Question: Given today’s low returns on money market accounts and CDs, is now a good time to pay off one’s mortgage? I am about 1/2 way through my 15-year, 4.875%, fixed-rate mortgage and plan to keep the house. The mortgage balance is $110,000. I have been “maxing out” my 401K for the last 18 years and am fortunate enough to work for a company that will provide a defined benefit pension. I have low expenses, no debt other than this mortgage and an income that allows me to save several thousand after-tax dollars each month. I have $250,000, after tax, in a money market account — more than enough for emergencies.
I am thinking of using $110,000 of my after-tax cash to pay off my mortgage. Given the low returns on money market accounts and CDs, the argument for using extra cash to pay off debt, including mortgage debt, seems to warrant greater merit, right? Thank you very much, Carl (Currently working in Singapore), Alameda, CA
Answer: We’ve been getting a lot of questions about paying off the mortgage early and, while it isn’t a financial mistake, I’m usually wary of the strategy. You’ll see why in several previous postings. But I’m including your question as an example of when the strategy just might work.
You have a good-sized emergency fund, and after-tax savings. You’re fully funding your retirement savings plan. You have a company pension to boot.You have no debt other than the mortgage. You are well-diversified with a great balance sheet. Wow.
I think there are only two issues to consider. First, are you going to stay in the home? Is this where you plan on living? It sounds like it, but if you were going to move shortly or desired a different house I’d probably just stick to the current mortgage payment schedule. Second, could you do better than 4.8% investing in the money in the market rather than paying off the mortgage? Of course, you don’t know, but you might be able to. Still, in light of all the uncertainty in the economy and financial markets a 4.8% return on investment by getting rid of the mortgage and being debt-free seems really good to me.
Stories You Might Like
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
