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What to pay off first?

Posted on 11/1/17 at 8:50 am
Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 8:50 am
Morning gents and madams,

Quick question. Currently in debt (paying for school, fixing up my old car, student loans, etc) and i'm in a pickle. Doing the best i can do with my credit cards. Paying the above minimum on the highest since it has a high interest rate and charge fees.

Aside from that i have about 24 payments left on my car (2010 Audi A6). Payments are roughly $553.31 or so and i typically pay $600 towards it a month. Paying about an additional $46.69 towards the end goal.

My question is, to those who have been down this road, should i continue paying that amount towards my car with hopes/possibilities of paying it off before the 24 months or should i pay the minimum on my car and relocate some of the funds towards credit debt?
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12604 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 8:53 am to
quote:

i have about 24 payments left on my car (2010 Audi A6). Payments are roughly $553.31


You're going to basically have a 10-year old car when you're finally finished paying this thing off.

quote:

should i pay the minimum on my car and relocate some of the funds towards credit debt


Give us some information. What is your credit card debt looking like? What are the balances and interest rates?

You said one has "a high interest rate and charge fees." What do you mean by "charge fees"??

quote:

student loans


Balance? Interest rates?

quote:

fixing up my old car


Old as in classic? What are you 'fixing up'? Or are you referring to the Audi?
This post was edited on 11/1/17 at 8:56 am
Posted by tigeraddict
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2007
11792 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 9:16 am to
$553/mo for a 7 year old car? and another 2 years to go - ($13k more to pay)

1) sell audi and get something newer in the $300-$400/mo range

2) take the extra $100-$150/mo (plus the extra you are putting on car) and put towards the highest rate card

3) play the xfer for 0% intrest game on new cards to utilize paying down. ***only if you can control not using the cards for more debt ****

4) check into refi on student loans and see if you can get a better consolidated rate

5) drop 401k contributions down to what ever your match is and use that extra take home to get the cards down

Short term pain now, for long term gain later

if you cant pay off new credit card charges every month, then dont use them

the feeling of only have a mortgage ans using credit cards for their rewards benefits is an empowering feeling

After my divorce i was saddled with bad credit, unpaid medical bills in collection, and student loads that were taken out to cover ex-spouse's credit card debts i was in deep. few years of waiting to get a new vehicle and doing everything to pay down debt and fix credit was worth it all for the lower stress today
Posted by Tshiz
Idaho
Member since Jul 2013
7538 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 9:31 am to
quote:

1) sell audi and get something newer in the $300-$400/mo ra


What he said. If you don’t do this, we can’t help you
Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 9:49 am to
In response, i have roughly $9k left to pay on the Audi. I got it used maybe 5 years ago. The car before that was a Grand Prix that started costing more to fix than what it was worth (the old car im referring to).

Sold the old car and bought the audi because it fell in my budget around that time.

Without getting into extra detail, i pay $200 on the credit card (the largest one - discover). Interest rate is about $80 and charge fee is about $46. I raised my payments up to $200 when i realized that me paying the minimum was in fact hurting me and my credit score. Have roughly $4,934 to pay off on that card.

Two other cards are chase cards. One being a slate ($4,243 left with a $46 interest charge) and a Southwest ($3,456 left with roughly a $45 interest charge). I'm paying the minimum on these. Would love to throw more but rent, bills, and such. Need money to live on.
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12604 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:04 am to
quote:

Interest rate is about $80 and charge fee is about $46


If you don't know what an interest rate is, I suggest you start reading/learning about money YESTERDAY.

quote:

i have roughly $9k left to pay on the Audi. I got it used maybe 5 years ago


You bought a two year old car in 2012 that you won't finish paying off until 2019. Let that sink in for a minute. I am not trying to be a dick, but you're compounding your problems.

KBB says an Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (the highest trim level) with 75,000 miles is worth around $13,000 in "Good" condition if you are able to sell to a Private Party--which would be best case scenario for all of the above.

You should try to unload this thing and buy a $7,000 car with cash. Use the rest of the proceeds towards credit card debt. That would free up over $500/month to put toward the remaining credit card debt.

Not sure where you're located, but HERE is a 2013 Nissan Versa in Louisiana with less than 53,000 miles for $6,500. Search around, and you can find a relatively new compact car with low mileage that will last you a long time.

quote:

Have roughly $4,934 to pay off on [Discover] card. Two other cards are chase cards. One being a slate ($4,243 left with a $46 interest charge) and a Southwest ($3,456 left with roughly a $45 interest charge)


So you have around $12,600 in credit card balances at over 15% interest. Can you qualify for a credit card with 0% interest rate on balance transfers? Do some research.

