Refinance Loan Tips: Debt-to-Income Ratio?

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What is a debt-to-income ratio?

Your debt to income ratio compares the amount of your debt (minus your mortgage payment) to your gross income. In most cases, the ratio is calculated on a monthly basis. For example, if your monthly gross income is $2,500 and you pay $500 per month in debt payment on loans and credit cards, your debt-to-income ratio is 20 percent ($500 divided by $2,500 = .20).

Debt-to-income ratio compares debt liabilities to income.

Debt-to Income Ratio = Total Debt Payments / Monthly Gross Income

How do I calculate my debt-to-income ratio?

The first step in calculating your debt-to-income ratio is figuring your gross monthly income, which is the amount you earn prior to all deductions. If you're paid every other week, multiply your take-home pay by 26, then divide by 12. This is your monthly take-home pay. If your income is inconsistent, estimate your monthly net pay by dividing the previous year's annual net pay by 12.

Remember to include:

· Income from alimony and child support can be counted as income

· Conservative averages of bonuses, commissions and tips

· Earnings from dividends and interest

Miscellaneous income such as government benefits and/or assistance. The 2nd step is figuring your total monthly debt payments. Add your present minimum monthly payments for all credit accounts and loans, excluding mortgage payments. Be sure to include:

Car payments

Loan payments (furniture, dept. store etc.)

Bank loans

Student loans

Credit accounts

Credit card payments

Payment for medical collections

Divide your total monthly debt payment by your total monthly take-home income from all sources. The result will be your debt-to-income ratio.

Total monthly debt payments divided by monthly take-home pay equals your debt-to-income ratio percent.

Is my debt-to-income ratio acceptable?

In most cases, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better your financial condition. You're probably doing OK if your debt-to-income ratio is under 16-19 percent. Though each situation is different, a ratio of 20 percent or higher often signals a need to control your credit. As your debt payments decrease over time, you will pay less interest. Then you can use your money to save, invest, or spend as you choose.

What is an acceptable debt-to-income ratio?

Usually, the smaller your debt-to-income ratio, the better is your financial condition. A recommended debt-to-income ratio is under 15 percent. A ratio of 20 percent or higher signals a need to control credit and to begin a plan for regaining financial stability. Ideally, you will carry little or no debt so your income can be saved, invested, or spent as desired, rather than used on interest.

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