Crush Debt or Grow Investments? How to Make the Best Choice for You

12 snips

Dec 19, 2024

Discover effective strategies for tackling credit card debt while considering investment options. The hosts dive into how to wisely use a financial windfall, discussing balance transfers and automating payments. Explore the pros and cons of the snowball versus avalanche debt payoff methods. They also weigh the benefits of prioritizing high-interest debt repayment against long-term investments. Listeners learn about balancing financial goals with the desire to enjoy life, making informed decisions tailored to their unique situations.

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ADVICE

Windfall Allocation

Consider using windfalls for debt repayment, investing, or other goals.
Enjoy a portion (e.g., 10%) for immediate gratification.

ADVICE

Emergency Fund

Start an emergency fund with small, regular contributions, like $25 weekly.
Automate these contributions for consistent growth.

ADVICE

Multitasking Finances

Tackle high-interest debt while also building an emergency fund.
This allows you to address immediate debt and future financial security simultaneously.

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Learn how to tackle credit card debt, build savings, and decide between debt payoff and investing for financial growth.

How can you pay off credit card debt faster and smarter? When should you prioritize paying off debt over investing your money? Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner discuss credit card payoff strategies and building an emergency fund to help you strengthen your financial security. They begin by talking to Adam, a Smart Money listener, who has questions about what to do with a windfall. They discuss options for paying down high-interest credit card debt, with tips and tricks on using balance transfers wisely, automating payments and reducing financial stress. They also discuss whether to prioritize debt payoff, fund investments or save for other financial goals — before getting into strategies for balancing long-term retirement planning, managing 0% APR debt effectively, and enjoying life without derailing financial progress.

Then, host Elizabeth Ayoola and NerdWallet debt writer Tiffany Curtis join Sean to answer a listener’s question about loan payoff strategies while deciding when it’s better to focus on investing versus debt repayment. They explore the pros and cons of the snowball and avalanche debt payoff methods, how to calculate returns from paying down debt versus investing, and strategies for multitasking financial goals to build a stronger financial future.

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: paying off credit card debt, prioritize debt or investing, snowball vs avalanche method, balance transfer tips, high-interest credit cards, emergency fund savings, how to pay off debt, investing vs paying debt, debt payoff strategies, personal finance tips, managing debt, 0% APR credit card, financial windfall tips, credit card debt help, debt-free planning, emergency fund tips, investing basics, save for retirement, Roth IRA strategies, 457 retirement plan, credit card payoff calculator, budgeting for savings, automating finances, debt-free goals, financial security tips, financial planning for families, saving for college, 529 plan benefits, high-yield savings accounts, avoiding credit card interest, tips for financial independence, and when to invest.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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