Re: Question 1 from 06-19-2026 – Finances
Yesterday, I called UW Credit Union and applied for a personal loan to consolidate my two credit cards (PayPal MC and BMO Mastercard). I got approved and picked up the cashier’s check.
The Numbers
- Combined card debt: ~$8,494
- Loan: $8,000 at 13.2% APR, 48 months
- New payment: $220.55/month (down from $328/month across both cards)
- BMO will have ~$494 left after the payoff, which I’ll knock out over a couple months
The Big Picture
The PayPal card was sitting at a 30.24% interest rate—on a 17-year payoff trajectory at minimum payments. This consolidation gets everything done in 4 years at 13.2%. By making this move, I’ll pay roughly $2,600 in interest instead of $15,200—saving over $12,600.
Once the check is deposited and both cards are paid off / paid down, it’s one payment, one loan, done in 4 years.
Humor and Fear
While chatting in my Claude project for my BCT, discussing the new loan, Claude recalculated the savings related interest. So Claude basically volunteered to check Claude’s math. Savings, good thing.
Why am I still anxious and discouraged? Where is the flaw in my thinking that keeps this from being a positive act? My idea. The me that impulsively made the UWCU call must have thought it was a good idea.
Maybe I need an easier question: are Cheetos Puffs good for breakfast?
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