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When To Consolidate Your Debt


Dear friend,

Have you lived in your home for at least a year? Do you carry any monthly debt outside of your mortgage payment? Read on to find out if consolidating debt may help to save you money?

We know from past newsletters that equity is the difference between the value of your home, and the balance that you have left owing on your home.   Therefore, there is potential power in equity. 

I would like to bring to your attention the amount of interest you're paying on your credit cards, your loans, and any monthly payment obligations that you pay interest on.  What is the average interest rate that you're paying between all of the payments?  Have you checked lately?  I know you're busy - I understand, but as life goes by and you keep paying high interest rates on your borrowed money, you may be giving the credit companies your vacation money!  A small difference in interest rates can mean thousands of dollars in the long run.

So where am I going with this?  Everyone knows that most borrowed money is not "free" - this is true.  But what if you could streamline your interest rates into one lower, more advantageous rate?  I'm guessing you would probably like that idea.  It's called consolidating your monthly payments.  By definition, the word consolidation means "the process of uniting".  In the arena of loans, you are taking your existing loans and uniting them into one payment. 

Let's reintroduce the fact that mortgage interest rates are still at historical lows, generally beating out "unsecured loan" interest rates.  You probably already have a decent mortgage interest rate, and now you have accumulated monthly revolving and installment debt that, for the most part, is unwelcome and uncomfortable.  By consolidating your payments, you can effectively eliminate payments with high interest rates.  How much money would it save you on a monthly basis?  Yearly?  It can add up in a short period of time.

So when is it the right time to consolidate your debt? Let's look at the current prime rate in Canada.  It is currently 4.50%.  Most unsecured loans are being priced at, in and around, prime plus 2% to prime plus 4% (that's 6.50% - 8.50%).  Our current discounted 5 year fixed interest rate is 4.50%.  There's 2.00% savings right there if you consolidated and moved into a new fixed mortgage rate.  What about the variable interest rates?  The most popular variable rate out on the market today is prime MINUS .80% (that's 3.70% currently).  Do you see where the numbers are pointing to?

Now what about those credit cards with high balances and interest rates around 11% - 20%?  How about that loan you have, or the combination of credit cards and a loan?  Maybe there are student loans that you would like to FINALLY get rid of?  Calculating the numbers may seem like a daunting task, but as mortgage brokers, we are here for more than just "shopping" around.  We focus on your unique situation, and strategize for your best interests.  Think you could lower your monthly payments?  Contact us - we'll let you know!


Sincerely,

DAN MASS, AMP Broker/Agent


Canada First Mortgage

direct: 403.294.0033  cell: 403.710.1505 fax: 1-866-902-4910
email: dan@canadafirstmortgage.com

Box 32 Site 15 RR9 Calgary, Alberta, Canada  T2J 5G5
242058 Whitepost Lane Calgary, AB

 

 



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