1. Sell the car
2. Buy cheaper car cash
3. Put left-over proceeds toward credit cards
4. Transfer remaining credit card balances to 0% card
5. Use what was your old car note PLUS the money you've been paying toward credit cards to aggressively pay off credit card balance.
6. LEARN from this situation. Live within your means.

What is your monthly income (after tax)? How much is rent? You single? Kids? Help us out with some info.



This post was edited on 11/1/17 at 10:30 am
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:05 am to
quote:

In response, i have roughly $9k left to pay on the Audi. I got it used maybe 5 years ago.


Knowing this. Sell the Audi now. Your interest rate is astronomical if you have 2 years left, are paying $553/mo on a 7 year term.

I'm not the biggest Dave Ramsey advocate around here, but you're exactly the type of person he's meant for.


1. Sell the car & buy a beater. Or at minimum, get into a vehicle that will give you payments around $250-$350/mo for no more than 4 years. Think 2013 Toyota Camry.

2. I've got no clue with the monthly $46 charge fee is for Discover, but get rid of that.

3. Work another job. Drive for Uber, bartend on the weekends, etc.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53151 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:06 am to
quote:

Sold the old car and bought the audi because it fell in my budget around that time. 


I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that it's actually 4 years old and you have 2 years of payments left. Which means you had to finance a 3 year old car for 72 months. You only think it was in your budget because you didn't consider the fact that you're now paying $550 a month for a car that's 7 years old. It wasn't in your budget.
Posted by robertLSU
Florida
Member since Jan 2013
429 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:14 am to
quote:

In response, i have roughly $9k left to pay on the Audi. I got it used maybe 5 years ago.


How is this possible? What was the cost for the car? Do you have an extremely high interest rate? You should not be paying $500+ a month for 7 years on a used car. I mean you really shouldn't do that on a new car either but jeez dude. Sell the car.
Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:42 am to
Well you're somewhat being a dick but basically the $80 is the interest charged monthly. I haven't looked at the percentage rate.

As far as the car, I have had thoughts on selling it for another. Yet there is also the idea of paying it off and living without a car note. Of course that would be two years give or take down the line.

I've read about the balance transfer. And i understand that it would take discipline in making sure when to transfer to another card after the initial 12 or so months are up. I'm still looking into this option.

Roughly i pull in about $3800 monthly after taxes. Rent is $1086 (pretty much like that around here in fort worth for somewhere decent). No kids. Contributing 13% into 401k (which i believe is the max and no company matching).
Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:46 am to
quote:

I've got no clue with the monthly $46 charge fee is for Discover, but get rid of that.


Its a charge fee on the card. I've had that discover card since i was in college. 7 years removed i still have it. When you're young and dumb you make young and dumb decisions. Mostly used the card for fixing up my old car (1999 grand prix) until i sold it.

3. I'm looking into working another job as well.
Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:47 am to
quote:

How is this possible? What was the cost for the car? Do you have an extremely high interest rate?


Credit score was crap so high interest rate indeed. Cost of the car was $31k? I dont recall the actual dollar amount off top my head but thats ball park.
Posted by lsujro
north of the wall
Member since Jul 2007
3919 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:48 am to
To add to what the others said, I would definitely try to get some 0% interest cards ASAP. I got into credit card debt due to family situation several years ago, and I played the 0% interest game for ~3 years before I was able to pay it all off.

Also agree that you really need to cut that car note. This will be the hardest part because you'll be going from a luxury car (albeit a few years older) to a car with less prestige. You have to have the mindset that you cannot afford that level of luxury right now. To be honest, with your finances, you cannot afford an Audi and you shouldn't think you can. Agree with the others on either a newer compact car or a ~4-5 year old midsize Camry or Accord. They are not as cool, but they will last you well beyond your payments. When all your other debts are paid off, maybe then you could afford to be an Audi guy.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53151 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:53 am to
You have a spending problem. Running thise numbers through my head, depending on what your student loan payment is, you should have AT LEAST $200-300 a month left over somewhere.
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12604 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:57 am to
quote:

Well you're somewhat being a dick


Sorry you feel that way. Your financial incompetence requires a WAKE UP call. You need to figure out where your money is going:

You don't know what an interest rate is.
You don't know what 401K max is (13% is not a maximum. You can contribute $18,000/year to 401K)
You're paying $550/month on a 7 year old car.

quote:


As far as the car, I have had thoughts on selling it for another. Yet there is also the idea of paying it off and living without a car note. Of course that would be two years give or take down the line.


quote:

i pull in about $3800 monthly after taxes.
No kids.


