Buying your house isn't a one-and-done transaction. Instead, you'll spend years or even decades slowly paying off your purchase.
How does your mortgage debt compare to that of other people your same age? Find out. Then, read through a list of strategies that can help you crush your debt by paying off your mortgage quickly.
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What is the average mortgage debt by generation?
In 2024, Credit Karma analyzed data provided by its 78.2 million members to find out how much the average member of each generation owed in mortgage debt the previous year.
Here is what they found:
- Generation Z: $195,849
- Millennials: $261.484
- Generation X: $240,590
- Baby boomers: $188,034
- Silent generation: $163,702
Looking at these numbers should help you better understand how you compare to your peers.
How to pay down your mortgage faster
Whether you owe more or less on your mortgage than other members of your generation, there is a good chance that you want to get rid of your debt as soon as possible.
The following small steps can have a big impact over time if you consistently apply them to your mortgage debt.
Make additional payments throughout the year
Do you have a little extra cash to spend? Put it toward your mortgage debt.
The faster you pay off your principal, the less interest you'll accrue over time — which means every last bit of money you can put toward the principal can pay off in big ways down the road.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Switch to biweekly mortgage payments
Instead of making one monthly payment toward your mortgage debt, consider paying your mortgage biweekly. This means you will pay half of your regular mortgage amount every other week.
Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you'll make 26 half-payments. That adds up to 13 full payments, which gives you one extra payment every year.
Make just one extra payment each year
Another way to pay down your mortgage faster is to split the cost of one payment by 12, then add that amount to each monthly mortgage payment.
This way, you'll end up making an extra payment over the course of the year without having to change your payment schedule or budget for a lump-sum payment.
Round up your payments
Make the math a little easier by simply rounding up to the nearest $100 every time you make a mortgage payment.
For instance, if your typical payment is $1,540, consider rounding up to an even $1,600. By the end of the year, you'll have paid an extra $720 in total.
Cut expenses and apply the savings to your mortgage
Not sure where to find extra cash to contribute to your mortgage payment? Take another look at your budget.
Can you save a few extra dollars by switching phone plans or eating out less? If so, consider putting the money saved toward your mortgage principal.
Apply financial windfalls to your mortgage
It's tempting to spend a holiday bonus from work or a substantial inheritance from a relative on something fun. However, you can put windfalls to better use by applying them toward your mortgage debt.
Doing this with every windfall that comes your way can help shave years of payments off your mortgage debt.
Refinance your mortgage
When mortgage rates fall below the rate on your current home loan, you might want to consider refinancing.
Refinancing requires you to pay closing costs on your new loan. So, you will have to do the math to make sure this is the right move. But for many people, refinancing is a great way to save a lot of cash.
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Downsize
Ideally, a smaller house means a smaller monthly mortgage payment.
So, if you no longer need as much room as you did when you bought your current house, consider selling and moving into a cozier home.
Look for extra income and apply it to your mortgage
If you're committed to getting rid of your mortgage debt faster, you might want to pick up a side gig that will help you earn extra income that you can apply directly to your mortgage principal.
If a part-time gig isn't possible for you right now, look around for other ways to generate extra income, such as selling a few possessions.
Bottom line
Taking on mortgage debt is a big commitment that can span decades. Fortunately, there are plenty of smart homeowner money moves that can help you pay off your home loan faster.
Along with the tips above, consider scheduling a meeting with a financial advisor. They can take a look at your specific situation and help you craft an individualized plan for paying off your mortgage.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 10 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40.