Close
< BACK Subscribe

WHEN IT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA TO PAY OFF YOUR HOME MORTGAGE

January 4th, 2014



Once upon a time, we always heard it was a good idea to pay off your home mortgage..Well that depends.  Those were days where mortgage interest rates were 9% and above, sometimes as high as 18%.  In today's world, with outstanding low mortgage rates, it is a better strategy not to pay it off but instead pay off those credit card balances(that have an 18% interest rate)...

In order of importance here are the places you need to put your financial attention first:

Take the cards off the table: Pay off credit cards with any high interest rates — especially today, as there is now a huge discrepancy between credit cards interest rates of 13 percent to 23 percent and a 4 percent mortgage interest rate. Besides that, you can deduct your mortgage interest but you cannot deduct the interest you are paying on credit card debt.
In case of emergency: You need to build an emergency fund. I recommend one year of living expenses. Yes, today's job market is improving; however, if you suddenly find yourself facing a layoff, you need to be prepared to sustain one year of living expenses.
Build up for retirement: Are you able to make the maximum yearly contributions to your retirement accounts? 401(k), IRA or an equivalent? Ask you accountant what the maximum allowable is for you and go for it.
Get the kids to school: Ah yes, the kids, their schools and their college funds. Depending on how many children you have, how old they are and what type of college enrollment expectation they have, you need to be making adequate contributions to those 529 plans or other college savings accounts.
You may live a long time: Your  mom is 97 years old, and your aunt just turned 100. So you see how your money could run out before your health does.   Another priority investment you need to be making each year is toward long-term health-care insurance. It is not as costly when you start it in your 30s or 40s. But if you didn't get around to it till your 50s it will take a hit out of you budget each month.

Join the discussion

To post a comment on this blog post, you must be an HAR Account subscriber, or a member of HAR. If you are an HAR Account subscriber or a member of HAR, please click here to login. If you would like to create an HAR Account account, please click here.

Login to Comment
Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Houston Association of REALTORS®

Join My Blog

REAL ESTATE TIPS, NEWS,IDEAS, AND FACTS. Whether you're selling or buying a home, this website can give you ideas and knowledge you will find helpful!
CB&A, Realtors
10200 Grogan's Mill Rd Ste 125, The Woodlands, TX 77380   Get Directions
Phone: (832) 678-4770
Fax: (832) 678-4771
  • Archive
    •     2021
    •     2020
    •     2018
    •     2017
    •     2016
    •     2015
    •     2014
    •     2013
    •     2012
    •     2011
    •     2010