Taking on debt doesn’t always have to mean falling into a long spiral of bad credit and high-interest rates. In fact, with careful consideration, and used correctly debt can be a great tool for financial success. Here are fundamental ways of harnessing good debt to build your wealth:
Prioritizing low-interest loan payments
One of the best ways to ensure financial success is by smartly using and managing debt. Good debt – usually low-interest home loans in Wichita, Kansas – should be prioritized when considering loan payments. This can lead to a snowball effect of saving money over the long term. Plus, an excellent credit score can open up exciting opportunities later down the road, such as a refinance on an existing home loan or being able to make a large purchase like a home renovation with lower interest rates.
Leveraging home equity to invest in other areas
With certain types of debt, such as home equity loans in Wichita, Kansas, you can not only build a solid financial foundation but also leverage them for investments in other areas. Many homeowners have used home equity loans to buy a rental property or invest in stocks and bonds. Even if the investment doesn’t return the amount borrowed, any additional value is essentially free money due to the tax benefits associated with loan interest. As long as you understand that you are taking on a risk and do your research before making an investment decision, then tapping into home equity to help fund investments can provide financial success in the future.
Using credit cards responsibly to earn points
Using credit cards responsibly can be a great way to create financial success. Achieving a good credit score not only improves borrowers’ ability to qualify for lower interest rate loans and mortgages, but it also provides access to various point bonuses and rewards. By simply using a credit card for regular purchases and consistently paying off the balance on time each month, consumers are able to earn points that can be redeemed for cash back or discounts at select retailers. All of this is in addition to consumer protection usually offered when buying with a credit card, such as Purchase Protection or Extended Warranty programs. A little bit of discipline and planning goes a long way when harnessing the power of good debt and can have positive impacts on an individual’s financial security.
Opting for zero-interest balance transfers if available
Using debt can be risky for your financial success, but when managed and utilized wisely it can help save money. One way to accomplish this is by taking advantage of zero-interest balance transfers. This means transferring existing high-interest debt to a credit card with a promotional 0 percent APR offer. This effectively creates free money and allows the user to reduce their overall balance at a faster rate. In addition, many cards offer rewards that help reduce costs further and incentivize users to reach their payment goals sooner. Harnessing good debt in this manner, with caution and great care, can be a tool for financial success without breaking the bank.
Taking out personal loans for one-time expenses
Taking out personal loans for one-time expenses such as travel or home improvement projects can help you leverage your funds to cover large costs. Doing so helps to avoid the potential pitfalls associated with remortgaging or taking out multiple lines of credit. When managed wisely, debt can open up exciting life possibilities while allowing you to climb the path to achieving long-term financial objectives. As such, borrowing responsibly against measured risk is essential in utilizing good debt for financial success.
Refinancing student loans at lower rates when possible
Refinancing student loans at lower rates is an excellent way to make sure your financial foundation is sound. Doing so will often lower the amount of interest you need to pay and potentially save you thousands over the long term. While this may seem like a daunting task at first, it’s important to remember that refinancing student loans can make a huge difference in how quickly (or how slowly) you pay down your debt. No matter what stage of life you are in, it is always advantageous to shore up your finances and build a secure future. Refinancing student loans may offer just the solution needed to help get you closer to establishing financial stability and success.
Increasing 401(K) contributions to enjoy employer-matching funds
Taking advantage of employer matching funds is an excellent way to harness good debt and propel yourself into financial success. Employer matching funds are free money, so by increasing your 401(K) contributions, you’re multiplying the impact of your money. Furthermore, the contributions are tax-deferred and your investments will enjoy a longer time horizon for compounding that can add up to a substantial retirement nest egg. The 401(K) plans also offer good protection from creditors who may come looking for liquid assets; your 401(K) is typically safe from these parties since it’s locked away until retirement age. Making higher contributions to take advantage of employer match funds is an amazing way to supercharge your long-term financial goals.
Debt should never be taken lightly but following the aforementioned guidelines will yield smart decisions that can increase long-term wealth.
