Q&A: Car repo is a nonstarter

Dear Liz: I had to move to assisted living due to a stroke. I no longer need my car — or the car payment. Can I simply stop paying and let it be repossessed? There are about 18 months to go before it’s paid off. I don’t need great credit anymore and our current expenses exceed our income.

Answer: If you’re that close to paying off the loan, then you probably have a good chunk of equity. It would be a shame to lose any of that value to the costs of repossession.

Typically repossessed cars are sold at auction, often for less than their resale value. The proceeds, minus the expenses of repossessing and preparing the car, are applied to your loan. You’d only get what’s left over. (If what’s left over is less than what you owe, the amount is added to your debt.)

This bad financial outcome is on top of the damage done to your credit, which can be substantial. Even if you think it unlikely you’ll need credit again, you don’t know for sure that you won’t.

If you have the option of selling the car to a private party or dealer — or asking a trusted friend or relative to help you do so — that’s usually a much better way to go than letting the vehicle be repossessed.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you. Also in the news: How to turn around car payment trouble, 7 ways to make your money last in retirement, and 8 ways to save on wedding gifts.

Baffled by Points and Miles? Let the 80/20 Rule Guide You
The Pareto principle.

Car Payment Trouble? How to Turn It Around
Taking back control.

7 Ways to Make Your Money Last in Retirement
Budgeting for the future.

8 Ways to Save on Wedding Gifts
Great presents that won’t break the bank.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 9 expenses to pack in your moving budget. Also in the news: How to stretch summer job money, retaking control over car payments, and when it pays to buy a one-way plane ticket.

9 Expenses to Pack in Your Moving Budget
Leave some wiggle room.

How to Stretch Summer Job Money
Invest in your future.

Car Payments Out of Control? Retake the Wheel
Get back in the driver’s seat.

When It Pays to Buy a One-Way Plane Ticket
One=way premiums are disappearing.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How to determine what your car payment should be. Also in the news: Itemizing vs. standard deductions, what to do with old electronics, and quirky ways to save money this summer.

How to Decide What Your Car Payment Should Be
Determining what you can afford.

How to Decide on Itemizing vs. the Standard Deduction
Deciding which deduction works best for you.

What to Do With Old Electronics
Clearing your personal information.

17 Quirky Ways To Save Extra Money This Summer
No-money Mondays!

Monday’s need-to-know money news

Student-LoansToday’s top story: Finding the best student loan repayment plan. Also in the news: How student loans affect your taxes, calculating monthly car costs, and tax payment options for when you owe the IRS.

Find the Best Student Loan Repayment Plan for You
It’s going to take a while.

3 ways student loans affect your taxes
Don’t forget to deduct your interest.

Calculate a monthly car cost when buying outright to better weigh your options
A different way of thinking.

Tax payment options for when you owe the IRS
Rule #1: Don’t ignore it.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

crop380w_istock_000009258023xsmall-dbet-ball-and-chainToday’s top story: How you could be spending too little in retirement. Also in the news: How a late payment could disable your car, what bills to pay when you can’t pay them all, and deciphering the “Nanny Tax”.

7 Signs You’re Spending Too Little In Retirement
Yes, you read that correctly.

Miss a Payment? Good Luck Moving That Car
A late payment could leave you stuck in the driveway.

What Order Do You Pay Bills When You Can’t Pay Them All?
How to manage your finances in difficult times.

Do I Have to Pay ‘Nanny Tax’ on a Babysitter?
If you pay more than $1900 a year, the answer is yes.

How to Be Frugal and Invest the Difference
Even saving small amounts can make a difference.