When choosing between paying off debt and giving charity, you should prioritize paying off debt if you have high-interest debt:
Pay off high-interest debt first
Paying off high-interest debt can help you solve money management problems. As you reduce your debt, you’ll have more money each month to save or spend on other things.
Make a plan
Create a budget that includes your income, expenses, and debt payments. You can also try a debt repayment strategy, like paying off your smallest debts first or focusing on debts with the highest interest rates.
Consider a debt management plan
If you have some disposable income, you could consider a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP is a third-party service that manages payments to your creditors on your behalf.
Building an emergency fund
You should always make at least the minimum payments on your debts, but you should also build up a cash buffer to cover unexpected expenses.
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Capturing employer matches
If your employer matches your retirement savings, you should try to capture the full amount