重新思考债务:好的，坏的和必要的

Not all debt is created equal. 

对许多人来说，债务是一个可怕的概念，这是可以理解的.

But the reality is: A little debt can actually be a good thing. 

如果完全避免，你可能会弊大于利.

关键是要用战略思维来处理债务. 你可能会惊讶地发现，有一种东西叫做“好债”。.

Understanding the difference.

"Good debt" is when you borrow money to pay for things that can increase in value or help you in the long-term. 

"Bad debt" is when you borrow money for things that lose their value quickly or don't help you in the long run.

Here are some of the most common good, bad, 以及你在财务旅程中可能遇到的必要债务.

BAD DEBT: Cash advances

现金预支来自于从你的信用卡上提取现金, against your credit limit, and come with a cash advance fee and high APR. Both of these are extremely difficult to pay off due to the fees and high interest that come with these financial quick fixes.

Some alternatives to cash advances to consider are:

Credit rebuilder loans: These loans allow people with lower credit scores to borrow money without facing high interest rates. 路易斯安那州FCU提供一种信用重建贷款 Xtend Loan, designed specifically to help individuals improve their credit while keeping interest costs manageable. 

Cash out rewards: 如果你的信用卡有现金返还奖励计划，比如 Platinum Rewards MasterCard，你可以用这些奖励兑换大量现金.

出现急需现金的情况. 在申请发薪日贷款或信用卡预支现金之前, be sure you have considered all your options to ensure your dire need for a financial quick fix won't leave you in debt for years to come.

GOOD: Home and mortgage 

某些形式的债务，比如住房贷款，实际上可以改善你的财务状况.

Builds equity: 住房贷款允许你购买房产，并随着时间的推移积累资产. As you make your monthly mortgage payments, you're slowly paying off the loan and increasing your ownership stake in the property. This equity can be used as collateral for other loans, or as a source of savings for retirement.

Potential for appreciation: Historically, 长期来看，房地产已经升值了, which means that your home could be worth more than you paid for it if you hold onto it for a number of years. This can provide a valuable source of wealth and financial security for you and your family.

Tax benefits: Homeowners can often deduct the interest paid on their mortgage from their income taxes, which can provide significant savings. In addition, if you sell your home for a profit, you may be eligible for a capital gains exclusion that can further reduce your tax liability.

By using a home loan as a financial tool, you can set yourself up for a more secure future.

BAD DEBT: Retail credit cards 

你是否曾经在大型连锁店结账时被提供过信用卡? 收银员可能会通过注册商店信用卡来解释这一点, you would receive enticing discounts or rewards.

However, the interest rates on these cards can be astronomical, often exceeding 20%. 零售卡通常有隐藏的费用和罚款, such as late payment fees and annual fees, 这些会很快累积起来，让你陷入债务的循环.

While these cards may tempt you in the moment, 它们往往不值得承担它们可能造成的长期财务压力. 

GOOD DEBT: Business Loans 

If you are an entrepreneur or small business owner, 你可能会对举债发展企业感到不安. However, taking out a business loan can be a smart move that can help your company succeed.

Capital for growth: 当你的企业需要资金扩张或改进时, 贷款是获得所需资金的有效途径. This can allow you to invest in new equipment, hire more staff, or open a new location, 怎样才能最终增加收入和利润.

Improving your credit score: By making timely payments on your business loan, 你可以建立一个积极的信用记录，提高你的信用评分. 这可以使其更容易获得未来贷款或信用额度的资格, 随着业务的持续增长，哪些是有价值的.

Tax benefits: Just like with home loans, 商业贷款支付的利息可以免税, reducing your overall tax liability. This can be especially valuable for small businesses that are looking to minimize their expenses.

Can help manage cash flow: 商业贷款可以用来管理现金流和支付短期费用, such as payroll or inventory. This can help ensure that your business remains financially stable during periods of slower sales or unexpected expenses.

Helps you seize opportunities: When a new opportunity arises that requires capital, 比如有机会收购竞争对手或开拓新市场, 获得商业贷款可以让你迅速果断地采取行动. 这可以十大网投官方入口在竞争中保持领先，并利用新兴趋势.

BAD DEBT: High-interest loans 

高息贷款也被称为掠夺性贷款, imposing unfair or deceptive terms to borrowers. Typically, these loans are geared towards customers who don't have a strong understanding of loan agreements, or don't have any other legitimate loan alternatives.

