Rita Soledad Fernández Paulino, founder of Wealth Para Todos, found herself in a predicament that many Americans can relate to – juggling student loan debt and the need for a hefty emergency fund. In her case, she had planned to build a six-month emergency fund of $30,000, but prioritized paying off her debt instead.
Soledad took an extreme approach to paying off her debt, even dipping into her emergency fund to make larger payments. However, she now recommends a different approach for others facing conflicting money priorities. She advises against draining your emergency fund to pay off debt, emphasizing the importance of financial stability and the potential risks involved.
When she began paying down her student loan debt, Soledad was facing health issues and a smaller income, which prompted her to take matters into her own hands. She made aggressive goals and cut back on nonessential expenses to put more towards her debt. She even pulled $7,000 from her savings to make a significant dent in the balance.
While her approach worked out in the end, it was a risky move, especially considering her reliance on her husband’s income and disability and accumulating medical bills. Soledad now wishes she had exercised more patience and faith in her ability to increase her income over time, rather than focusing solely on wiping out her debt.
For those setting a goal to pay off debt, Soledad recommends reviewing their income and expenses, creating a debt payoff plan that aligns with their lifestyle and values, and prioritizing multiple financial goals, including building an emergency fund.
She advises a methodical and calculated approach to paying off debt, making sure to cover all essential expenses first and then allocating the leftover funds towards debt and other savings goals. It’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of your financial situation before making decisions, and to make sure that any additional payments towards debt are sustainable in the long run.
Ultimately, Soledad’s experience and advice highlight the importance of long-term financial habits and planning, alongside aggressive debt repayment goals. It’s a balancing act that requires patience, diligence, and a deep understanding of one’s financial situation.
