When to pay off mortgage vs putting extra money into investments

Hi Mason,

Great question, there’s a lot to weigh up in this sort of scenario. And it’s even harder when interest rates are higher like they are now.

The following article might be helpful to help you think through the decision: https://strongmoneyaustralia.com/mortgage-vs-...

Personally I go for investing because I don’t mind having debt and I believe investing will lead to higher wealth than paying down debt.

All the best,
Dave

Hi there,

Deciding whether to pay off your mortgage early or to invest your extra money is a common dilemma and the right choice depends on several personal factors. Here are some considerations to help guide your decision:

1. Interest Rates: Compare the interest rate on your mortgage with the potential return rate from investments. If the interest rate on your mortgage is higher than what you might earn from investments, it might be financially beneficial to pay off your mortgage first. Conversely, if you can earn a higher return on investments than the interest rate on your mortgage, investing might be more advantageous.

2. Risk Tolerance: Investing typically offers higher potential returns, but with more risk. Consider your comfort level with risk. If the uncertainty of investment returns makes you uneasy, you might find the guaranteed return of paying down your mortgage (in the form of saved interest) more appealing.

3. Financial Goals: Think about your short-term and long-term financial goals. If achieving financial freedom by eliminating debt is a priority, paying off your mortgage might be the way to go. However, if you are aiming for higher wealth accumulation over the long term, investing could be more suitable.

4. Tax Considerations: In some cases, the interest paid on a mortgage can be tax-deductible, which could reduce the cost of your mortgage debt. On the other hand, investments can also have tax implications, including potential capital gains taxes or dividend taxes.

5. Cash Flow: Assess your current financial situation. If you have a stable income and sufficient emergency savings, you might be in a better position to invest. However, reducing your monthly mortgage payment by paying it off early could free up cash flow for other uses.

6. Mortgage Terms: Some mortgages have penalties for early repayment.

   Show more.....