Taking out a high-interest loan means that your monthly payments will be significantly higher, 当你还清贷款时，你将支付更多的利息. To avoid incurring a high-interest loan, consider multiple lenders that are willing to help you structure your loan efficiently, and allow you to pick a repayment process that will help you accomplish your financial goals without being burdened by excessive interest. If you already have high-interest loans and are looking to pay them off faster than the term of the loan, consider:

Lowering your expenses. Look for ways you can lower your spending. This can be from cutting out smaller, monthly bills like reducing the number of subscriptions you have or cutting back on coffee and soda. 甚至更大的财务调整可以十大网投官方入口更快地还清贷款, 比如登广告找新室友或搬到更便宜的公寓. 你省下的每一块钱都可以用来偿还你的高息贷款。.

Consolidating your debt. Consolidating multiple high-interest loans will give you the opportunity to refinance your debt with a loan that has a lower interest rate. Debt consolidation can decrease your monthly payments and adjust the term of the loan(s), making it easier to pay off.  

Seeing a credit counselor. If you are struggling to make ends meet while paying off multiple high-interest loans, 信用顾问可以十大网投官方入口制定一个偿还债务的计划. Look to your financial institution for different services they provide for credit counseling. 

NECESSARY DEBT: Car and Auto Loans 

汽车贷款可能是一个棘手的财务决定, and whether they are considered "good debt", 或者“坏账”可以根据你的具体情况而有所不同. 

Most cars will lose value over time. 如果你最终需要在贷款还清之前卖掉汽车, you may be stuck with negative equity and owe more on the loan than you can get from the sale.

车辆短缺造成的供应链问题引发了汽车价格的上涨 new highs in 2022. 除此之外，美联储还提高了利率，以帮助抑制通货膨胀. These factors have led many to pay more in interest than their car is actually worth. 

However, here's where things get gray.

Cars are essential: 在美国，除非你住在一个适合步行的城市，否则拥有一辆车是必需品. Whether you need a vehicle to commute to work, take your kids to school, or run errands, having reliable transportation is a must. If you don't have enough cash to buy a car outright, 购买汽车贷款是一种明智的方式.

You can always refinance: If you buy a car while prices are high, refinancing to a lower interest rate 可以减少你的月供，腾出钱用于其他开支吗.

NECESSARY DEBT: Student Loans 

Educational expenses can be a touchy subject. Student debt in the U.S. hit $1.75 trillion in 2022, with the average borrower taking out $28,950 in student loans to afford their education.

据调查，28%的美国大学生 regret taking on student debt to finance their education.

当然，也有一些观点认为学生贷款是好的债务, there are many who would scoff at this idea.

For something to be considered good debt, it would need to help you in the long run. While a college or advanced degree can certainly open up opportunities for future earnings, 没有人能保证它会带来一份高薪的工作. 

Highest-paying college majors

By median salary within five years of graduation

1. Computer Engineering - $74,000

2. Chemical Engineering - $70,000

3. Aerospace Engineering - $70,000

4. Electrical Engineering - $70,000

5. Industrial Engineering - $69,000

Lowest-paying college majors

By median salary within five years of graduation

1. Consumer Sciences - $32,000

2. Social Sciences- $34,000

3. Performing Arts - $34,000

4. Social Services - $35,000

5. Anthropology - $36,000

正如你所看到的，对教育的投资并不是有保证的回报. 

However, there are still benefits to student loans that don't exist with other forms of debt.

Flexible repayment options: 许多学生贷款机构提供灵活的还款选择, 包括收入驱动的还款计划和延期或延期还款计划. These options can help you manage your debt and avoid default if you experience financial hardship.

Potential tax benefits: Depending on your income level and other factors, 你可能有资格获得与学生贷款债务相关的税收优惠. For example, you may be able to deduct the interest you pay on your loans from your taxable income.

Builds credit history: Student loans are a great tool for helping young adults qualify for other types of loans and credit products in the future. 

Possible forgiveness: 学生贷款减免是一个复杂而有争议的问题, 目前在这个问题上没有明确的共识. In August 2022, President Biden announced his plan to cancel student loan debt for qualifying individuals. However, 到目前为止，还没有广泛免除学生贷款, 这在未来是否会成为现实还有待观察. Currently, the federal government offers several programs that can provide loan forgiveness or cancellation for certain types of borrowers, such as those working in public service or those who have been defrauded by their school. 

As with any type of borrowing, 仔细考虑成本和收益是很重要的, and to borrow only what you can afford to repay.

In summary 

Debt is not evil. Yes, it should be approached with caution – but don't let fear of debt hold you back from pursuing financial growth and stability. By understanding the nuances of different types of debt and approaching it with a strategic mindset, 你可以控制你的财务状况，实现你的长期目标.

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