Anyone else who was blind-sided by the HECS/HELP interest rate changes?
Anyone else who was blind-sided by the HECS/HELP interest rate changes?
I guess I'm stupid. I didn't realise they changes the interest rates on HECS. Is it true, you basically should pay it off ASAP because the interest now is massive (I think it says 7% on mygov). I always understood HECS was almost interest fee so I just left it for a long time. Now I'm desperately trying to pay it off quickly so I don't have the compounding debt.
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You're at bit late at preemptively paying it off to avoid the 7%. Wait until the next rate is released (~March 2024) and then decide.
I don't understand this point. Why would I wait for next years rate, won't it add on to this year's 7% when it goes into effect?
The rate is announced before it's applied. You just need to make a volentary payment before June 1 next year.
The way HECS is indexed is based on inflation rates. They announce the amount it will be indexed in early May (though you’ll be able to find out pretty accurate estimates as far back as March), and then apply it on 1st June. As long as you make whatever payment you want to make before 1st June (try to aim for no later than about 20th–22nd May, to make sure the transaction goes through in time) it makes literally no difference when you do it. Pay extra today or pay it on 15th May 2024, it’ll have the same effect. Except that if you pay it today, you’ve lost that money and it’s no longer earning interest for you in the meantime.
Amazing, you explained it perfectly. Thank you