I know people here generally only look at the interest rate vs investment gains, in which case it's better math to invest. It ignores a lot of nuance though.
Cars are the most expensive thing most people buy that goes down in value. You can build all these schemes up to soften the blow that you're paying more than you want/should on a car (loans, auto pay, "I'm investing", longer terms, etc).
In my opinion, pay off the car. If it hurts to do so then get a cheaper one, sell this one, and invest the difference. This will keep your vehicle expenses much more in line with your reality. A lot of people say they're going to invest instead and then don't. Even if they do, they're often carrying a bigger debt around than need be via their car loan.
FWIW I'm not anti debt. If it's on a cash flowing asset or your housing (within reason) then I'm all for it. But debt on a consumption item and the mentality that justifies it are just a head wind you'll be pushing against for years.
BinghamL t1_iydobu4 wrote
Reply to Pay Off Car or Invest Money Elsewhere by TheMightyCholo
I know people here generally only look at the interest rate vs investment gains, in which case it's better math to invest. It ignores a lot of nuance though.
Cars are the most expensive thing most people buy that goes down in value. You can build all these schemes up to soften the blow that you're paying more than you want/should on a car (loans, auto pay, "I'm investing", longer terms, etc).
In my opinion, pay off the car. If it hurts to do so then get a cheaper one, sell this one, and invest the difference. This will keep your vehicle expenses much more in line with your reality. A lot of people say they're going to invest instead and then don't. Even if they do, they're often carrying a bigger debt around than need be via their car loan.
FWIW I'm not anti debt. If it's on a cash flowing asset or your housing (within reason) then I'm all for it. But debt on a consumption item and the mentality that justifies it are just a head wind you'll be pushing against for years.