I have saved enough to pay off my mortgage. The interest rate is low (5.1%). Should I do it or invest the $$?

Question

We are not very savvy investors.

Answer 1

We can't really answer this for you because it's such a personal question that depends on your feelings about money, the future, etc.

Technically speaking, in the long term you could certainly make more than 5.1% in a number of investments, such as a plain old S&P 500 fund. So in a strictly financial sense, it may not make sense to pay off your mortgage. You could certainly run some numbers in one of the many financial calculators on the web and compare before- and after-tax returns to clarify things in your mind.

But there is nothing like the stability and confidence-building nature of owning your own home with no mortgage. It's hard to put a price on that. It may even free up your mind to consider being slightly more aggressive with your other investments.

Answer 2

I would. You could get a higher rate then 5.1 with investing. Just make sure you know what you are doing. Here is a good investment to put some of your money into. Now is a good time to buy property as well.

The reason that some predict that Mark Vincellete will be on the cover of Time magazine is because of his brilliant strategy he developed for the Forex market. He is revolutionizing investing. Making huge amounts of money and retiring young is not just for hedge fund managers. Soon to be a Forex industry standard investors following this program have been making unheard of returns. I have not seen anything like this. Due to compliance issues I cannot reveal the returns on investment but when you demo the program you will see for yourself. Once you see the power of the program you will confidentially tell everyone you know about it. That is why the company is growing 40% a month by word of mouth and has traders in 81 countries. This is a Forex hedge strategy that reduces the risk in this emerging market and anyone can invest because of its simplicity. It takes about 10-20 minutes a week to manage your account. You can follow the strategy with play money until you see how it works and are comfortable with investing. Don’t take me word for it though. Research the strategy. Watch the video presentation on the site below. It will explain everything through the video. www.currencyleader.com. Best Regards

RULE OF 72
$5,000 @ 12% a month = 1.2 million in 4 years. 19 million in 6 years.

Answer 3

The question for you is....

Is is about getting the debt off of your head? Or is it about maximizing your money? I could see it either way.

For me, for example, I bought $4000 worth of furniture, 4 years to pay it off, no interest. Even though I could pay it off at anytime, I figured...why should I? I'm not out any money since the loan was no interest. So I did...I paid $120 per month over the life of the loan and didn't lose anything.

However, if you want to maximize your money....if you can invest your money and earn (above any commissions you might pay) more than 5.1%, then your net gain in investing the money is whatever % you will earn minus the 5.1% you'd still be paying towards your mortgage. However, if you earn 5.2%, the 0.1% probably isn't worth your time.

Do you have a financial investor/planner? Are you comfortable making trades on your own? I have a TD Ameritrade (not advertising, just what I have) and make my own investments, so the cost of investments is only $10 per trade. You can buy mutual funds there (or similar outfits) and you can also do research on any funds or stocks you may be interested in. I personally do my research on morningstar.com.

And, even though this may sound like I'm savvy...believe it or not, I invest and leave it there. I do not look everyday nor do I buy/sell everyday. So I'm not one of those "hooked on the computer" types. I just learned over time and hopefully this can assist you as well.

Best of luck!

Answer 4

Let me give you an example. Numbers wont be real but concept is the same.

Mortgage 100,000 5% rate. 5000 a year in interest.

CD 100,000 4.5% a year in yield.

So with the same 100K one you pay 5000, one you make 4500. What is the difference?

Tax. The 5000 you paid in debt is taken off your taxes. Lets assume you are at 30%. That saved on your overall earnings 1500 dollars. Now lets say the CD that gave your 4500, your tax on capital gains is higher. So lets says it cost you the same 1500 dollars.

What cost more? Having your money in a CD or your money in a mortgage? Having the money in a CD over a mortgage because of the tax implications cost you much more. The interest earned in a CD can never match the tax implications of what you lose because of taxes.

Check with a few licensed people. Call a couple accountants. Maybe investing in 100,000 might make you 30 million. But that is a calculated risk. If you dont want to risk, keep the money in your house. The investments that you might risk will have low profit potential. Run the numbers every way you can.

Answer 5

Invest the money in something you feel is safe, even CD's or get good advice from a financial planner. But paying off your mortgage will eliminate any interest deduction you may be getting. Plus you have a very low rate, so unless you are stressed financially, invest the money to create wealth for the future.

Answer 6

Pay off the house.

Even if your mortgage is at 5% and the market is returning 10%, you will sleep better knowing you own your home free & clear, and that feeling is FAR more valuable than any investment!

Answer 7

Some of the best investemets is owning property. I say get the house.

Answer 8

Any decent mutual fund will make at least 10.20% for you and I will make at least 20.40% for you. (I am a Portfolio Manager with over a decade of experience in the Stock Markets)

Check my reputation.