Car Loans Australia :: Articles

What You Can Do Right Now to Relieve Debt Stress

How can I reduce debt stress with simple action steps?

What You Can Do Right Now to Relieve Debt  Stress

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The key to solving debt problems is to take the simple action steps outlined in this article. It's not rocket science, it almost seems too simple. So, what's the plan?
In just 10 minutes time you can have a sense of relief and empowerment by taking the first two steps away from debt and towards wealth.
Taking positive action to address a problem is a big part of the solution. This positive action is the only way to experience the power of the secret key to wealth creation. 
The key is found in step three and four. But you must do step one and two to get there!

Step one: Know your exact debt position

Write a list of all your debts, credit cards, personal loans, car loans, store cards etc. 
Why is this important? 
This allows you to see the facts and stops the emotional roller coaster of fears and anxiety of the unknown. We actually feel better when we see the problem.   
An example of a good debt list. Simple clear and easy to see the facts. 
Write the following headings across the page and fill in the details under the headings.
  • Bank/Lender
  • Bank limit
  • Balance
  • Interest rate.
  • Monthly payment
You will need two balances to be able to complete the steps.  The other information is so that you have a clear picture on your present situation.  You now have very valuable information in two of the columns.
  • The total  outstanding balance on all loans. 
  • Total monthly loan repayment.

Step two: Get a quote for a consolidation loan through a Mortgage Broker. (Not the bank) 

Why is it important to use a Mortgage Broker?  
This eliminates dealing with your problems in a hostile environment. The Bank Office.
A broker can give you the options and take the steps towards fixing the problem. This is a great confidence builder. 
Tip, if you go to the bank they will sell you what they want you to have, not necessarily what's good for you.  A Mortgage Broker will ascertain if you need a personal loan or a refinance of your mortgage. 
The principle is the same with either your mortgage or a secured or unsecured personal loan. The Mortgage Broker will provide a complete summary of the proposed loan.
  • Amount to be borrowed.
  •  Name of lender
  • All loan fees, 
  • Loan interest rate.            
  • Loan monthly payments.     
  • Term of the loan.
  • Restrictions or costs on early repayment, extra monthly payments.

Step three: Do this confidence builder, gain control of the future

So few people do this next step and never get near to the key and so waste the opportunity to create real wealth. 
You may not see why you should do this but in six months you will  look back and see it as a major turning point in your life.  
Calculate the consolidated loan surplus.   
This is the difference between your old monthly loan repayments and the new monthly loan repayment, on the outstanding balance . 
Lets assume that your debt consolidated surplus is $190.   Now you can make a quality decision based on the facts.  

Step four: Take control, tell the broker and the lender what you are going to do.

This step is vitally important and will change the way you see debt, wealth creation and your future forever. 
This is the key. Insist  the $190 surplus is added to the normal monthly repayment that you would have been quoted by the broker. If they resist, ensure you deposit the $190 into the loan on the same day as the loan repayment. 
They may want to charge you a transaction fee for this.  
A no fee mortgage or personal loan is so important .  The banks want to take savings on your loan through fees, denying you the full power of the secret key.  

Step five: Be part of the few who are creating wealth every month in their lives by eliminating debt

By adding your consolidated surplus to the quoted monthly fee will have an  amazing impact on the time it will take to pay your original debt on the credit cards and personal loans. 
Your broker will take you through the actual amounts but with the consolidated surplus added you will pay it off in half the time and if you add another $200 it will take half the time again. 
The amount of time you spend with a broker will greatly motivate you to move forward in the process of wealth creation.
A good exercise to keep you focused is to say to yourself repeatedly, " every dollar  I put into the  loan over and above the minimum repayment is a dollar in wealth I have created". 
This is the Secret Key of Wealth Creation. So take action now; contact a Mortgage Broker for help in the process.

