: if seeing progress motivates you, go with the snowball method. If saving money excites you, start with the avalanche.

Remember, paying off debt isn’t just about numbers; it’s about peace of mind. Choose the method that works for you, and celebrate every step forward. With a clear plan, you’ll be on your way to a debt-free life!

Contact Us Today! 

Do you want to find out more about accelerating your debt payoff? Contact us today to learn some tips that can help you to achieve your goal quickly and easily!  

Free Tools For You! 

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

Learn more!

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

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