Paying off debt and investing money are two strategies you can use to build wealth. While it makes sense to pay off high-interest debt right away, most people don’t rush to pay off low-interest debt like mortgages.
One individual has been making regular auto loan payments and has a $13,500 balance. This person is comfortable with the monthly payments but recently received a $6,000 windfall. On one hand, that extra money can cut the auto loan balance by almost half. However, those funds can also go into the stock market and earn a higher return.
“I’m genuinely torn,” the individual admitted to the Middle Class Finance subreddit.
Fellow Redditors offered their suggestions on how to proceed with the situation.
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One commenter suggested building an emergency fund with the $6,000 if the original poster doesn’t already have one. The advantage of an emergency fund is that you won’t have to take out another loan if a surprise expense shows up.
The auto loan currently has a 6.8% APR, so its interest will accumulate faster than the emergency savings account. However, it can be more expensive to take out a personal loan if you need it in the future.
The commenter suggested that the original poster only needs a six-month emergency fund. If that condition has already been satisfied, it makes more sense to put the money toward the auto loan.
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Although moving the money into a high-yield savings account can give you a financial buffer during emergencies, not every commenter was on board with the idea.
“Considering it’s 6.8%, 100% pay it off early,” one commenter suggested.
However, when it comes to choosing between extra loan payments and a high-yield savings account, you have to consider the tax implications. As one commenter explains, a 4% APY on a high-yield savings account isn’t as high as it sounds.
“You’ll also be paying taxes on that 4% interest while the interest on your loan continues to accumulate at a higher rate,” the commenter explained.
The Redditor will save more money if they pay off the loan than store the money in a high-yield savings account. If the Redditor has other ways to handle emergency expenses, paying the auto loan may be the better route.