I am often asked why I hold to the concept of eliminating debt before I promote investing. Many clients believe that minimally servicing their debt in concurrence with investing their surplus cash will give them greater financial security long term. My argument is just the opposite. I believe that by doing this, it will minimize your long term investment returns. Let’s look at an example. If you charged $2,000 to your 19.99% credit card, your minimum payment would be 2% of the total owed which would equal $40 per month. Now, let’s assume you have an extra surplus of $100 a month. My system would be to use that $100 surplus in addition to the $40 minimum payment and pay down that $2,000 debt. Many clients want to invest that $100 while servicing only the minimum payment. Let’s take a deeper look at the results of both processes over the period it would take to eliminate the debt. If you paid just the minimum it would take you exactly 9 years to pay off this debt and cost you $2,332 in interest.

Meanwhile, if you invested the $100 a month surplus at 8% concurrently, you would have grown your money to $15,848. But, remember you need to subtract the interest you paid on the credit card to get the true value of your return. In this case it is $13,516. Now if you used my system and paid the $140 toward your debt, it would be paid off in 1 year and 4 months and cost you $303 in interest. Now, if you invested that $140 for the remainder of the 9 years at 8%, or another 7 years and 8 months, you will have grown your money to $17,817. Once again, you need to subtract the interest you paid on your card to get the net effect. In this case, the total value of your money would be $17,514. The difference between the two processes is $3,998. My process is far better and nets a greater return. Now let’s compare what those two figures would grow to over a 30 year period if nothing else was added and we assumed an 8% annual return. The $13, 516 would grow to $147,807, but the $17,514 would grow to $194, 832. That is a $47,000 difference in return over a 39 year period. This is why it is so important to first eliminate your debt as soon as possible then invest after the debt is fully eradicated.

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DISCLAIMER:  We do not sell any financial products, investments, instruments or endorse any financial service providers.  Financial Navigation (Coaching) is designed to give you accurate and authoritative information with specific regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the WayPoints Financial Navigator is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, investment or other licensed professional advice.  Since your situation is fact-dependent, if needed, you must additionally seek the services of an appropriately licensed legal, accounting, investment or other professional.

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