54. HECS-HELP debt: should you pay it off early?

Are you an Australian citizen who has started a local uni degree in the last 35 years? If so, you’ll know about HECS-HELP debt. In the early stages of your career, HECS-HELP debt can be pretty easy to forget about. For starters, you don’t need to start making payments until your income reaches a certain threshold. And even then, it’s deducted from your salary, meaning it simply feels like another form of tax. It stands to reason, then, that many people would decide to let time and pre-tax income whittle it away.

But here’s the kicker: the more you earn, the more you’re required to pay towards the principle. And here’s the second kicker: the debt is indexed to inflation. In other words, when inflation increases, so does what remains of your HECS-HELP debt. Armed with this knowledge, is it worth making additional payments to clear your HECS-HELP debt?

In this session, Natasha Etschmann (Tash Invests) and Ana Kresina (Head of Product & Community at Pearler) explore this very topic. In doing so, they discuss how HECS-HELP debt works, and then dissect the arguments for and against paying it off early. By the show’s wrap, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to make the right decision for your goals.

@tashinvests
@anakresina
@getrichslowclub
@pearlerhq
Pearler
Get Rich Slow Club

Disclaimer
Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.

If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.