Well, that's good news. Your expenses should be relatively low.

Start putting pen to paper on a monthly budget. You'll quickly see that my plan I outlined above is the quickest way to financial stability.

Car note is $550
Rent is $1086
Student Loans?
Credit Card Payments?
Utilities?
Groceries?
Etc., etc., etc.




Posted by FieldMink
Fort Worth
Member since Jul 2017
797 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:57 am to
quote:

AT LEAST $200-300 a month left over somewhere


I budget out my checks in order to have that much if not more a month. I do sometimes spend too much (given i had a girlfriend for the past two year) here and there. My bank account isn't rock bottom.

As far as student loans, i am deferring those until i handle whats in front of me.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 10:59 am to
quote:

Well you're somewhat being a dick but basically the $80 is the interest charged monthly. I haven't looked at the percentage rate.



He's not. You don't have a firm grasp on the situation. Which is part of the reason you're in this situation.

quote:

As far as the car, I have had thoughts on selling it for another. Yet there is also the idea of paying it off and living without a car note. Of course that would be two years give or take down the line.


You aren't listening. Sell the car. Buy a $3,000 car with cash, or at worst finance at $10-13k car for 3 or 4 years to lower your payments.

quote:

Roughly i pull in about $3800 monthly after taxes. Rent is $1086 (pretty much like that around here in fort worth for somewhere decent). No kids. Contributing 13% into 401k (which i believe is the max and no company matching).



Drop the 401k for the time being. Pay off your cc debt at a $2000/mo clip.

$3800 - $1086 (rent) - $2000 (debt service) = $714/mo. You should be able to live on $714/mo for food, gas, and misc expenses.
Posted by southernelite
Dallas
Member since Sep 2009
53151 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 11:05 am to
You need to find a roommate or move to the Ft worth burbs or something. You need to free up as much cash flow as possible.

Let's break this down

Take home - $3800
Rent - (1100)
Car note - (555)
Insurance - (250) just a guess
Cell phone - (100)
Cable/Internet - (100)
Electricity - (75)
Credit Card Payment - (200)

That leaves $1420....if you're spending that much on food/entertainment, you got problem. If you have other non-necessary bills, get rid of them.
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12604 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 11:05 am to
quote:

you cannot afford an Audi and you shouldn't think you can. Agree with the others on either a newer compact car or a ~4-5 year old midsize Camry or Accord. They are not as cool, but they will last you well beyond your payments. When all your other debts are paid off, maybe then you could afford to be an Audi guy.


This shite will never cease to amaze me. People buying these 'luxury' cars and carrying a high monthly note when they have much more pressing debts to pay.

I get how people get trapped with this shite though. They want to portray some sort of image. A compact car is not 'cool.' I get the 'itch' every now and then. Driving a 10 year old compact car with 185,000 miles isn't fun. But I use the car to go back and forth to work. My wife and I make great money and we could afford to buy a newer car, but every time I think I want a new car, I think about the how the vehicle will quickly become a depreciating, falling apart, plastic-filled, high-mileage, worthless piece of shite that I drive to/from work--I already have one of those!

And I run numbers on what that car note could be if I invest it. Then I forget about buying an expensive car.
Posted by notsince98
KC, MO
Member since Oct 2012
17952 posts
Posted on 11/1/17 at 11:06 am to
With as much as you got going on, I'd personally start with the smallest debt and pay it off first. Start focusing on freeing up that monthly budget as much a possible. It will accomplish 2 things:

1) It will free up the budget so you can handle more unexpected expenses without using more credit.

2) When no unexpected expenses pop up for that month, you use that freed up budget to pay off the next biggest loan.

This will not insure you pay the least amount of interest but it will help lower your stress levels fastest by getting away from tight budget faster. Financial freedom comes at a price.

EDIT: Definitely fix the car situation. There is no car nice enough to be worth that stress. I drive a 2007 Escape with 160k miles on it and love it. I have owned it since new so maintenance has always been done preventative. Find a well taken care of car with under 70k miles on it and TAKE CARE OF IT. Repairs are almost always the better financial move than getting rid of a car you own outright. I'd also recommend something that will save you money on gas, too.
This post was edited on 11/1/17 at 11:12 am
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