Pay This Off Before You Retire - Retirement Planning Tips

[@ontheotherhand7627]

I'll preface this by saying I am debt-adverse, but recognize its value as a tool (thus, mortgage). I considered paying off or paying down my mortgage before I retire, and decided that for me, under my circumstances, it made sense instead to invest in getting all systems on the house in tip-top shape while I still had the higher income and the ability to be flexible about my retirement date, if needed. I needed a new boiler and a system upgrade, work done on decks and porches, including some age-in-place upgrades, driveway work, drainage system that takes into account the increased rains we've been having, new gutters. I'd recently had the house repainted. I have some block walls that need attention, some trees need to be cleared around the house. I've done several of these things and in the projected 18 months between now and retirement, I plan to finish the list. Due to supply chain issues and labor uncertainty, the costs for this work, if I wait, are a roll of the dice. By doing this now, I turn it into a known quantity. Rather than paying off the mortgage earlier, I'm increasing the value and utility of the house, so it's kind of the same thing. Pre-pandemic, I might have made a different choice, but we've dealt with a lot of uncertainty in the last few years, and at a fixed 3.5%, my mortgage will be about 20% of the low-end estimate of my retirement income (two legs of which include COLA adjustments, so this percentage will continue to decrease). Also was proactive about seeing the dentist and having any old fillings, etc., replaced, rather than wait for it to gradually need replacement--again, turning an unknown future expense into a known quantity. I also plan to invest in a new computer system--desktop with large screen and adaptive features like a good speaker system/tablet for traveling/phone/printer (since I won't have access to the perk of a work computer and printer anymore) and replacing my 20-year-old car with a newer used car. Again, converting unknowns that might be difficult to absorb into a fixed-income budget into paid-up purchases, and still having the use of point-of-use-value cash to tackle operating expenses, heating fuel, etc., rather than using today's dollars to pay off tomorrow's mortgage. Also having a chunk of cash on hand in the event of a septic system replacement being needed will be more useful than having the mortgage paid off. Given that my mortgage is equivalent to a modest estimate of inflation rates, unless I'm looking at this wrong, I'm not gaining much, if anything, by paying that off early. My 20-year-old washer/dryer, range, oven, and refrigerator, on the other hand, are still working fine, so replacing these when they fail makes more sense to me, as these are items that are getting more energy efficient with time and generally go on sale pretty often. I'm open to suggestions if I'm not seeing this clearly, and my plan is still evolving. But this is how I see things now.

[@randolphh8005]

Totally agree on getting rid of debt. Generally including the mortgage unless quite small, and very low rate. On average people underestimate how much a house actually costs to maintain. The carrying costs are high with taxes, insurance, maintenance, and mortgage costs. And the value is overestimated since you can’t usually access it unless you downsize or take out a reverse mortgage. So decrease what you can(the mortgage), and then you won’t need to worry as much about the portfolio. Go take nice trips and budget for it. Quit worrying about living to 95, you won’t.

[@sandrarobinson4448]

Having a paid off mortgage and a large emergency fund outside of the market are priceless to me.

[@rexrandall33]

I am not sure how to plan for it but house maintenance like a new roof or a water heater ac/heater or something else that could go wrong after retiring

[@user-ik2no7jw5g]

You didn’t mention a car. Also rent increases, which can be exorbitant. Not everyone owns a home. What about planning for fire and natural disasters? Insurance doesn’t cover everything. And future medical expenses are a huge concern. How much should be put aside for future assisted living? It’s the unknowns that can ruin financial plans.

[@beautyRest1]

I retired unprepared, because when covid hit the company offered a good package. I took it. Then my husband got I’ll and died. From the small life insurance I decided to pay the condo off. Thankfully I never had credit card debt. That really helped. Having debt is a killer. It can make your life miserable. Sometimes you may have short term debt, like a a/c breaks down or an appliance. Have a little money saved for emergency.

[@justrusty]

Glad you addressed not necessarily paying off the mortgage. I understand people who gain piece of mind by paying it off, and by all means I applaud them if they're able to do it. I have a mortgage in retirement and it doesn't bother me in the least. (I joke that if I'm lucky, I'll die before I have to buy the whole house.)

