---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To contract new debts is not the way to…"
description: "\"To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.\" — George Washington"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/george-washington-257_contracts_to-contract-new-debts-is-not-the-way-to_1523269.jpg"
---

#  To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.

![“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.” quote by George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/george-washington-257_contracts_to-contract-new-debts-is-not-the-way-to_1523269.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/george-washington-257_contracts_to-contract-new-debts-is-not-the-way-to_1523269.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/george-washington-257_contracts_to-contract-new-debts-is-not-the-way-to_1523269.jpg)

> “To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.”

[George Washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-washington/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Borrowing new money to repay old debt worsens financial health; focus on repayment, not more borrowing.

**In simple terms:** Don't take new loans to pay old ones.

Key Takeaway

Pay off existing debt first.

Themes

finance debt responsibility

Mood

pragmatic concerned

Type

advisory financial

When to use this quote

- government budgeting
- personal loans
- credit card use

Key Concepts

fiscal policy personal finance

Questions to Reflect On

- What strategies can replace new borrowing?
- How can one prioritize debt repayment?

A Different Perspective

In emergencies, new debt may be necessary.

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[Debt by founding fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/debt-by-founding-fathers/) [Debts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/debts/)

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