5 Hacks to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

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1. Pay a Little More Each Month

Even small extra payments can make a massive difference over time.

By adding just a little more toward your principal each month, you’ll cut years off your loan.

Think of it as buying your freedom one small step at a time.

Here’s why it works:

• Less interest. Every extra dollar goes straight to the principal.
  
• Faster payoff. You’ll shave off years without noticing the difference.
  
• Total savings. You’ll save thousands over the life of your mortgage.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Add just $50–$100 to your monthly mortgage payment and watch your payoff date move closer.

Make It Easy: Use a mortgage tracker notebook to mark your progress each month.

2. Skip Luxury Spending for Faster Payoff

That new car, designer bag, or latest gadget can wait. Your mortgage can’t.

Cutting a few “want” purchases helps you redirect real money toward your financial freedom.

It’s not about being cheap. It’s about being smart.

Here’s how this pays off:

• More control. You decide where your money goes, not your impulses.
  
• Bigger wins. Redirecting even small luxuries can make huge progress.
  
• Peace of mind. Every skipped splurge means less financial stress.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Pick one luxury expense to cut this month and apply that money directly to your mortgage.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to find unnecessary subscriptions or spending habits you can cut instantly.

3. Put Side Hustle Money Toward Your Mortgage

Your side hustle income is your secret weapon for early payoff.

Treat every extra dollar from gig work as bonus fuel for your mortgage.

You won’t even miss the money if you never budgeted with it to begin with.

Here’s why it’s powerful:

• Accelerated progress. You pay down principal without touching your main income.
  
• Motivation boost. Seeing your balance drop faster feels incredible.
  
• Compound impact. Small, consistent payments create huge long-term results.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Dedicate 100% of your side hustle earnings to your mortgage each month. It’s money you didn’t plan on anyway.

Make It Easy: Keep a separate savings account for all your side hustle income to make transfers clean and organized.

4. Put Bonuses Toward the Principal

Your work bonus or tax refund might scream “vacation,” but using it for your mortgage is way smarter.

One lump-sum payment can knock years off your payoff timeline.

It’s the kind of move your future self will thank you for. big time.

Here’s why this strategy shines:

• Immediate impact. Large payments shrink your balance fast.
  
• Lower interest. Less principal means less interest to pay.
  
• Financial confidence. Watching your debt drop instantly is motivating.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Commit to sending at least 80% of any bonus or refund straight to your mortgage principal.

Make It Easy: Store bonus funds in a Betterment Cash Reserve Account until you’re ready to make your extra payment.

5. Spend Less and Use the Savings for Your Mortgage

The money you save each month doesn’t have to vanish. It can work for you.

Redirecting savings from everyday expenses speeds up your mortgage payoff without feeling like a sacrifice.

It’s all about reusing the money you already have wisely.

Here’s what this looks like:

• Trimmed expenses. Lower grocery bills or canceled subscriptions mean freed-up cash.
  
• Better habits. You’ll naturally spend less over time.
  
• Visible progress. Every small adjustment moves the needle.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Add up your monthly savings and transfer that exact amount to your mortgage each month.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to identify areas where you can save instantly and send that money toward your loan.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