How to prevent overlapping loans and streamline your repayments? 6 key tips | Mint

The need for money may arise anytime, forcing individuals to borrow from financial institutions in the form of loans. Every loan has to be repaid in the future, and interest rates are charged as well. In order to deal with multiple financial requirements, borrowers may seek multiple loans with overlapping tenure.

However, it becomes challenging to repay the loan on time. Failing to do so will result in a debt cycle that will hamper your financial situation in future.

Check out a few tips to manage overlapping loans

High-interest loans

If you are a borrower with multiple overlapping loans and are confused about repayment, prioritise paying the loan with a high interest rate. Make a list of existing loans and identify the loans with a high interest rate. Repay such loans first to avoid high interest costs in the future.

Consolidate loans

Having multiple overlapping loans will increase the possibility of missing EMIs. Every borrower may have different types of debt with varying rates of interest. It may become difficult for a borrower to keep track of EMIs. If you struggle to pay multiple EMIs on time, you can consider consolidating your existing loans into one or two. You can opt for a loan with a lower interest rate and repayment terms to comfortably pay your EMIs on time. By following this step, you save high-interest costs and revise the repayment period. This also helps to improve credit scores over time.

Increase in income

If your income rises or you receive a bonus or a lump sum amount, use it to make loan repayments to save interest costs in future. Doing this over time will help to reduce the burden of repaying overlapping loans. However, check the prepayment penalty before repaying the loan before the due date. Opt for prepayment of the loan after analysing the prepayment penalty in the overall cost of the loan.

Loan repayment

Repaying your loan is one essential tip to avoid long-term debt. If you have overlapping loans, it becomes difficult to repay all the loans on time. However, the inability to pay one or more EMIs may lead to several consequences affecting your creditworthiness for future loans. Do not get new loans if you are already burdened with paying EMIs for overlapping loans.

Debt repayment plan

Before opting for any loan, it is essential to have a debt repayment plan that suits your financial needs. If you already have overlapping loans and are struggling to manage multiple EMIs together, approach the lender and request a change in repayment period to make EMIs affordable.

Financial advisor

Managing overlapping loans is challenging. Despite adopting multiple measures, you may find it difficult to repay your loans on time. In such a scenario, it is advisable to seek a financial advisor who can help you plan your repayment strategy.

In conclusion, as a cautious borrower, it is essential to balance your loan and income to avoid long-term debt. However, there might be situations where you would have to borrow multiple times, which might make it difficult to manage your finances. Try adopting practices such as debt consolidation, planning debt repayment, and seeking a financial advisor to manage overlapping loans.

(Note: Raising a loan comes with its own risks. So, due caution is advised)