Car loan vs. housing loan: Which one should you pay off first?

When faced with the decision of which loan to pay off first – your car or your housing loan – several factors come into play. As financial expert Ian Tai explains, "You would save on interest, free up cash flow, and also increase your future home loan eligibility" by making the right choice. Let's delve into the key considerations that can help you make an informed decision.

One of the primary factors to consider when prioritizing loan repayments is the effective interest rate. While the stated interest rate on your loans provides some insight, it's crucial to understand the concept of effective interest rates for a more accurate comparison.

Ian Tai illustrates this point with an example:

"Ben incurs a 3% interest rate per annum on his car loan, and 4% in effective interest rate per annum on his home loan. (The effective interest rate reflects the true cost of borrowing by taking into account the reduced principal balance over and upfront processing fees charged.)"

However, it's important to note that car loans often use a flat interest rate, which can be misleading when compared to the reducing balance method used for home loans. Tai explains:

"By doing so, Ben would learn that his 3% in flat interest rate is equivalent to 5.5% a year in effective interest rate, which is higher than his home loan."

This revelation highlights the importance of converting flat rates to effective interest rates for a fair comparison. In many cases, car loans may have a higher effective interest rate, making them a priority for early repayment.

Impact on Monthly Cash Flow

Another crucial factor to consider is how paying off each loan will affect your monthly cash flow. Settling a car loan often provides immediate relief in terms of monthly expenses, as illustrated in the example:

"If Ben decided to pare down his home loan with his RM24,000 bonus, he could reduce his home loan balance from RM330,000 to RM306,000. But, he is required by his bank to continue paying monthly instalments of RM1,648.22. Therefore, the impact to his cash flow would be negligible as Ben would still need to keep paying both his car and home loan instalments"

On the other hand, settling a car loan can free up a significant amount of monthly cash flow, which can be redirected towards other financial goals or used to accelerate payments on the remaining home loan.

Long-term Financial Planning

When deciding which loan to prioritize, it's essential to consider your long-term financial goals. Paying off a car loan can have several advantages:

• Immediate reduction in monthly expenses
• Potential increase in future home loan eligibility
• Psychological boost from eliminating a debt

As Tai points out, "You would save on interest, free up cash flow, and also increase your future home loan eligibility. Plus, psychologically, there is the sense of achievement that comes from settling off a loan in full, which should never be underestimated."

However, it's important to note that home loans typically offer more flexibility in terms of early repayment and can provide tax benefits in some jurisdictions. Additionally, homes generally appreciate in value over time, while cars depreciate rapidly.

Strategies for Effective Debt Repayment

Regardless of which loan you choose to prioritize, implementing effective debt repayment strategies can accelerate your journey to financial freedom. Consider the following approaches:

Snowball Method: Focus on paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on larger debts. This method provides quick wins and psychological motivation.

Avalanche Method: Target the debt with the highest interest rate first, potentially saving more money in interest over time.

Debt Consolidation: Explore options to consolidate multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate, simplifying repayment and potentially reducing overall interest costs.

Extra Payments: Whenever possible, make additional payments towards the principal of your prioritized loan to reduce the overall interest paid and shorten the loan term.

In the debate of whether to pay off your car loan or housing loan first, the answer often lies in careful analysis of your specific financial situation. By considering factors such as effective interest rates, impact on monthly cash flow, and long-term financial goals, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your personal circumstances.

As Ian Tai suggests, "You would be wise to settle your car loan in full over reducing your home loan balance. You would save on interest, free up cash flow, and also increase your future home loan eligibility." However, it's crucial to review your unique situation and consult with a financial advisor if needed to develop a tailored debt repayment strategy.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to achieve financial freedom and peace of mind. By approaching debt repayment strategically and consistently, you can work towards a more secure financial future.