Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement?
This article appears as part of Casey Weade's Weekend Reading for Retirees series. Every Friday, Casey highlights four hand-picked articles on trending retirement topics and delivers them straight to your email inbox. Get on the list here.

Weekend Reading
Stepping into retirement without a mortgage might give you a true sense of financial security. But is it always the best move?
READ THE ARTICLEWhat to Know: Holding onto a low-interest mortgage can free up liquidity and allow your investments to grow. On the other hand, eliminating that monthly payment can provide peace of mind in a phase of life filled with financial unknowns. Consider this: when you're working, your paycheck helps cover your mortgage. In retirement, that steady income disappears, potentially making debt feel heavier.
But what if you’re planning to sell your home? In that case, paying off your mortgage early might mean tying up cash you could otherwise use for flexibility, unexpected expenses, or even more enjoyable things—like travel, hobbies, or time with family.
Ask Yourself: Do you value security over financial flexibility? Does the thought of a mortgage in retirement keep you up at night, or does it feel like just another bill? Your “best” decision depends on how you feel about risk, liquidity, and control over your finances.