What Habits Can Help You Secure Lower Interest Rates?

Aug 21, 2024
 |  1 min read
Table of content

Introduction

Securing a lower interest rate means hitting a jackpot when managing your finances. Who wouldn’t like having extra money in their pocket each month by paying less on loans? Luck has nothing to do with it. It’s all about building smart habits that can strengthen your financial position. You can get the best deals by keeping all your hard-earned money for the things that truly matter. Read on to find out in detail why should you make payments on time and how do savings and investments help you.

Why is a Credit Score Important?

Your credit score is crucial for lenders since it determines your ability to repay loans. You can plan credit scores to get amazing deals on loans, credit cards, insurance premiums, and even cell phone plans. Here is why is it necessary to understand your credit report:

  • The borrower gets to know his/her creditworthiness with the help of a CIBIL score.
  • Borrowers with excellent credit scores are known to be low-risk; thus, their chances of being approved for credit cards and loans are higher.
  • Get approved for a higher credit score limit on your card.
  • Borrowers with the highest credit scores tend to have access to the lowest interest rates available on auto loans and mortgages.
  • A good credit score will give you more housing options if you plan to buy a house.
  • You get approved for a pre-approved loan offer, which banks generally give to existing customers with good credit histories.

What are the Financial Habits you Should Adopt?

Here are some of the financial habits you should adopt for a better financial future:

  • Write all your financial goals: Keep goals visible to stay motivated and track progress.
  • Save before you spend: Understand your savings goal and determine how much you can save each month.
  • Set up automated payments: When you set up automated payments like direct debit into your savings pot, you do not have to worry about missing payments.
  • Overpay your loans: Overpaying debts will help you finish the debts faster.

Does Consumer Spending get Affected by Changes in Interest Rates?

Consumer spending and interest rates are inversely related. Consumer spending tends to drop whenever interest rates rise. People prefer to spend money on those items due to increased borrowing costs. For example, if someone wants to buy a house or car, higher loan interest rates make these purchases more costly. As a result, people have less money to spend on other things, reducing overall economic spending.

Who Benefits From Higher Interest Rates?

While most people fear higher interest rates, they benefit financial institutions, especially banks. Banks make a significant sum of money when they charge interest on loans. The higher the interest rates banks charge, the more money they can make. Banks earn more from loans when they raise interest rates.

What are the Best Ways Low Interest can Stretch your Money?

Here are some of the best ways you can leverage low interest to make more money:

  • Pay off debt on credit card.

Use the cash available to pay off your credit cards. This is because interest on credit care is generally higher than that on home loans.

  • Invest extra cash flow.

Invest the money you are saving from lower mortgage payments. Even if you put $100 away in a month, it can help you grow your wealth over time.

  • Look for better term deposit rates.

Never ignore your term deposits, even when interest rates are low. Consider checking different accounts online to find better rates. Saving your money for a while will yield a higher return.

  • Diversify your payments.

Instead of keeping cash, consider investing in different types of assets. This will protect you from changes in interest rates and thus strengthen your portfolio.

  • Fix your loan rate.

If interest rates are likely to stay low, consider locking in a fixed rate for your home loan. This will help you better manage your monthly budget.

  • Consider fixed-interest managed funds.

Fixed-interest managed funds let you invest in different fixed-income options. They can help spread your risk and potentially increase your returns.

Conclusion

If you want to be financially secure, it is crucial to understand how to manage your money wisely. Keeping track of your credit score is very important since it influences everything right from loan approvals to interest rates. Set clear financial goals, automate your savings and investments and save before you spend for greater financial freedom. If you need to consult an expert to understand “How do savings and investments help you?” or any other queries, mPokket can be the best platform. They offer tailored instant loans for salaried individuals and even suggest the best options for loan for low-salary. You can also get instant short-term loans, helping you reach your financial goals faster.

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.