The Benefit Of Paying Off A Mortgage Early Goes Way Beyond Just Numbers

Should you pay off a mortgage early? One of the arguments against doing so is that you may be able to earn more by investing your money instead of making the extra mortgage payments.

On one level it makes sense. After all, if you could earn an average of 10% a year by investing in a mutual fund or something, you would end up with more money than you would by paying off a mortgage with a 6% interest rate. The only problem with that strategy is that the 10% possible annual earnings in an investment is not guaranteed. Earning 6% by paying off a mortgage early is guaranteed (Yes, Im well aware of the home mortgage interest tax deduction. But you pay taxes on investment earnings as well).

The only risk free rate of return is considered to be the three-month U.S. Treasury Bill rate. The interest rate for the three-month T-Bill is currently less than 4%. Anything you try to earn above 4% involves a certain amount of risk. I know as well as anyone that you have to take risks to be successful. However, its even easier to take risks on your investments if you own a home free and clear. So, by all means, take risks to get a higher rate of return on your investments, but your primary residence is not an investment. Its a place to live. And when it comes to your home, do the sure thing by paying off your mortgage.

There is another good reason for paying off a mortgage early, and it cant be quantified. Its the psychological factor of being completely debt-free, including your mortgage. Its a liberating feeling thats hard to describe unless youve done it. And the longer Im in the financial arena the more I appreciate the fact that the emotional satisfaction of what someone does with money is much more important than just simply crunching numbers.

(c) Larry Holmes

 

How to Refinance Your Auto Loan Online

Refinancing your car loan may be a smart move if you received a high interest rate. A high interest rate is generally indicative of some credit problems. While obtaining a rate thats a few percentage points higher than current trends may not seem like a big deal, it may cost you an addition $30 to $50 a month. To save money on your auto loan, improve your credit, and then consider refinancing for a lower rate.

What is a Refinance?

A refinance creates a new loan, which in turn replaces the existing loan. You may incur a prepayment penalty fee and a title transfer fee. Before agreeing to refinance, carefully weight the advantages and disadvantages. If the savings are marginal, refinancing may not be the best option.

When to Refinance?

The perfect time to refinance your auto loan is when your credit score has improved and when you have been paying on the existing loan for at least a year. After applying for a new auto loan, lenders will review your credit. Your credit score is a big factor is deciding the interest rate. Good credit applicants are offered great rates, whereas bad credit applicants must pay higher fees. Before refinancing, check your credit report. If you credit score needs improving, put off refinancing until you resolve credit issues.

How to Refinance Online?

When refinancing your existing auto loan, request a quote from your current auto lender. Lenders want to keep you as a current customer. If you have established a good payment history, your lender may be willing to refinance your loan, and waive some of the fees that accompany a refinance.

While your existing auto loan lender may offer you a great deal, it is wise to compare rates with other lenders. The best way to receive multiple offers from several auto loan companies is to request an online quote. Submitting a quote through an auto broker is quick and convenient. The reply time varies; however, you can expect a response within one hour to 24 hours.

After your receive quotes, carefully compare the rates and fees of each lender. Choose the lender with the best deal. Submit an official application, and within a few days you will receive paperwork to sign.

Refinancing with a Home Equity Loan

If you have lived in your home for a reasonable amount of time, you may be considering refinancing.

Refinancing can be done in a few different ways. One of the most popular recently has been the home equity loan.

A home equity loan is a loan used to pay off your existing mortgage at a lower rate.

Also, when refinancing with a home equity loan, you have the option of liquidating some of the equity you have established in your home through monthly mortgage payments and appreciation.

Lets suppose you owe $125,000.00 on the mortgage to your home, but your home is worth $200,000.00. This means you have $75,000.00 worth of equity that you can liquidate.

Realistically, you could get a home equity loan for $150,000.00, pay off your existing mortgage, and have $25,000.00 left for home improvement, a new car, college tuition, etc.

Home equity loans also come in the form of a line of credit, better known as a home equity line of credit.

The difference between a home equity loan and line is that the line comes with a variable rate, which means it will adjust with the prime rate, so be careful when deciding.

The home equity credit line can also be re-tapped once it has been partially paid off, or paid off in full, which makes for much convenience.

Before deciding on how you want to go about doing your refinancing, be sure to educate yourself as much as possible about the mortgage industry.

Also, shop around for the best rate and program that fits your needs and budget. The mortgage industry is a competitive one, so let them fight for your business. Good luck.

 

Related topics

Should I Refinance My Mortgage? Three Questions to Ask Yourself
Home Loans Refinance Options - Refinance Two Mortgages Into One
Mortgage Loans For People With Poor Credit
Home Loan For People With Poor Credit
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