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Debt has become an unavoidable part of modern-day life, ranging from home loans to credit card bills. However, if you're one of the many people trying to balance your debt with long-term financial goals, you may be wondering whether to prioritize paying off your debts or investing your money. 

The answer isn't straightforward since several factors come into play, such as the type and amount of debt you have and the expected investment returns. Your personal goals and preferences are also significant considerations.

Here are the key factors to consider before making a decision:

Establishing ‘Good Debt’ vs. ‘Bad Debt’ 

Determining whether to pay off debt or invest requires identifying the type of debt you have. Debt is not all the same, and some types are more favourable than others. Debts that are secured by collateral, such as a home loan, are considered "good debt" since they typically have lower interest rates and are protected by collateral. In other words, if you fail to make your payments, the lender can recover the amount from the collateral the debt is secured against.

In contrast, debts like credit card debt and personal loans are considered "bad debt" since they are unsecured and come with higher interest rates. This means that if you fail to make your payments, the lender cannot recover your loan from any asset, which results in higher interest rates than secured loans.

Another factor to consider is the amount of debt you have. For example, if you have a large amount of secured debt, such as a home loan, it may make more sense to not pay it off entirely. The interest rate is lower than the average rate of return on most investments. However, if you have unsecured debt, like credit card debt, it is essential to clear it off as soon as possible before investing.

Return vs. Interest 

When deciding between paying off debt and investing, it's important to consider the potential return on investment compared to the interest rate on your debt. 

For instance, if you have a credit card balance with a high-interest rate, it's best to pay off the credit card balance first and then invest. On the other hand, if you have low-interest debt, such as a home loan with an interest rate of around 8-9%, you may consider investing your money in diversified assets that earn an average annual return that’s higher than that. It also offers tax benefits. Ultimately it depends from scenario to scenario. 

Personal Choice

Last, but not least, it’s notable to remember that deciding whether to invest or pay off debt is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The decision to pay off debt or invest should be based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, taxation and current financial situation. For example, you may want to consider continuing some loans for the tax benefits it offers.

Thinking about what you want to achieve in the short and long terms is important when considering financial goals. For example, if you have high-interest debt, like credit card debt, your short-term goal should be to pay it off as soon as possible. Your long-term goal may be to build wealth through investing.

Ultimately, the decision to pay off debt or invest requires careful consideration of various factors. It's essential to look at the numbers before making a decision between investing and paying off debt. Factors like the type of debt you have, the amount of debt, the return on investment, your financial goals, and your risk tolerance should all be considered before making a decision. Remember, it's a personal choice, and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, the decision to pay off debt or invest should be based on your unique financial situation and goals.