Question 1

How much should I save for debt payoff?

Accepted Answer

The amount you should save for debt payoff depends on several interconnected factors that require careful consideration. First, determine your target corpus—how much money you'll need when you reach your debt payoff goal. For example, if you're planning for retirement, you might need 25-30 times your annual expenses. For child education, research current costs and factor in education inflation of 8-10% annually. Second, consider your time horizon—how many years until you need the money. The longer your timeframe, the more you can benefit from compounding and the less you need to invest monthly. Third, estimate realistic returns based on your risk appetite and investment choices. Equity investments might give 10-15% annually over long periods but with volatility, while debt investments offer 6-8% with more stability. Fourth, account for inflation, which erodes purchasing power over time. Based on these factors, our recommended starting point for debt payoff is planning 3 years in advance, but this should be customized to your situation. Use our calculator above to input your specific parameters and get a personalized recommendation. Remember, it's better to start with what you can afford and increase gradually than to delay starting because you can't invest the "ideal" amount.

Question 2

When should I start planning for debt payoff?

Accepted Answer

The best time to start planning for debt payoff is now, regardless of how far away your goal seems. Here's why early planning is crucial: First, time is your greatest ally in wealth creation. Starting 3 years before your goal gives you the full benefit of compounding, where your returns generate their own returns. Even small amounts invested early can grow substantially over time. For instance, investing ₹5,000 monthly for 20 years at 12% returns gives you approximately ₹50 lakhs, while the same amount invested for just 10 years gives you only ₹11.6 lakhs—less than a quarter despite investing half the time. Second, early planning allows you to take calculated risks. With a longer time horizon, you can invest more aggressively in equity, which historically provides higher returns despite short-term volatility. As you approach your goal, you can gradually shift to safer investments. Third, starting early means lower monthly commitments. To accumulate ₹1 crore in 20 years at 12% returns, you need to invest about ₹13,000 monthly. To accumulate the same amount in 10 years requires ₹43,000 monthly—more than three times as much. Fourth, early planning gives you flexibility to adjust your strategy based on life changes, market conditions, and evolving goals. Even if debt payoff seems distant, start with whatever you can afford today. You can always increase your investments as your income grows. The cost of delaying is far higher than the cost of starting small.

Question 3

How much should I save for debt payoff?

Accepted Answer

The amount depends on total debt, interest rates, and repayment capacity. Use our calculator to determine the right savings amount for your debt payoff goals.

Question 4

What is the best EMI strategy for debt payoff?

Accepted Answer

For debt payoff, we recommend planning your finances 3 years in advance. Our calculator helps you create a customized plan.

Question 5

When should I start planning for debt payoff?

Accepted Answer

The earlier you start, the better. Starting 3 years before your goal gives you ample time to save systematically and achieve your debt payoff objectives.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Debt Payoff

How much should I save for debt payoff?

When should I start planning for debt payoff?

How much should I save for debt payoff?

What is the best EMI strategy for debt payoff?

When should I start planning for debt payoff?

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