How Refinancing Can Help You Escape Debt Faster

written by

Jim Mucci

posted on

October 3, 2024

refinancing for quicker debt relief

When your debts are costing too much, you can get a fresh start. Think of it like trading in your old loans for a better deal. You get one new loan that costs less each month. The best part? You pay less in fees, so more of your money goes to paying off what you owe. This works great with credit cards, school loans, and house payments. Having just one bill makes life easier. You can get out of debt faster when you pick the right new loan for your needs.

What Is Debt Refinancing

restructuring existing debt obligations

Think of debt refinancing as trading your old loans for a new one that costs less.

It's like swapping an old phone for a better one, but with money instead.

When you get a new loan, you use it to pay off your old ones. This new loan should give you better deals. You might pay less each month. You might pay less in the long run. You might even pay it off faster.

You still need to pay back what you owe.

But now you can do it in a way that fits your life better. Instead of paying many bills, you can pay just one. This makes it easier to keep track of your money.

Many places offer these new loans, and you can pick the one that helps you the most.

Benefits of Strategic Refinancing

When you choose to refinance your loans, you can save money and make life easier.

Think of it like trading in your old car for a better one. You pay less in interest each month, which means more of your money goes to paying off what you owe.

Instead of paying many bills, you can join them into one simple payment. This often means you pay less money each month.

You can also pick a shorter loan time if you want to be debt-free faster.

Looking for new loan deals is smart. You might find better options that work well with your money today.

It's like shopping around for the best price – you don't have to stick with a bad deal.

When you take charge of your loans this way, you help your money grow stronger over time.

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Types of Debt to Refinance

refinancing various debt types

Let's talk about making your money work better for you! When you have debt, you can often get a better deal. This is called refinancing.

If you have credit cards, you might pay a lot in interest each month. You can get a new loan with lower interest to pay off those cards. This helps you save money.

If you went to college, you might've student loans. You can combine these loans into one or get a new loan with better terms. This can make your monthly bills smaller.

Do you own a home? When banks offer lower interest rates, you can get a new home loan. This can cut down your monthly payment.

Car loans can also get better deals. If you've been good with your money, you might get lower payments on your car.

Business owners and people with home loans can look for better deals too. Any time you find a way to pay less, it's worth checking out!

Remember: The goal is to pay less money over time. Look at all your bills and see which ones you can make smaller.

Getting the Best Refinancing Terms

Want to get a better deal on your home loan? Here's what you need to do.

First, make your credit better. Pay your bills on time. Next, show you have a steady job. Last, pay down your debts. This helps you get lower rates.

Most banks want to see:

  • A credit score over 700
  • Less than half your money going to bills
  • Proof you can pay back the loan
What You Need Good Deal Best Deal
Credit Score 680-719 720+
Bills vs Income 44-50% Under 43%
Time at Job 1+ years 2+ years

Start looking for rates three months early. Talk to at least three banks. Ask your current bank too. Think about the costs to switch loans – they can be $2-5 for every $100 you borrow. Make sure you will save more than you spend.

Common Refinancing Mistakes to Avoid

avoid common refinancing mistakes

Let's talk about mistakes to avoid when getting a new home loan.

It's normal to feel worried about making the wrong choice. Many of your neighbors have made these same mistakes, but you can learn from them.

First, don't just talk to one bank. Look at many banks to find the best deal. This is like shopping for the best price on a TV.

Next, look at all costs, not just the interest rate. Banks charge other fees too. These fees can add up to big money.

Turn in your papers on time. Late papers can mean you lose the good deal you found. Keep a list of what you need and when it's due.

If you take cash out of your home loan, know what you'll do with it. Having a plan helps you use the money wisely.

Take your time. Read everything before you sign. Ask questions if you don't understand something.

Remember: This is your home and your money. You have the right to make sure everything is right for you.