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I think I'm right...?...to pay off or not

Flo08
Flo08 Posts: 8 Forumite
Name Dropper First Post
We have a loan @3% which we used 18 months ago for new windows and doors.
There is approx: £3k left on it 
But our savings get 4% 
So...better to just keep paying it off and putting money into savings?
It does seem odd to not pay it off 


Comments

  • Nebulous2
    Nebulous2 Posts: 5,639 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes - all things being equal the higher rate on the savings trumps the rate on the loan. 

    Remember you could have tax to pay on the interest on your savings, which might change the picture. That depends on your tax rate and the amount of interest you earn. 
  • Flo08
    Flo08 Posts: 8 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post
    Thank you
    That's what I thought
    Now I have to figure out when we start paying tax on the interest...
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You pay tax on the interest once you exceed your £1K Savings Allowance. Unless you invest it in an ISA, which is tax-free.
    This assumes you have other income which exceeds your Personal Allowance.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,656 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    macman said:
    You pay tax on the interest once you exceed your £1K Savings Allowance. Unless you invest it in an ISA, which is tax-free.
    This assumes you have other income which exceeds your Personal Allowance.
    And assumes you have a personal allowance, which you don't if you are a additional rate tax payer (if you are a higher rate tax payer it's £500).

  • MalMonroe
    MalMonroe Posts: 5,783 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I'd pay off the loan if it were me. Maybe that's because I've been through a DRO in the past and too much debt scares me. The loan will, of course, remain on your credit reports until it's paid off. 

    As I said, I would pay it off and then start saving again. It's only £3k and if you can get rid of it, then do.

    Of course, just my own opinion. It doesn't seem that you're going to gain a lot by not paying it. 
    Please note - taken from the Forum Rules and amended for my own personal use (with thanks) : It is up to you to investigate, check, double-check and check yet again before you make any decisions or take any action based on any information you glean from any of my posts. Although I do carry out careful research before posting and never intend to mislead or supply out-of-date or incorrect information, please do not rely 100% on what you are reading. Verify everything in order to protect yourself as you are responsible for any action you consequently take.
  • MalMonroe said:
    I'd pay off the loan if it were me. Maybe that's because I've been through a DRO in the past and too much debt scares me. The loan will, of course, remain on your credit reports until it's paid off. 

    As I said, I would pay it off and then start saving again. It's only £3k and if you can get rid of it, then do.

    Of course, just my own opinion. It doesn't seem that you're going to gain a lot by not paying it. 
    Most people aren't you and can handle debt without losing their minds and going bankrupt.
  • Coolhand2
    Coolhand2 Posts: 15 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts
    I would pay off any debt if it were me. Then focus on your savings and other plans.
    #96 Save 12k in 2021, £11, 000 / £10,000 saved in 2021
    #13 Save 12k in 2022, £7151.96 / £12,000
    #52 Save 12k in 2023, £0 / £12,000
    3-6 month emergency fund £10,000
    House Downpayment £7151.96 / £20,000
  • Huynha
    Huynha Posts: 47 Forumite
    10 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Interest rate is climbing up and up.
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