54. HECS-HELP debt: should you pay it off early?
04/01/24 • 17 min
Are you an Australian citizen who has started a local uni degree in the last 35 years? If so, you’ll know about HECS-HELP debt. In the early stages of your career, HECS-HELP debt can be pretty easy to forget about. For starters, you don’t need to start making payments until your income reaches a certain threshold. And even then, it’s deducted from your salary, meaning it simply feels like another form of tax. It stands to reason, then, that many people would decide to let time and pre-tax income whittle it away.
But here’s the kicker: the more you earn, the more you’re required to pay towards the principle. And here’s the second kicker: the debt is indexed to inflation. In other words, when inflation increases, so does what remains of your HECS-HELP debt. Armed with this knowledge, is it worth making additional payments to clear your HECS-HELP debt?
In this session, Natasha Etschmann (Tash Invests) and Ana Kresina (Head of Product & Community at Pearler) explore this very topic. In doing so, they discuss how HECS-HELP debt works, and then dissect the arguments for and against paying it off early. By the show’s wrap, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to make the right decision for your goals.
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Natasha Etschmann is an Authorised Representative 1299881 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 420367. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative 1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are you an Australian citizen who has started a local uni degree in the last 35 years? If so, you’ll know about HECS-HELP debt. In the early stages of your career, HECS-HELP debt can be pretty easy to forget about. For starters, you don’t need to start making payments until your income reaches a certain threshold. And even then, it’s deducted from your salary, meaning it simply feels like another form of tax. It stands to reason, then, that many people would decide to let time and pre-tax income whittle it away.
But here’s the kicker: the more you earn, the more you’re required to pay towards the principle. And here’s the second kicker: the debt is indexed to inflation. In other words, when inflation increases, so does what remains of your HECS-HELP debt. Armed with this knowledge, is it worth making additional payments to clear your HECS-HELP debt?
In this session, Natasha Etschmann (Tash Invests) and Ana Kresina (Head of Product & Community at Pearler) explore this very topic. In doing so, they discuss how HECS-HELP debt works, and then dissect the arguments for and against paying it off early. By the show’s wrap, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to make the right decision for your goals.
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Natasha Etschmann is an Authorised Representative 1299881 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 420367. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative 1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
53. How to talk about wage transparency, income, and business finances feat Victoria Harris and Sophie Hallwright from The Curve
At the Get Rich Slow Club, there are (among other things) two topics we love discussing. One of them is wage transparency, financial literacy, and closing the gender pay gap. The other relates to side hustles, entrepreneurialism, and people who successfully monetise their passion. That’s why we’re thrilled to host two guests who combine both topics: Victoria Harris and Sophie Hallwright from The Curve.
In a nutshell, The Curve is a platform that helps women feel more empowered around money. It’s a safe space for women to get investment-savvy, without the noise and confusion. In this episode, Natasha Etschmann (Tash Invests) and Ana Kresina (Head of Product & Community at Pearler) speak with Victoria and Sophie about all things financial literacy. They also cover how to speak about money with friends, and how to transition from a side hustle to a full-time business.
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Natasha Etschmann is an Authorised Representative 1299881 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 420367. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative 1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
BONUS | New Book | How To Not Work Forever
Guess what? The Get Rich Slow Club has written a book!
"How to Not Work Forever" will be hitting online bookstores soon, so in this bonus episode, Tash and Ana give you a run-through of what you can expect from it, and how it will help your Get Rich Slow journey. Listen to the full episode, or preorder your copy today!
Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.
Natasha Etschmann is an Authorised Representative 1299881 of Guideway Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL 420367. Read the FSG available from https://tashinvests.com/links
Pearler is an Authorised Representative 1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide
If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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