ASK055: I am in debt, how can I get on the ladder quicker?

Rob B issues a note of caution - beware those who tell you there is a way to do this that means you pay a little more now to get started as an investor. The truth is there is no real shortcut, and you probably should pay your debts off first. It's frustrating, and tempting to want to find a quicker alternative, but not the best move. Avoid the people making the big claims and the courses that say otherwise are a waste of money. 

If it's a choice of paying off your debts or investing, you need to make a decision based entirely around return. So if your debt costs you 9% a month and you can comfortably pay this, but you can get a property that gives you an 8% return, then it's a no-brainer - pay off your debt. But start by paying down your most expensive debt first, get that paid off as soon as you can, and then maybe you will reach a point where you have some cheaper debt which you can accept whilst investing. 

Rob D admits yes, it's not the fun approach but waiting is the right thing to do, but suggests you make a plan now. Work out when you are going to be ready to invest and use that time to get experience and learn, so that when you're financially ready, you are as educated as possible. 

So don't feel disappointed that you can't start now, get a plan together and get excited about what you will be able to do in the future. 

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