I’ve saved $50,000 but have a large HECS debt – what should I do?

An expat living in London worried about her student debt while she is away is offered some choices to better inform her decision.

Penny Wise

Jun 28, 2024 – 5.00am

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Dear Ms Wise, I’m working in London for two years and am wondering what to do about my HECS debt of about $50,000. I also have savings of $50,000. I don’t know whether to pay off the whole $50,000; just half so I still have a “safety net”; or not pay anything. I’m not contributing to super while I’m overseas and not able to save much. I’ve also heard that having a HECS debt is a factor when trying to get a home loan. Any suggestions? Anna

The wisdom: As BDO finance solutions director Marie Ryan points out, your Higher Education Loan Program (better known as HECS) debt is likely to have grown with indexation in the past two years, so it’s wise to consider the best plan of attack.