[@thecasualrver]

What a good video and info! I'm retiring at the end of this month, we just sold our home, the equity we had in our home, we are buying a new high quality manufacture home for cash in a 55 and older retirement community, we are tired of paying $7500 a year in property taxes and $265 a month in HOA fees. We no longer need to home to build equity or wealth. We don't have any CC debt. We just need a good area and nice home to live in. Yes there is lot rent of $460 a month but there are many amenities that go along with that.

[@FIRED13]

Maybe perform and payoff any needed medical procedure

[@eileenspagnoli7171]

I would rather have a mortgage and have access to the cash in case I need it.

[@michaelgreskamp1093]

Car/Truck was not mentioned. A lot of people have a history of leasing cars going into retiirement vs owning. With the cost of vehicles today this is a major exptnse if you continue to lease. Many are accustomed to getting a new vehicle every three years if leased .. we have been retired for ten years and have been surprised we have been able tp manage with one car, If something comes up and we need another car we occassionaly rent. We are one of those that have no mortage - really simplifies the plan and I believe gives one more confidence there is no debt to manage. Will also help pay for surprises like unforseen medical expenses! I always find your videos verty informative.

[@michaelalberts4699]

Definitely planning to have the mortgage on our personal residence paid off before we retire. Having previously paid off the mortgage of our prior home, my wife and I appreciate being free of all debt.

[@RandomJane104]

I paid my mortgage off 12 years early. It was 5.25% interest. I had been paying a little extra on it all along and had decided to step it up because I didn't have any other debt. I had made a 6 year plan to pay it off my grandmother passed away not long after leaving me enough to pay it off and still invest a bit. So I just went ahead and paid it off 12 years early. I saved about $28k over the life of the loan. After the Trump tax changes went into effect it didn't make sense to itemize the interest anymore anyway. No tax advantages. Now I'm automatically investing the amount I had been putting towards my mortgage. Maybe I missed out on some investment compounding, but I saved a bunch in mortgage interest and I have about 17 years left to invest before I hit retirement age. I rest easy knowing the bank can't take away the equity I had put into my house no matter what happens in the future.

[@HT-sh1yj]

I enjoy your videos. Please consider doing a video on how much more percentage-wise (on average) a single person may need to save for retirement than a couple. Singles will have only one social security payment but still need to maintain a home and car, pay insurance, etc. I know everyone can do their own numbers and see what they need, but I’m curious about this question. Maybe use the example of people the same age who are currently social security eligible.

[@fsm12385]

Student loan debt at retirement age is uncomprehendable actually .

[@josephtownley7839]

I've come to realize as an investor that instead of letting my money sit idle in my savings account it is more productive to invest the little available and build a portfolio from the accumulated profit of investment

[@phillawson5785]

This is interesting thanks for sharing awesome tips ! I'm financially free and currently growing a solid retirement plan. It takes a positive and consistency to learn new things, unlearn the old habits ms Important to get a mentor/coach to lead you all the way. It's great to start young too!

[@ninajohnson6578]

Long term care insurance

[@pamp212]

Great content! I hit all marks but concerns over healthcare. -At age 62 I would love to retire but can’t seem to find enough personal info re: healthcare until Medicare.

[@ff5973]

Well you will probably need a new car after 6-10 years. Good Video!!

[@jpturner171]

Another great video on Retirement preparation….thanks Dave…. 16 months to go!👍🏽 We just got rid of our season tickets to the Giants. When I look at it with no emotion, we never go to the games and at times have difficulty selling them. Semper Fi 👍🏽🇺🇸

[@genxretiree]

We did pay off all fixed asset liabilities in 2021 and replaced our vehicles by selling the exising ones and paying cash for the difference for new ones. We do have two years of expenses in cash but we own a business and a commercial property so we like to keep even more on the side.

[@betsylatham5023]

We factored in when we are likely to have large home maintenance expenses like a new roof, furnace, exterior repainting during retirement. We did the ones that were close to needing to be done before my husband retired. Another possible big expense is a new car (although we are considering whether, when my car eventually dies, we could get by with just one).

[@vinyl1Earthlink]

I knew a fellow whose wife cancelled their seats at the Metropolitan Opera when they retired, just to save money. He was really ticked off - their retirement income was over $500K a year.

