HOW MUCH DEBT IS ENOUGH

Debt is not always good or bad by itself. What matters is how you use it, whether you can afford it, and whether it helps you accomplish an important financial goal.  

Before taking on additional debt, you should understand your goals, your monthly expenses, your available cash flow, and how the debt fits into your overall financial plan.

1. What Is Your Goal?

The first question to ask yourself is: What is my goal?

Do you want to:

• Plan for a comfortable retirement?
• Buy a home?
• Start your own business?
• Pay for your children's education?
• Invest in your future?
• Improve your overall quality of life?

Clearly defining your goal can help you identify the factors to consider before making a financial decision.

Debt can be a financial resource when it is used strategically, but it should be supported by a clear plan and an understanding of your cash flow.

Before considering additional debt, start by understanding where your money is currently going.

2. Know Your Cost of Living

Your total cost of living generally consists of three major categories:

Lifestyle Costs

Lifestyle expenses include the money you spend on your everyday activities and choices, such as:

• Eating out
• School and tuition
• Transportation
• Gas and vehicle maintenance
• Entertainment
• Vacations
• Recreation
• Other personal expenses

Knowing how much you spend in this category can help you identify areas where you may have greater flexibility.

Fixed Costs

Fixed costs are expenses you are generally required to pay every month, including:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Taxes
• Car payments
• Student loans
• Cell phone bills
• 
  

Understanding these expenses — including when certain debts or payments will eventually end — can help you plan for the future.

For example, once a car loan, student loan, or other obligation is paid off, that money may potentially be redirected toward another financial goal.

Variable Costs

• Variable expenses may include:
• Groceries
• Household supplies
• Pet food and supplies
• Streaming and entertainment subscriptions
• Internet services
• Clothing
• Other discretionary expenses
• 
  

Some of these expenses can be reduced or eliminated when necessary, which is why it is important to know exactly how much you are spending. Learn the 5-Minute Money Strategy to be effective in achieving your personal and financial goals. 

3. Determine Your Available Resources

Once you know your total monthly cost of living and compare it with the income you generate each month, you can calculate your disposable or surplus income.

For example:

Monthly Income: $5,000

Monthly Expenses:

Lifestyle expenses: $1,200

Fixed expenses: $1,500

Variable expenses: $1,000

Disposable/Surplus Income: $1,300

That $1,300 may be available for additional financial priorities. You can then decide how much should be allocated toward goals such as:

Paying down debt

Buying a car

Purchasing a home

Retirement

College education

Investments

Starting or expanding a business

Other personal goals+

One approach discussed in this plan is to allocate up to approximately 50% of available surplus income toward a new financial goal or obligation, while keeping the remaining portion available for other priorities and unexpected expenses.

Using the example above, 50% of a $1,300 monthly surplus would equal approximately $650 per month.

The appropriate amount will depend on your individual circumstances, existing debts, income stability, emergency savings, and financial goals.

The purpose is not simply to determine how much debt a lender is willing to give you. 

The more important question is:

How much debt comfortably fits within your financial plan?

4. Improve Your Quality of Life Today

There are many productive ways to use your disposable or surplus income.  The best choice will depend on your personal goals and priorities.

Save for the Future

Consider setting aside part of your disposable income for savings and long-term financial goals.

Building savings can provide greater financial security and help prepare you for unexpected expenses.

Invest in Your Education

Learning new skills may help you improve your career opportunities and future earning potential. 

You might use some of your surplus income for:

• Courses
• Certifications
• Professional training
• College or degree programs
• Career development
• Travel and Experiences
• If travel is important to you, your financial plan can include money for vacations and experiences.
• The purpose of financial planning is not simply to accumulate money. It is also to use your financial resources in ways that contribute to your quality of life.
• Give to Others
• You may choose to allocate some of your surplus income toward charities, churches, community organizations, or causes that are meaningful to you.
• Pay Off Debt
• If you already have outstanding debt, using additional cash flow to pay it down faster may reduce the amount of interest you pay and improve your overall financial position.
• Enjoy Some of Your Money
• Financial discipline is important, but so is enjoying the results of your hard work.
• You may choose to allocate some money toward:
• Clothing
• Dining out
• Hobbies
• Entertainment
• Family activities
• Other things you enjoy

A sustainable financial plan should provide room for both your future and your life today.

So, How Much Debt Is Enough? 

There is no single number that applies to everyone.

The right amount of debt depends on your:

• Income
• Monthly expenses
• Existing obligations
• Disposable income
• Savings
• Financial goals
• Ability to comfortably make the payments

Debt can sometimes be used strategically to help accomplish important goals, but it should never be considered without understanding how the payments will affect your overall financial situation. Learn more about how to manage debt on a daily basis. 

Communicate regularly with your spouse or other loved ones about how household finances are being managed.

Applying financial discipline consistently can help you make better decisions and build a stronger financial future.

Ultimately, your goal should be to maximize your three most valuable resources:

Your energy. Your time. Your money.

When those resources are used intentionally, you can make informed financial decisions while working toward a better quality of life.

Art De La Rosa

Financial Planner

USC Graduate | Author