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The smartest decision that my wife and I ever made was when we paid off our mortgage. It greatly improved our quality of life and granted my wife the ability to stay at home.
A One-Track Mind
When I bought my house back in 2004, I was not thinking about marriage. Fresh out of college, I had a decent job and a laser focus on making and saving money. I had many roommates throughout the years, and my house morphed into the ultimate bachelor pad. It wasn’t until my roommates started moving out and getting married that I started to really think about marriage.
Laying the Groundwork
When I met my wife in 2009, I knew that she was the one instantly. We had a bit of a whirlwind courtship, as it began January 2012 and ended in marriage in September 2012. However, many years prior to marriage, I had laid down the groundwork that enabled us to pay off our mortgage with greater ease. Whenever possible, I paid extra into my monthly mortgage payments. With the stock market tanking, I gratefully received a guaranteed return on my money from the mortgage versus the free-falling market.
A Team Effort
The mortgage balance, which once seemed insurmountable, became smaller and smaller. Once we were married, we could see the end in sight together. Paying off our mortgage became our obsession. We focused on this goal everyday, looking for any way to squeeze our pennies even further.
So while many of our friends were using their monetary wedding gifts on fun things, my wife and I utilized all our wedding cash and any other excess money to pour into our outstanding mortgage balance. To us, this was the greatest gift we could give ourselves because we knew financial freedom would change everything.
Family Responsibilities
Finally at the end of 2012, my wife and I made the final mortgage payment. It’s a good thing that we did because less than a year prior, tragedy struck when her mother passed away from cancer. At that point, it became evident that my wife would need to take on many of roles that were once her mother’s. While she tried to continue working outside of the home, my wife soon realized that she was unable to meet her autistic sister’s needs while juggling work and other responsibilities.
Many people urged my wife to hire someone to do it. But she couldn’t find anyone good enough to care for her sister. She interviewed many people, but ultimately, she felt a peace about becoming her full-time caregiver. Realistically though, I don’t know how we would have managed if we had still had our mortgage. Without the roommate income that I had been receiving, we would have needed a regular monetary contribution from my wife to continue to stay on top of the mortgage.
Adding Another Person to the Mix
Another positive was that once we had our first child, the transition was fairly seamless. My wife already had the flexibility to be at home with her sister. We also didn’t experience a disruption at all in regards to our wallet. She wasn’t dependent on maternity leave compensation or benefits. There wasn’t pressure on her to leave our son and go back into the workforce. Additionally, we didn’t have to take on the financial strain of daycare costs.
So hands down, my smartest financial decision was paying off my mortgage. Doing so has afforded our family opportunities that we wouldn’t have been able to imagine with a mortgage. The wise decisions and persistence to crush that mortgage have allowed us to live our current lifestyle, which isn’t too shabby.
Ah I see the fuller story now! Paying off the mortgage early really does have incredible benefits. A lot of PF pieces site the monetary and psychological aspect but this is family. I love my greedy market returns but after reading this, I would have done the exact. same. thing!
Lily He-Prudhomme recently posted…Fledgling Pledging For The Million Dollar Club
Thanks for sharing Lily!!! I didn’t intend to set up making a family decision since I was single at the time but in hindsight I am super pumped with the decision we made 🙂
That’s amazing how the timing worked out just right! A strong argument too against trying to leverage your mortgage.
Daniel Palmer @ Pennies and Dollars recently posted…26 Money Rules For High School Grads
Thanks for stopping by Dan!!! It definitely worked out well for me and my family 🙂
This is something Mr. Adventure Rich and I always “struggle” with. We have a high investment rate in my 401K and our HSA, with a little extra going to our mortgage… but we could ramp up our mortgage payoff if we invested a bit less in retirement accounts. This is a really interesting perspective on the freedom afforded to you through the mortgage payoff!
Thanks for stopping by!!! I definitely agree that it’s definitely a tradeoff between retirement and your mortgage. For us it made sense but I can definitely see why others would want to invest in the market 🙂
Mustard: Nice work on paying off the mortgage! I am splitting the difference on that one, and paying extra on the mortgage, while also investing. I can see the merits of both sides, so I am riding the fence!