[@darwinjina]

dang. Just curious, but roughly how are opera seats? (I'm guessing it's a seasonal or annual pass) Hmm, maybe she was removing any obstacles (lol) for a yearlong around the world cruise.

[@onebridge7231]

She just didn’t like the Opera and used retirement as her get out of Opera jail card!

[@gardengal9478]

We live in NJ and the cost of living is high and we have ridiculous taxes. Any help there? No mortgage or any outstanding debt. We are both 64 and I am a stay at home mom/gmom. Can’t move because our oldest has stage 4 breast cancer and needs us to help with childcare.

[@ireneochoa6972]

Can't imagine retiring with a mortgage.

[@lailacraig1545]

Awesome! your potential seems timeless. Understanding your financial needs and chalking out a plan remains the smart way to prepare for the unexpected. 11yrs in investing space and extremely pleased with the decision I made. The good news is - it’s not too late...

[@Chris_at_Home]

We got rid of a big house and built a small energy efficient place with beautiful views. This was the start of a duplex that will be done in about a year. We have another place out in the woods that I also built. Paid off a nice vehicle and a few toys. Retirement is great, I have been many places all over the world and I am always on vacation where I live.

[@stephendibari5010]

Im 58 and 7 years away from retirement (December 2029) in DOD. just a couple of months ago paid off about $25k in CC debt and 2 personal loans. Made sure I didn’t go over $170k income so I avoided the 32% federal tax bracket. In January I’ll be paying off about $28k in CC’s and 1 loan combined. Unfortunately I had to pull all this $ out of my TSP and got hit w 10% penalties. My behavioral problem has ended and this is my last straw to make sure I enter retirement w no CC debt.

[@srconrad]

I hate debt but NOT paying off my mortgage in retirement is a no-brainer for me. I’m retiring early next year. It is the only debt I’ve carried for a long time now. I live in a HCOL area so housing is very expensive. I still owe about a third of the current value of my home but I refinanced it in 2020 for a below 3% interest rate. I’d much rather have my nest egg in equities than paying off this low rate mortgage. I also want to save my available cash for expenses to start retirement. The majority of my funds are tied up in a 401K and I’d have to pay taxes on the funds if I were to pull them out to pay off my mortgage. Instead, I’m going to convert as much as possible to my Roth IRA in my early retirement years.

[@cobrafinancialsolutions1039]

Great video!

[@lenorelopez748]

Thank you. Wondering now about a mortgage in retirement

[@bradleys2320]

I'm leaning towards clearing the mortgage before retirement, so that if something happens to me, it's one less big stressor that my wife has to deal with in all the arrangements.

[@darwinjina]

Have 2.5% apr for a mortgage. Should I should pay it off?

[@resourcefulqueen]

I also have a home mortgage at 2.5 percent which about 20 percent of the home value. It continues to appreciate and I rent out a room. I have decided to not excelleraten paying it off.

[@CraigandMandy1]

I would say no.

[@clbcl5]

pay off mortgage is a no-brainier if you look at what amount of interest you are guaranteed to pay over x amount of years. We are waiting on the wifes inheritance and Our only bill to pay off is the mortgage with a savings now at 45.5K of interest. My interest is higher than the principal.

[@CraigandMandy1]

I disagree. My interest rate is 3.75%. I fell I can make more in the stock market.

[@gmale6556]

I figured it would be wiser to carry a mortgage and get the tax write-off instead on taking a lump sum to pay the loan off. If I leave that money in my 401, it will grow to be much larger than my loan balance

[@MuzixMaker]

If you’re no going over the std deduction than mortgage interest doesn’t matter

[@marcboutin9555]

If your mortgage isn’t paid off, don’t retire fully.

[@BenjaminHansen]

I will have a mtg for four years into my retirement. I see my investments making more money than my mtg costs. So I will not be paying it off early. My plan is to retire @ 55 after 30 years @ 3M but will work a little to supplement my non retirement funds until I reach 59 1/2.

[@hardykornfeld1733]

My team and I, not me and my team.

[@micheleyoungblood]

Omg petty, is that all you have as a comment?