Traditionally, paying off the mortgage after 30 years was a common goal for Americans as they approached retirement age. However, recent research has shown that baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are carrying more mortgage debt into retirement than earlier generations. In fact, they are less likely to own their homes outright at retirement age compared to previous generations. The decision of whether to pay off a mortgage in retirement depends on various factors including income, mortgage size, savings, and the value of the mortgage interest deduction. It’s important to carefully evaluate these considerations before making a decision.
When to Continue Making Mortgage Payments?
On the other hand, if a retiree has a small mortgage, a fixed income, and high savings, it may make more sense to continue making mortgage payments and invest the extra money instead. This strategy could potentially generate additional income in retirement, as long as the investment returns are higher than the after-tax cost of the mortgage.
It’s important to consider all factors and consult with a financial planner before making a decision on whether to pay off a mortgage in retirement. The decision will depend on the individual’s financial situation and goals.
Avoid Tapping Retirement Funds
Retirees should consider the potential consequences of taking money from a retirement account to pay off a mortgage. Early withdrawal from an IRA or 401(k) can result in taxes and penalties, even if you wait until you are over the age of 59½. Additionally, withdrawing a large sum from a retirement account could raise your tax bracket for the year.
It is generally more advisable to continue making contributions to retirement accounts, especially if you are nearing retirement age and have not saved enough. Research suggests that a significant percentage of working-age individuals do not have a retirement account, and those who do often have modest savings. Therefore, it is important to prioritize saving for retirement over paying off a mortgage.
Strategies to Pay Off or Reduce Your Mortgage
If you are approaching retirement and are trying to decide whether or not to pay off your mortgage, there are a few options you can consider. For example, you could try making biweekly payments instead of monthly payments, which will allow you to make one extra payment per year.
Another option might be to downsize your home and use the proceeds from the sale to buy a smaller home outright, thereby eliminating your mortgage. However, it’s important to be aware that these options come with their own set of risks and considerations.
For instance, it’s possible to overestimate the value of your current home, underestimate the cost of a new home, or overlook closing costs or tax implications. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with a financial advisor who can help you carefully evaluate your situation and make the best decision for you.
Should I Refinance My Mortgage to Lower the Monthly Payment?
During the years when mortgage rates were low, it may have been a good option to refinance or obtain a mortgage. However, as interest rates have begun to rise and are now above 7%, it may not be possible to secure a better deal for those who already have a mortgage or have recently refinanced. It is unlikely that mortgage rates will return to a lower level in the near future. So, refinancing might not be a good idea for retirees.
Are Many Retirees Still Paying Off Mortgages?
Despite being in retirement, a significant portion of Americans between the ages of 60 and 70 are still paying off their mortgages. In fact, approximately 44% of retired individuals in this age range are still making mortgage payments. These individuals typically expect to continue paying off their mortgages for the next eight years. It is worth noting that most of these individuals purchased their homes more than 20 years ago and either financed or refinanced their mortgages during the years of low interest rates. As a result, it is unlikely that they will be able to secure a better deal on their mortgages in the foreseeable future.
Is It Worth Keeping the Mortgage to Get the Mortgage Interest Deduction?
In 2018, the United States implemented changes to federal tax law that nearly doubled the standard deduction and eliminated many itemized deductions. As a result, fewer Americans have found it advantageous to itemize their taxes, even if they have mortgage interest to claim as a deduction. This is because the standard deduction for 2022 taxes is $12,900 for single filers and $25,900 for joint filers.
If an individual’s interest payment (in addition to any other miscellaneous deductions they may have) is less than these amounts, it may be more beneficial to take the standard deduction instead. It’s worth noting that this change in tax law has impacted many individuals who purchased their homes more than 20 years ago and financed or refinanced their mortgages during the low-interest years. In fact, approximately 44% of retired Americans between the ages of 60 and 70 are still paying off their mortgages, with many expecting to continue doing so for the next eight years.
What is the downside of paying off your house?
There are several potential downsides to paying off your house, including:
- Opportunity cost: By paying off your mortgage, you’re using your money to reduce your debt rather than investing it in other opportunities that may have higher returns. This means you may be missing out on the potential growth and income that your investments could provide.
- Lack of flexibility: Once your mortgage is paid off, you may have less financial flexibility. For example, you may not be able to borrow against the equity in your home to fund large expenses or investments.
- Lack of liquidity: If you have a large portion of your wealth tied up in your home, you may have less liquid assets to draw from in the event of an emergency or unexpected expense.
- Lack of diversification: If you have a significant portion of your net worth tied up in your home, your wealth may not be diversified, which could increase your financial risk.
It’s important to consider these potential downsides and weigh them against the benefits of paying off your mortgage before making a decision. It may be helpful to consult with a financial advisor to help you determine the best course of action for your individual situation.
Bottom Line
Paying off a mortgage in retirement is a personal financial decision that depends on various factors such as income, mortgage size, savings, and the value of the mortgage interest deduction. It may make sense to continue making mortgage payments if you have a small mortgage, a fixed income, and high savings, as investing the extra money may potentially generate additional income in retirement. However, if you have a high mortgage, a low income, and low savings, paying off the mortgage before retirement may be a good option to reduce your financial burden. It is important to carefully evaluate your financial situation and consult with a financial planner before making a decision.