Should Your Mortgage Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy?

Planning for retirement isn’t always straightforward—and if you feel like you’re behind, you’re not alone. According to recent surveys, 53% of Americans feel behind on their retirement planning, and with longer life expectancy and rising living costs, it’s always a good time to reevaluate your strategy.
One often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning? Your mortgage.
Nearly 40% of retirees still carry a mortgage, with the average balance over $100,000. That equates to roughly $10,000 per year in payments—lasting for 12 years or more. As you start designing your retirement roadmap, it's worth considering how your home—and any remaining debt tied to it—fits into the picture.

How to Manage Your Mortgage Leading Up to Retirement

Many of us consider money in the bank, in brokerage accounts, in 401(k)s, and IRAs when planning for retirement, but it’s easy to miss the money that’s built up in your home.
Your home isn’t just a place to live—it’s a financial asset, and how you manage your mortgage leading up to and during retirement can play a key role in your long-term financial stability.

Refinancing Your Mortgage as a Retirement Strategy

When comparing your retirement income to your working years’ income, it's smart to reassess your monthly obligations—and your mortgage is often the largest one. Refinancing your mortgage before you retire can be a strategic move to:

Lower your monthly payments

Lock in a lower interest rate

Access your home equity

Free up cash for investments or living expenses

By aligning your mortgage with your retirement income, you help create a smoother transition into your next chapter.

Benefits of Refinancing Before Retirement

1. Lower Monthly Payments
This is the most immediate and impactful benefit. Whether you secure a lower interest rate or extend your loan’s amortization period, lowering your monthly payments can:

Free up more of your budget for everyday living

Give you peace of mind if you’re on a fixed income

Provide flexibility for unexpected expenses

2. Reduced Interest Rates
If interest rates have dropped since you first took out your mortgage, refinancing now could reduce your interest costs significantly. That means:

More of your payment goes toward your principal

You build equity faster

You save money over the life of your loan

3. Tap Into Your Home Equity
Your home may be one of your largest sources of wealth. A cash-out refinance allows you to access that equity and use it for:

Boosting your retirement savings

Paying off higher-interest debt

Funding healthcare costs or home improvements

4. Adjusting Your Loan Term
Depending on your financial needs, you may consider shortening or lengthening your loan term—for example, from a 30-year to a 15-year or vice versa.

Closing Thoughts: Mortgage Planning = Retirement Planning

When it comes to retirement, every dollar counts. That’s why it's essential to look beyond your bank account and 401(k) and consider your home’s role in your financial future.
Refinancing might not be the right move for everyone—but for many, it’s a practical way to lower expenses, boost cash flow, and better prepare for the road ahead.
Need help evaluating your mortgage options? Give us a call to talk about how your home can work harder for you in retirement.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Rates Are Trending Downward: How to Pick the Best Strategy for Your Home Financing

September 17, 2025

As interest rates are trending downward, this shift is opening the door to new opportunities to lower monthly payments, consolidate debt, or tap into home equity.

New Federal Law Bans Abusive Use of Trigger Leads

September 8, 2025

In March 2026, the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act will put an end to the unwanted solicitations many buyers receive after submitting a mortgage application.

10 Benefits of Working a Part-Time Job as a Student

September 3, 2025

Back-to-school season is here. Many Gen Z students are benefitting from a part-time job during the school year.

Refinances Are Up 23%: Is Your Mortgage Working for You?

August 21, 2025

Refinances currently account for 46.5% of all mortgage activity. Is your home loan working for you? More homeowners are taking a strategic, big-picture approach to their finances—and home equity is playing a big role in that shift. With high-interest debt, rising living costs, and growing home equity balances, many of

Your Guide to Down Payment Assistance Programs and Low Down Payment Options

August 14, 2025

Your down payment doesn't need to be a dealbreaker. Whether through local down payment assistance programs or federal loan options like FHA, VA, or USDA loans, there are multiple paths to affordable homeownership in 2025.

How to Buy a New Home Without Selling Your Current One First

August 7, 2025

Looking to buy a new home before selling your current one? Most people think of a HELOC as a second mortgage or a way to tap into equity of your current home; however, another strategy for HELOCs is to use it as a bridge loan to secure a new home before selling your current one.

Should Your Mortgage Be Part of Your Retirement Strategy?