I am 25. If I have $4k, and no credit card debt, then which of the following should I put my money? (I picked $4k because of the Roth limit, but it could be any amount)
1) Car Debt (7.55%)
2) 401k (no match)
3) Roth IRA
4) Money Market (4.40%) - I do have an emergency fund.
5) Morgage (6.00%)
2006-07-18 02:05:05 · 7 answers · asked by samoan3d 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Congrats on no credit card debt and an emergency fund! You're handing your money responsibly.... something most people don't do.
If there was a match on your 401k, I'd say do that first because you'll get a bigger return than you would anywhere else. BUT, since there is not match, I'll say pay your car loan first.
At 7.55%, that's the highest interest rate you're paying. In other words, you're losing the most money by having car debt.
Next, be sure you're paying into that ROTH IRA... it's a better deal than the 401(k) because you won't have to pay taxes when you pull that money out. Get the taxes over with now while you're in a lower tax bracket.
Then, of course, work on your mortgage. It's good to get ahead here when you can. I don't see why you'd need a money market if you have a safe emergency fund... unless you're trying to build up savings.
Also-- you don't have to spend the whole 4k all on one thing. break it up... yes, pay down that car first.... but then divide the rest up among onther things.
Good luck.
2006-07-18 03:19:15 · answer #1 · answered by TumbleTim 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
With the stock market in its funk and the problems in the Middle East, I'd be wary of putting money in the market. So that would rule out the 401(k) and the Roth. (Even though in the long run, this might be the best option. The market is uncertain, but you are young...something to consider, but I'd rather deal with certainty)
I assume you have 3-6 months of expenses in your emergency fund since you mentioned you have one (Bravo, BTW). If not, I would fund my emergency fund up to 6 months' worth of expenses.
With all that being said, I would work to pay down the debt, starting with the car debt. It is higher, most likely has a smaller balance, and the interest is not tax-deductible. Good luck!
2006-07-18 04:06:48 · answer #2 · answered by Rich B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take half of it and invest in into CDs or talk to a banker about the wisest investment choice, that way your money will make more for you. Then take the other half and put it toward one of your major goals. If you are 25, a house is a great thing to have at this time, you will be a step ahead of your peers. The one thing I would tell you is that I would make sure that you are in a very stable place financially in order to get a home or a car for that matter, but house payments are going to last you a very long time, make sure you are ready for that committment. Good luck to you!
2006-07-18 02:10:44 · answer #3 · answered by Tact is highly overrated 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy those plans that offer you life insurance and retirement plan (all in one package)
Stay away of credit card debt (if you use them, pay it in full when you receive the statements.
Buy a House.
2006-07-18 02:13:57 · answer #4 · answered by carolina n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Roth IRA
2006-07-18 02:08:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
mortgage. then get an equity line of credit (eloc) and use it to pay off your car. the eloc interest is a tax write-off.
2006-07-18 02:11:48 · answer #6 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
id say first clear all yuour debts and then enjoy
2006-07-18 02:10:20 · answer #7 · answered by DarkShadowX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