The Tepid Tamale recently posted…Maybe all is not lost!
Thanks for stopping by!!! That sounds like a smart plan. Half in the market and half towards the market. Great job!!!
Rob, thanks for going into depth with your mortgage payoff story. Truly inspiring and what great foresight on your part!
Best financial decision was moving from the expensive house in the expensive area. Hands down. It allowed my wife to stay at home with our son 🙂
Thanks for sharing Dave!!! My wife and I are looking at doing the same down the road. I’d love to get out of this high cost living area and somewhere with a bigger bang for our buck 🙂
For me, it was investing in real estate, and in an area where it is very affordable. So, now I have 4 properties owned free and clear, including the one I live in and the rental income covers all my basic living expenses including housing costs, health insurance and some extra spending for food. My second best decision was to get rid of my car…. financially, physically and mentally. 🙂
Primal Prosperity recently posted…How to become a ‘Muon Hunter’, ‘Carbon Detective’ or a ‘Gravity Spy’ (no experience necessary)
Wow Primal Prosperity!!! 4 properties is incredible and to have it take care of all your expenses is awesome. Great job!!!
Avoiding daycare costs in this area is huge! It’s absurd how much people around here charge for daycare. You need a full salary to cover the costs!
Matt @ Optimize Your Life recently posted…On Quitting and Time Management
Daycare costs in this area is crazy. I’m actually surprised that there aren’t more with how much they make. It seems like a cash cow business 🙂
Sounds like 2012 was one hell of a year for you and your wife!
Right now, my smartest financial decision was to take my business freelance and start travelling in a way that’s sustainable. No big job-quit, no crazy 6 months of travel before going back to the grind – just a careful, planned out strategy that’s made the lifestyle I want possible. We’ll see if that changes as I get more responsibilities though! 🙂
Yaz | The Wallet Moth recently posted…5 Things Climbing Can Teach You About Yourself, Money, & Life
Thanks for stopping by Yaz!!! Sounds like you planned everything out perfectly and are now reaping the rewards. Congrats!!!
That is so wonderful of your wife to care for her sister. Having the financial freedom to give her the care she needs is what the FIRE journey is all about–being able to do the important things in life. 🙂
Mrs. Picky Pincher recently posted…79 Ways To Have Fun For Nearly Free
Thanks for stopping by Mrs. Picky Pincher!!! We are incredibly fortunate and realize how blessed we are to be able to do this 🙂
Buying a new house was the most recent financial mistake I have made. It is eating up between 40 – 60% of our paycheck every month (depending on maintenance issues that have popped up). For now though we are enjoying the view and the space. In 5 years we may decide to change our tune and sell the place for a smaller home.
Dads Dollars Debts recently posted…Hump Day June 14, 2017
Thanks for sharing!!! My wife and I have been looking at moving in the future. I definitely don’t want to be in a position where so much money is going out the door each month. Hopefully we can find the right house in the future 🙂
Every persons situation is different. It just goes to show it’s important to consider potential situations like suprise added dependents (if probable) in your planning and decisions. Glad to hear it worked out,
FullTimeFinance recently posted…Too much in Tax Advantaged Accounts?
Thanks for stopping by!!! I definitely agree that it worked out well for me 🙂
Mr. Moneyseed, when you payoff your mortgage do you suggest solely focusing on that payment or invest and pay down your mortgage simultaneously? I am 29 and I don’t know if it is beneficial to begin investing for compound interest or payoff mortgage (4%interest rate) so that when I am about 40 I will be debt free and then can use that money to heavily invest? Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by Ms. Wright!!! Most experts will tell you that it makes sense to invest since on average the stock market has returned more than the 4% interest rate that you have. I paid down my mortgage like it was a bond in order to diversify from the stock market. It worked out well for me but who knows what the future holds.
