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Use interest free to avoid debt hangover

22/12/2009

Australians spent an average of almost $1,500 on their credit cards last Christmas. GE Money says February is the most common month for people to apply for debt consolidation personal loans.

GE Money managing director Lisa Davis says interest free periods are like free money for consumers. “Utilise interest free deals for your own good,” she says. “Pay it off in the interest free period. This is smart free money.”

Davis says a common misconception is that there is a penalty for paying off purchases within the interest free period.

"Debt consolidation loans should be considered by people who feel their debts and repayments are a little out of control. One monthly repayment at one fixed interest rate is much easier to manage than multiple rates. The trick then is to cut up your cards and pay this debt down.”

Source: Herald Sun

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