Stay informed with MoneyTips

MoneyTips logo Get practical financial information, news, guides and resources delivered free to your inbox each month with the MoneyTips eZine.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 150

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Car Loans Articles

Pre-purchase Checklist for Auto Buyers: Ensuring Financial Readiness
Pre-purchase Checklist for Auto Buyers: Ensuring Financial Readiness
Buying a car is an exciting milestone, but it's crucial to approach the process with a clear financial plan in place. Before you get swept away by the shiny showroom models or the thrill of a test drive, understanding the financial implications of purchasing a vehicle can save you from future stress and unwanted debt. Preparing before applying for a car loan is not just recommended; it's a necessary step that directly influences loan terms and your chances of approval. - read more
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia
Before taking the plunge into car ownership, it's crucial to have a clear view of your current financial health. Start by evaluating your income, monthly expenses, and any savings you may have set aside. This assessment will give you a realistic picture of how much you can allocate towards buying a car without straining your finances. - read more
Your Car Loan Journey: From Application to Approval
Your Car Loan Journey: From Application to Approval
In this article, we are embarking on a guided journey that we believe will help immensely in navigating the intricacies of the car loan process. - read more
5 Strategies for Balancing Your Budget with a New Car Loan
5 Strategies for Balancing Your Budget with a New Car Loan
With the excitement of purchasing a new vehicle, the financial responsibilities that come with a new car loan can often be overlooked. Balancing your budget when you have taken on a new car loan is crucial to financial well-being and long-term happiness with your purchase. In this article, we will explore five practical strategies that can help you navigate the common financial challenges that accompany car loans. - read more
Consumer Protections and Legal Obligations for Car Loans in Australia
Consumer Protections and Legal Obligations for Car Loans in Australia
Car loans in Australia are subject to consumer credit laws, disclosure rules and dispute resolution pathways. This guide explains key protections, lender and broker obligations, borrower responsibilities, comparison rates, hardship rights and what to check before signing a finance contract. - read more

Finance News

Hotter Inflation Puts Car Loan Budgets Back in Focus
Hotter Inflation Puts Car Loan Budgets Back in Focus
29 Oct 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s latest inflation data has put car loan budgeting back under pressure, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting on 28 October 2026 that annual CPI rose to 4.3% in September and trimmed mean inflation lifted to 3.6%. Coming after the Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate target to 4.60% on 29 September, the figures give vehicle buyers another reason to plan around uncertain borrowing costs rather than assume cheaper finance is just around the corner. - read more
Green Car Loan Deals Are Growing, But the Fine Print Still Matters
Green Car Loan Deals Are Growing, But the Fine Print Still Matters
17 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Green car finance is becoming a more visible part of Australia’s car loan market, with lenders continuing to promote discounted rates for eligible electric, hybrid and other lower-emission vehicles. For buyers weighing up a new EV, plug-in hybrid or fuel-efficient model, the headline appeal is obvious: a lower rate can reduce the cost of borrowing and may make a higher purchase price feel more manageable. - read more
Why Sharper New-Car Offers Still Need a Loan Check
Why Sharper New-Car Offers Still Need a Loan Check
03 Sep 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s new-car market is showing more signs of competition, with recent industry updates pointing to sharper drive-away offers, run-out campaigns and finance-led promotions across selected brands. For buyers, that can make the showroom feel more attractive than it did during the tight-supply years, when wait times and limited stock gave sellers more pricing power. - read more
Softer Used-Car Prices Could Shift Finance Decisions
Softer Used-Car Prices Could Shift Finance Decisions
27 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's used-car market appears to be moving into a more balanced phase, with recent industry updates pointing to improved vehicle availability and less pressure on prices across some mainstream segments. That is welcome news for buyers who spent the past few years dealing with limited stock, long new-car wait times and unusually firm second-hand values. - read more
What the Latest RBA Rate Hold Means for Car Buyers
What the Latest RBA Rate Hold Means for Car Buyers
13 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia's latest decision to leave the cash rate unchanged keeps car buyers in a familiar holding pattern: borrowing costs are not rising sharply, but they are not easing quickly either. For households planning a new or used vehicle purchase, that means the focus should remain on preparation, comparison and affordability rather than waiting for a dramatic rate shift. - read more


Knowledgebase
Prime Rate:
The interest rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers.