Pay Off Debt or Invest? How to Decide Between the Two

When managing your finances, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether to pay off debt or invest. 🤷‍♀️

It’s a common financial dilemma that many people face, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on factors like your interest rates, investment opportunities, and overall financial goals 🎯. In this guide, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each option, so you can make the smart money move that’s right for your situation. 💰

Is it better to pay off debt or invest?

While both paying off debt and investing are important financial goals, high-interest debt (like credit cards) should typically be prioritized since the interest you’re paying often exceeds any potential investment returns. 💰

However, if you have low-interest debt (like a mortgage) and your employer offers 401(k) matching, it may be wise to invest enough to get the full match while paying down debt, since that’s essentially free money. 📈

To help you decide between paying off debt vs investing, it can helpful to take a closer look at what the terms mean.

Paying off debt means throwing your hard-earned cash at what you owe — credit cards, student loans, car loans, you name it. The goal? To eliminate those monthly payments and the interest that comes with them. On the other hand, investing is all about putting your money to work in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate in hopes to grow your wealth over time. Each option has its own merits, so let’s dig into how they compare.

The case for paying off debt

Imagine having a guaranteed return on investment that beats the stock market. That’s what paying off debt can do for you. Here’s why it rocks:

Guaranteed return on investment

Paying off debt offers a guaranteed return on investment. If your credit card interest rate is 18%, paying it off is like earning 18% on your money — risk-free. You won’t find that in any stock market. It’s like having a safety net always there to catch you.

Psychological benefits

Clearing your debt can give you serious psychological benefits. Think about the relief of seeing a zero balance instead of a mountain of bills. That peace of mind is priceless. Plus, without that debt cloud hanging over you, your mental clarity improves, allowing you to focus on other financial goals.

Possibly improved credit score

Knocking out debt can also lead to a better credit score. Lower balances mean a lower credit utilization ratio, which helps boost your score. A higher score means better interest rates on future loans, saving you more money. It’s like giving your credit report a makeover, and who doesn’t love a good makeover?

Reduced financial stress

Let’s face it: debt is stressful. Reducing or eliminating debt reduces financial stress, allowing you to make decisions without that nagging worry. When you’re not drowning in debt, you sleep better, smile more, and even whistle a happy tune.

Ability to fully focus on long-term goals faster

Paying off debt is like cutting loose the financial dead weight holding you back. Once you’re debt-free, you’ll have the financial freedom to fully focus on those big dreams — saving for retirement, buying your dream home, or finally diving into investing. No more debt distractions; it’s all about future-forward thinking.

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The case for investing

Conversely, investing has some killer benefits that can supercharge your financial future.

Potential for higher returns

Investing offers the potential for higher returns. Historically, the stock market has returned about 10% annually. Compare that to the interest rate on your debt, and you might see why investing could be a better bet. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing is subject to risk of loss, including loss of principal.

Compound interest benefits

Thanks to the magic of compound interest and HYSA (High Yield Savings Accounts), the money you invest today can grow exponentially over time. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from this snowball effect. It’s like planting a tree that keeps growing and bearing fruit year after year.

Possible tax advantages 

Investing, especially in retirement accounts, comes with tax advantages. Contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs can be tax-deductible, and the growth is tax-deferred. This means you save on taxes now and pay less (or nothing) on the gains later.

Building long-term wealth

Investing could be your ticket to building long-term wealth. By putting your money into assets that appreciate over time, you’re setting yourself up for a financially secure future. It’s the difference between having a financial safety net and building a financial fortress.

Invest or pay off debt: five factors to consider

So, should you pay debt or invest? Here are some factors to help you decide:

Assess your debt 

Time to face the music and get a clear picture of your debt situation. What types of debt are you dealing with? Credit cards, student loans, car payments? Tally up the amounts and those pesky interest rates. If you’re buried under a mountain of high-interest debt, it might make sense to tackle that beast first. Know exactly what you’re up against to make the smartest move forward.

Existing savings and emergency fund

Do you have an emergency fund? If not, build one before throwing all your money at debt or investments. Having short-term savings gives you a cushion for unexpected expenses. It’s your financial first aid kit — essential for dealing with life’s little (and not-so-little) surprises.

MoneyLion can help you find the right high-yield savings account for you: 

Interest rates on debt vs. potential investment returns

Compare the interest rates on your debt with potential investment returns. If your debt interest rates are high, paying off debt might be the best move. If they’re low, investing could yield better returns. This is a critical analysis — getting this right can significantly impact your financial health. Investing is subject to risk of loss, including loss of principal.

Time horizon for financial goals

Your age and how close you are to retirement matter. Investing in a HYSA or 401(k) can be more beneficial due to compound interest if you’re younger and have a longer time horizon. Reducing debt might be a safer bet if you’re closer to retirement. Your time horizon dictates how aggressive or conservative your strategy should be.

Employer matching on retirement contributions

Don’t leave free money on the table. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, take advantage of it. That’s an instant return on your investment you can’t ignore. It’s like your employer saying, “Here’s some free money. Please take it.”

Striking a balance when it comes to paying debt or investing

Sometimes, the best approach is a balanced one. Here’s how you can do both:

The debt avalanche method: With the debt avalanche method, you pay off your debts starting with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on the rest. This method saves you the most money on interest over time.

The debt snowball method: The debt snowball method has you pay off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate, while making minimum payments on larger debts. This gives you quick wins and builds momentum.

Hybrid approaches: A hybrid approach might involve tackling high-interest debt while investing some of your money. This way, you’re working on debt reduction and wealth building simultaneously.

Making the smart money move

There you have it! With this knowledge, you can tackle the pay-off-debt-or-invest problem like a pro. Whether you focus on eliminating debt or growing your investments, make sure it’s the right choice for your financial future. Happy balancing.

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