Should Pete sell mutual fund to pay down the mortgage? + MORE Mar 24th

Not sure how to make a retirement plan? Read on…
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 retirement savings

Should retirees speculate? + MORE Nov 16th

All investors need to know the difference between investing and speculation—often summed up as what you do with “serious money” versus “fun money”—and that’s doubly true for those at or near retirement. While investing is about building wealth you can count on, speculating typically me.... More »
 retirement savings

Retirement Income for Life: Why Canadian retirees love Frederick Vettese’s books and his PERC + MORE Feb 22nd

Since I turn 71 soon, my attention is naturally becoming focussed on the inevitable question of what to do when my registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) must be collapsed. Do I keep it as a registered retirement income fund (RRIF)? Or should I convert it into an annuity? Maybe I do a combination.... More »

When to prioritize debt repayment over saving Nov 9th

In an earlier story, we introduced you to Lindsay Tithecott, a 29-year-old who is trying to pay down debt, build up savings and buy a larger condo. To help her get her finances in tip top shape, we gave her a series of financial challenges, including a rethink of her budget-busting fitness classes. .... More »
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What’s the best way of using your home equity during retirement? Nov 9th

Not sure how to make a retirement plan? Read on... What’s the best way of using your home equity during retirement? - thestar.comContinue Reading On thestar.com »Getting the most out of your Retirement Plan in Canada can be tricky - let us help! Visit our Retirement page for.... More »
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Planning for retirement with little or no savings to draw on + MORE Mar 21st

Despite their best intentions, some Canadians, facing a variety of financial challenges throughout their working lives, are not able to save much towards retirement. It can be difficult to know how to manage in these circumstances, especially when so much of the financial planning advice that gets s.... More »
Annuities may offer security in uncertain timesPurchasing a better night’s sleep in retirement may come from buying an annuity.

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Should Pete sell mutual fund to pay down the mortgage?Shutterstock
Q. I have $103,490 left on my mortgage and I pay $325 bi-weekly on it @2.89% fixed rate (mortgage is being renewed shortly). I have the ability to pay off up to 15% ($18,700) of the original mortgage annually in a lump sum without fees. Should I pull money out of my mutual funds (averaging 7% annual return) to put down a lump payment? Or, keep everything as it is? I can also pay down up to double the required bi-weekly payment without charges also, so possibly increasing the biweekly payment would be better? Any advice?
Thanks, Pete
A. Pete, this is actually a common question. People want to know where their money will be most effective. You have had a low rate on your mortgage and even with renewal, it will remain relatively low. Meanwhile, your mutual funds are earning 7%.
Related: Paying down an income property
I do not recommend withdrawing from a higher earning investment to pay down a lower cost debt. That would not be effective and there may be other fees associated with that strategy including possible deferred sales charge fees or maybe taxes (if RRSP money is involved)…

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