What is the difference between good debt and bad debt? Common wisdom frequently answers this question by suggesting good debt as debt that adds value to your overall financial worth or improves your life in a significant way. Bad debt subtracts from your financial worth or is used to purchase things with no long-term value. Determining good debt vs bad debt is a critical skill as it allows you to spend your money wisely and can alleviate the stress typically connected with finances. To help you understand the differences, we have put together this article to inform you of the types of borrowing that can create good and bad debt.
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Bad Debt
Purchases or investments that lose value over time can be considered bad debt. Most automobiles are a classical example as their value drops significantly after purchase. Loans with high or variable interest rates are also typical of bad debt. When a purchases’ long-term value is poor or leads to more financial damage, it is a strong indicator of bad debt.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can create good and bad debt, with the difference being dependant on how they are managed. Using your credit cards as a buy-now-pay-later form of transactional payment is fine when the monthly fees are paid off in full. However, using credits cards as a source of money can lead to long term financial problems. Additionally, credit cards can have interest rates between 17-20% as well; in our comparison between good debt vs bad debt, these rates add no long-term value to your personal finances.
Payday Loans
Like credit cards, payday loans create bad debt because of their high-interest rates. The rates can climb above 20% in some cases and if payments are missed the sum cost of these loans can quickly create a cycle of bad debt that is hard to get out of.
Personal Loans
Taking out a loan for a needed purchase is necessary at times but when loans are used for frivolous items, they generate bad debt. Rates tend to be better than those associated with credit cards but they are still high. Like credit cards, abuse of the personal loans can lead to consumer debt which can be difficult to get out of.
Auto Loans
Although often a necessity, most vehicles depreciate quickly after purchase making their long-term value poor. While the good debt vs bad debt potential of auto loans frequently places them in the bad category there are ways to mitigate their negative effects. Using cash helps you avoid long-term payments; a low or no interest loan can often be used to finance auto purchases.
Good Debt
Taking on debt to create income or build your overall worth can be considered good debt. Purchases and investments that make your life better over time or borrowing money to take care of an emergency are net positives in the long term.
Mortgage
In terms of good and bad debt, mortgages are at the top of the good column and have several positive points. First, being a potential homeowner helps create equity since the property will most likely increase in value over time. Second, if an investment property, income can be generated from rent. Third, there are potential tax incentives available to homeowners not available to renters.
Educational Loans
Taking on a loan to improve your education can help you earn more money in the future. Well educated and skilled workers often find it easier to get high-quality jobs. Additionally, educational loans often have low-interest rates and payment schedules can frequently be renegotiated to your advantage.
Investments
If you are considering stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, real estate, or other similar investments taking on debt can be a positive. There are always risks but having a smart detailed plan and consulting professionals can help you create assets in the long term.
Business Loans
Starting, or expanding, your own business can create opportunities for wealth. Being an entrepreneur is hard work that takes thoughtful planning but taking out a loan can help you fulfil your ambitions.
Impact of Good Debt vs Bad Debt
Bad debt creates a cycle of consistently owing money without creating savings or assets which can lead to disaster. In addition, bad debt can impact your credit score making it harder to get low rates on loans while restricting your cash flow. It can also affect your ability to find work and rent a home.
Good debt establishes wealth and can enhance your life in various ways. A sound credit score makes it easier to take out future loans at better rates. Good debt is a sign of financial health which can often carry over to your mental and physical health, giving you peace of mind and security.
MediPro Capital Finance – Creating Assets for the Medical Community
MediPro Capital Finance can help medical professionals build up their portfolios and generate wealth. MediPro specialises in home loans for medical professionals and we can help you use your debt effectively. We offer a range of investment and lending services to the medical community to provide them with the best deals and opportunities.
Interested in More Healthy Loan Choices?
Looking to start or expand your practice? We can find the best finance for doctors and other health professionals. Get in touch with us on 1300 375 626 or contact us online, we are always ready to help.