πΈοΈ The 2% Math Trap
Most credit card companies set your minimum payment at just 2% of your balance. While this keeps your monthly "requirement" low, it ensures that your payment barely covers the interest, leaving the principal balance almost untouched.
π A Real-World Example
If you have a $5,000 balance at 18% APR and only pay the minimum:
- Time to Pay Off: Over 20 years.
- Total Interest Paid: Over $6,000 (more than the original debt!).
By simply doubling your minimum payment, you can cut that time down to less than 5 years and save thousands in interest.
π‘ Break Free: Always pay more than the minimum. Even an extra $50 a month makes a massive difference over the life of the debt. Use our Credit Card Calculator to see your freedom date.
See Your Debt Freedom Date β