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Bank loans

Noel Whittaker | November 7 2007 | The Sydney Morning Herald & The Age (subscribe)

Should I put my extra money towards paying off the principal on my loan?

Q.

If I pay extra on a loan each month, either mortgage or personal, will the bank or lending institution automatically put that extra amount toward the principal or do I need to specify? Is it correct that the extra I pay should go to the principal?



A.

If you have a normal loan, the bank simply debits the interest to your bank account each month - any deposits made into the loan that are in excess of the interest charged, would automatically reduce the principal. With certain kinds of personal loans, the interest calculations are different so make sure you talk to your lender before making extra payments on personal loans.

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