Paying off the mortgage must be an amazing feeling. For most people, their mortgage/rent is their biggest expense, without that payment you can certainly build wealth quickly and have flexibility in your choices. Having a plan for our money has been our best plan so far.
Having a plan is definitely the first and best step to smart money decisions 🙂 I definitely had a loose plan that should have been a lot tighter. I got lucky 🙂
Thanks for the advice! My wife and I are currently saving up for a downpayment, and sometimes it’s hard to decide how much money to put towards a house or towards our other investments. It really seems like a weight is lifted off your shoulders once you have a house paid off though! I’m curious, how long would you have to plan on living somewhere in order to buy? For example, if I planned on living somewhere for 3 years, would it be more worth it to you to buy or rent?
Matt Kuhn recently posted…5 Reasons Why Frugality May Be Holding You Back
I use 5 years but that’s mainly because of how the real estate fees involved. But if you live in a crazy high rental market compared to buying it may make sense to lower it.
The team effort part is key. It is a huge endeavor and good to know that your wife is on the same page. Is she in the finance/accounting field? And it’ amazing how life’s phases fall into play once the mortgage was paid off, adding comfort that you made the right decision.
SMM recently posted…How Do I Protect My Investments?
My wife was a psychology major and was planning to go to law school when we met. Things obviously changed when she started to become her sister’s full time care taker.
I’ve said it before and will say it more and more. The smartest decision I’ve ever made has been opening a joint checking account for me and my wife. It helped us a lot to be on the same page and share the same financial goals
Friendly Russian recently posted…Don’t let your past define your future.
Thanks for sharing!!! A joint bank account is key to getting on the same page. Definitely a smart decision!!!
Wow I love how paying off the mortgage early has benefited you and your family in so many ways. I love reading about it since Mr. FAF and I are trying to do the exact same thing. I try not to think about it, but the mortgage seems to hang over our heads as a big debt. I can’t wait until that humongous mortgage is paid off! =)
Ms. Frugal Asian Finance recently posted…The Pros & Cons of Our Long-distance Marriage
Thanks for sharing Mrs. FAF!!! Paying off our mortgage was by far the best decision that we ever made. I definitely don’t want to go back in debt if I don’t have to 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I think in your situation, paying off the mortgage wasn’t just financially a good decision, but both emotionally and mentally. I think the last two might be more important than the monetary. Since money you can always make. Peace and a sense of stability, on the other hand, are pretty vital to just living, period.
I definitely agree Tim that the emotional decision by far outweighed the financial decision. Not having that anchor weigh us down was a great feeling.
Nicely done. Paying off a mortgage may have an opportunity cost, but it also de-risks your entire financial scene and opens the door to the flexibility and options you described. Congratulations!
Paul recently posted…The Key to Achieving Goals
I definitely agree Paul!!! It definitely opened up doors in the future to try some other things if we want. Definitely a nice feeling 😉
My best financial decision was buying our house during the downturn. Since then, home values have continued to climb in our area. We’re paying it down too. Only three years to go! I can’t wait.
Congrats!!! Three years away must feel like a great feeling. Sounds like you have set yourself up very well for the future 🙂
Well done Mustard Seed Money. It’s good to hear that it’s worked out for you and your wife so well. I’ve recently been wondering about the opportunity cost of having paid off the mortgage and I have to admit I like the security of not having that debt even if financially we could have done better.
I think my best financial decision was escaping the typical financial path of debt and lifestyle creep. Reflecting on the last 10 years, I think it’s brought my husband and I more richness than I could have imagined.
Eliza recently posted…In a rut: Help for when you’re stuck
Very encouraging, sir! We don’t yet have a mortgage, but you’ve encouraged to avoid a large one. So true how good financial choices reap rewards later on as circumstances change, and kudos to you and your wife for lovingly taking on important responsibilities. Love reading your posts – it’s inspiring how you always have something good to post! Keep it up!
Finances with Purpose recently posted…Financial Update (June 2017): Inching Towards Success…
Thanks for stopping by!!! I’m not a huge fan of mortgages as you see 🙂 So the smaller the better!!!
