How to get out of debt - Help to reduce your debt

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The longer we take to pay off debt, the more it costs us. So if there’s room in the budget, it’s smart to put more money towards debt repayments - read on for more tips on how to manage debt.

The quickest way out

Juggling several debts? The quickest way to get out of debt fast is to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first, such as credit cards or hire purchase. Use our budgeting tool to make a money plan.

Try it now

Make a plan to get out of debt

Here’s how it works.

Make a list of all your debts and the interest rate on each one. (Look up the interest rates in the loan agreements or credit card bill.)
Identify which debt charges the highest interest.
Make bigger repayments to pay off this debt faster. When it’s paid off, start paying more off the debt with the next highest interest rate.

The Sorted loan calculator can help with crunching the numbers.

Debt consolidation

Sometimes a bank or other lender can combine several different high-interest loans into one lower-interest loan. (A single payment can be a lot easier to manage than multiple ones, and you could save a lot of money by paying less interest.) This is called debt consolidation. You just need to be aware that repaying a new loan over a longer period could cost more in interest overall. The trick is to keep paying it down as fast as possible – and avoid racking up any new debts along the way.

Guide to consolidating debt

Trouble repaying?

If it gets hard to keep up with debt, talk to the person or organisation that lent the money as soon as possible. They may be able to work out a new repayment plan. There’s also free advice reach out to the team at MoneyTalks on 0800 345 123, help@moneytalks.co.nz or text 4029. You can even use this service anonymously if you prefer.

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Get out of debt fast - How to reduce debt

The quickest way out

Make a plan to get out of debt

Debt consolidation

Trouble repaying?

You may also like...

How to shop smarter using pay-later options

Credit cards

Consolidating debt

Knowing your rights

Credit reports

Before borrowing

6 steps to get your money Sorted

Start your emergency fund

Get your KiwiSaver on track

Tackle your debt

Cover your people, money, stuff

Work out your retirement number

Set your goals, then reach them!

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Here's the new number to know: NZ Super is $437

Talking with the kids about money for Global Money Week

Swap kids’ piggy banks for money jars

Not all saving is created equal (hint: you may be surprised)

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"I truly stand on the shoulders of giants." #grateful

Getting through lockdown yo-yo

About

Learning

Resources

Even more...

Log in to your account

Create your free account

Get out of debt fast - How to reduce debt

The quickest way out

Make a plan to get out of debt

Debt consolidation

Trouble repaying?

You may also like...

How to shop smarter using pay-later options

Credit cards

Consolidating debt

Knowing your rights

Credit reports

Before borrowing