Pros & Cons of Refinancing to Pay Off Debt

If your family is experiencing more debt than usual,  you are certainly not alone. In 2022, the average household carried $165k in debt between credit cards, mortgage and auto loans, and student loans. You may be wondering if refinancing to pay off debt is a good idea and what your options are. 

Refinancing to pay off debt can be a good strategy for managing your finances, but it is important to understand your options and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. In this article, we will explore the different options available, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

Why Consider Refinancing?

Refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to replace an existing one. The goal of refinancing is usually to secure a lower interest rate, which can result in lower monthly payments and save you money over the life of the loan. When it comes to paying off debt, refinancing can be an effective way to consolidate multiple debts into a single, more manageable payment.

Options for Refinancing to Pay Off Debt

There are several options available if you are considering refinancing to pay off debt. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Home equity loan: If you own a home, you may be able to take out a home equity loan to pay off your debts. This type of loan uses the equity in your home as collateral, which can result in a lower interest rate than you would get with an unsecured personal loan.
2. Balance transfer credit card: Another option is to transfer your credit card balances to a new card with a lower interest rate. We suggest finding a card with zero balance transfer fees, which can give you a chance to pay down your debt without additional charges.
3. Personal loan: You can also take out a personal loan to pay off your debts. These loans are typically unsecured, which means you don’t need to put up any collateral. However, interest rates can be higher than with a home equity loan or balance transfer credit card.

Pros and Cons of Refinancing to Pay Off Debt

Before you decide to refinance to pay off debt, it’s important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

Pros:

1. Lower interest rates: Refinancing can allow you to secure a lower interest rate, which can save you money over the life of the loan.
2. Consolidate debts: If you have multiple debts, refinancing can help you consolidate them into a single payment – making it easier to manage your finances.
3. Lower monthly payments: With a lower interest rate, your monthly payments may be reduced, which can provide some relief to your budget.

Cons:

1. Fees and closing costs: Refinancing often comes with fees and closing costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
2. Extended repayment period: If you refinance to a longer loan term, you may end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan.
3. Risk of losing collateral: If you take out a home equity loan to pay off debt, you’re putting your home at risk if you’re unable to make payments.

1st Ed Credit Union Can Help

Before you make a decision, it’s important to consider all of your options. Ultimately, refinancing to pay off debt will depend on your individual circumstances. Consult with a 1st Ed Financial Services Representative who can help you make the best choice for your situation.