What a powerful story, Rob. Thanks for sharing. Your story is one of many reasons why debt freedom is well worth every effort.
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer recently posted…Paying off Debt: How to Recover From a Blown Budget Month
Thanks for the compliment Laurie!!! I always enjoy sharing our story and hope it inspires others 🙂
Awesome and thanks for sharing MSM. Your story is inspiring
Erik @ The Mastermind Within recently posted…Unapplied Knowledge is No Knowledge at All
Thanks for stopping by Erik!!! Appreciate the feedback.
I liked how you referenced teamwork between you and your wife. I was thinking about writing soon on that very topic. So important. I would say our best financial moves so far have been paying off school loans and all debt aside from our mortgage thus far. That one is still a work in progress haha.
Mr Defined Sight recently posted…Investing Mistakes I’ve Learned Through The Years
Thanks for sharing Mr. Definied Sight!!! That’s awesome to hear that you’ve paid down all non-mortgage debt. That’s quite the accomplishment!!! Keep it up!!!
I think that the smartest financial decision that I ever made was to become financially literate. Learning how to manage my finances responsibly had put me in a great position to be able to retire by the age of 48. I was so surprised when I realized that this is possible.
Leo T. Ly @ isaved5k.com recently posted…What’s The Financial Benefit Of Growing Your Own Food?
Thanks for sharing Leo!!! Financial literacy is so important and something that is such an underrated skill set to have in life. Sounds like you are well on your way!!!
This is awesome! Paying off our mortgage is a long term goal for us and this post is extra motivation. We just paid off our car and another small loan we had so now the focus is fully on the mortgage. Not sure we can do it as fast as you though! Are you planning on staying in your current home for a while? One of things my husband and I discuss is the possibility of moving down the road and the cost / benefit of paying of the mortgage if we are going to move and have to possibly take out another one.
Courtney @ Your Average Dough recently posted…How Do You Differentiate Yourself?
My wife and I are potentially looking to move as we expand our family. We’re trying to figure out the right balance between space and cost of the new home. It makes it that much easier for us knowing that we don’t have a mortgage to take our time 🙂
Thanks for sharing MSM. I would have say the biggest financial decision we have made was to focus on paying down debt. We got to the point of only having a mortgage and paying an extra $1K a month on it, trying to pay it off as soon as possible.
FIbythecommonguy recently posted…A move is coming
Thanks for sharing FIbythecommonguy!!! Paying down debt is huge and being laser focused is key. Sounds like you are well on your way. Congrats!!!
MSM –
Thank you so much for sharing and wow – really made it stand out that paying off the mortgage reduced extra stress when tragic events occur and life events. Very inspirational, thank you. Extra payments, here we come.
-Lanny
Dividend Diplomats recently posted…Lanny’s May Dividend Income Summary
Thanks for stopping by Lanny!!! It is a huge blessing and one that I never would have imagined. Funny how things work out 🙂
Paying off your mortgage definitely was a great thing to do. It gave you and your family options. We never know what is around the corner for us and our loved ones.
Have a happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day to you as well. Paying off the mortgage definitely opened up a ton of options that we never imagined. Definitely a huge blessing.
This is the benefit of staying single 🙂
I don’t really have to worry about anyone except myself. It makes life decisions a lot easier.
Troy @ Bear Market recently posted…The global economy is improving. It’s a bull market in stocks everywhere.
Thanks for sharing Troy!!! Definitely a huge advantage of being single 🙂
I do think that reducing and refinancing our mortgage to the current level was a good idea. Not from a pure return calculation. Would we have invested the money in the stock market, returns would have been higher.
It seems that the whole mortgage things ways heavy on us, so reducing it feels good. We are now at the point that we could pay it off if we wanted. We for now intentionally decide not to pay it off.
Amber tree recently posted…Trade inspiration
Thanks for sharing Amber tree. Sounds like you made a great decision for your family. It’s amazing how refinancing a home can make a huge difference. Sounds like you are really reaping the benefits.