Smart Strategies to Pay Off Your Personal Loan Early

Feb 15, 2024
 |  1 min read
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Personal loans provide a financial lifeline when we need a quick injection of funds for various purposes, from debt consolidation to unexpected expenses. However, as convenient as these loans are, the burden of monthly payments can sometimes linger longer than desired. If you find yourself with the means and motivation to rid yourself of this financial obligation sooner, there are strategies to close your loan early and save money.

Let us explore the reasons behind paying off personal loans faster, delve into practical tips on achieving early loan closure and discuss the substantial long-term savings that can be accrued through proactive repayment.

Why Should You Pay off Personal Loans Faster?

Paying off personal loans faster offers many benefits, impacting both your short-term financial well-being and long-term financial goals. Here are compelling reasons why should you pay off personal loans faster:

  • Interest Savings: One of the primary reasons to pay off your loan early is the significant reduction in interest payments. Personal loans often come with fixed interest rates, meaning you pay a set percentage of the loan amount over the loan tenure. Accelerating your repayment schedule reduces the overall interest paid, putting more money back in your pocket.
  • Financial Freedom: Clearing your loan ahead of schedule brings a sense of financial independence. It liberates you from the monthly obligation, allowing you to allocate those funds elsewhere, whether for savings, investments, or discretionary spending. By settling your debts early, achieving financial freedom empowers you to make choices aligned with your financial goals.
  • Improved Credit Score: The timely repayment of loans positively impacts your credit score. By closing your loan early, you demonstrate financial responsibility, which can enhance your creditworthiness. A strong credit score opens doors to better interest rates on future loans, providing more favourable terms for your financial endeavours.

How to Close Personal Loans Early?

Closing a personal loan early requires strategic planning, financial discipline, and proactive measures. Here’s how to close personal loans early.

  • Make Additional Payments: One effective strategy to close your loan early is to make extra payments whenever possible. Allocate windfalls towards your loan principal, such as tax refunds or work bonuses. Even modest additional payments made consistently can significantly reduce the outstanding balance, accelerating the loan payoff.
  • Leverage EMI Rounding-up: Many financial institutions allow borrowers to round up their Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs) to the nearest hundred or even thousand. While this might seem like a minor adjustment, it contributes to quicker debt repayment. The slightly increased monthly payment goes directly towards the principal, expediting the loan closure.
  • Bi-weekly Payments: Instead of making monthly payments, consider switching to a bi-weekly payment schedule. This results in 26 half-payments per year, equivalent to 13 full payments. Over time, this extra payment each year can significantly reduce the loan tenure and associated interest costs.
  • Refinance at Lower Interest Rates: Periodically review the interest rates offered by different lenders. Finding an opportunity to refinance your loan at a lower rate can lead to substantial interest savings. However, be sure to factor in any refinancing fees to determine the overall cost-effectiveness of this strategy.
  • Avoid Skipping Payments: While some lenders may allow you to skip a payment in case of financial strain, doing so can extend your loan tenure and increase overall interest payments. Maintaining a consistent payment schedule and exploring alternative options, such as loan restructuring or deferment, is crucial if facing financial difficulties.

How Can Early Repayment Save You Money in the Long Run?

Early repayment of a personal loan can result in substantial long-term savings. Accelerating the repayment process can positively impact your finances over time. Here’s how can early repayment save you money in the long run.

  • Reduced Total Interest Paid: Closing your loan early results in a lower interest paid over the life of the loan. The interest on personal loans is typically front-loaded, meaning a significant portion is paid in the initial years. Accelerating repayment minimises the impact of this front-loaded interest, leading to substantial savings.
  • Opportunity Cost of Interest: The interest paid on loans represents an opportunity cost – money that could have been invested or used for other purposes. By paying off your loan early, you mitigate this opportunity cost, enabling you to redirect funds towards wealth-building endeavours, such as investments or savings with higher returns.
  • Faster Debt Elimination: Early repayment ensures faster debt elimination, freeing up your financial resources for other goals. Whether saving for a home, funding education or investing in your business, the sooner you retire your loan, the quicker you can redirect funds towards activities that contribute to your overall financial well-being.
  • Improved Debt-to-Income Ratio: Closing your loan early positively influences your debt-to-income ratio, a key metric lenders consider. A lower debt-to-income ratio enhances your eligibility for future loans, better interest rates, and more favourable financial terms. This financial flexibility can be invaluable in pursuing larger financial goals.

Conclusion

In the journey towards financial well-being, strategically closing your loan early is a powerful tool. Beyond the immediate relief from monthly payments, early repayment translates into substantial savings on interest, increased financial freedom, and improved creditworthiness.

In the realm of financial empowerment, tools like mPokket can be invaluable. Offering accessible, instant loan online and flexible repayment options, mPokket aligns with the principles of effective debt management.

By incorporating such resources into your financial cash loan online, you can confidently navigate the complexities of online loans, transforming your financial landscape into a pathway to success. Download the mPokket instant personal loan app today, and take control of your financial journeys like a loan for shopping and other quick loans online.

Gaurav Jalan

Gaurav Jalan is the Founder and CEO of mPokket, a digital lending platform serving underserved Indian youth. He leverages technology and experience to deliver cost-effective credit to marginalized populations. In his role, he provides strategic direction and oversees execution to fulfill mPokket's mission.