Three Money Traps to Avoid
June 30, 2009
When money is tight, it’s tempting to turn to quick fixes but some of them can have lasting consequences for your money and your future. Obviously times are tough and many people are faced with decisions they thought they’d never have to make but here are three money traps to watch out for.
Cashing in your 401(k)
You may be tempted to claim the money in your retirement plan to pay off debts or fund a major expense. If you do, you will not only affect your future, but you may lose a big chunk of money in taxes and fees. When you cash in your 401(k) early, a substantial portion of the funds are diverted to pay for income taxes as well as penalties for early withdrawal.
Consolidating Credit Card Debt into a Home Equity Loan
Combining your high-interest loans into a single low-interest home equity loan may seem like a wise move. But unless you also cancel your credit cards and stop overspending, this consolidation of debt may simply allow you to build even more debt. And if you fall behind in the payments on a home equity loan, you will lose your home.
A better approach is to cut back on your spending and use the money you save to pay off credit card debts. If you are having trouble meeting the payments on loans, call your creditors and explain how your financial situation has changed. Set up a payment plan that you can live with.
Payday Loans
Although payday loans may be easy to come by they usually also carry outrageously high interest rates. They will only put you deeper into debt so avoid them like the plague.
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