09/10/2021
People are always asking if they should invest while they have debt. The simplest way to look at this is to compare the APR on your debt to the rate of return you expect on your investment. While you can’t be sure what the investment will return, you can use historical data to make an estimate for the sake of deciding if it’s a good idea. If the rate of return on the investment is MORE than the rate on the debt, it makes sense to invest while paying down the debt. If not, get that debt paid off as fast as you can and then invest.
For example, since inception the S&P 500 has returned about 10%. If I’m looking to invest in an index fund tracking the S&P 500, but I have credit card debt charging more than 10% interest, I might want to get that debt paid off before investing. If the credit card is charging A LOT more than 10% interest, I would really want to get it paid off first.
But the important thing to remember here is that personal finance is PERSONAL. There is no one-size-fits-all way to determine what’s going to work best for everyone. These examples can serve as a guide when making decisions for yourself. But you have to remember that what I choose for myself may not be the best for you. The most important thing you can do is to take a look at your finances, make a plan and then take action. Any progress is better than no progress at all!
Are you investing while paying debt?? 💰💵 🎉
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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Always do your own research.