Video Description

Should you pay off your mortgage before retirement—or invest the money instead? A lot of people wrestle with this question, and the answer isn’t as simple as the internet makes it sound. In this video, Ari breaks down a real scenario: a couple in their late 50s with $1.5M invested, a $210,000 mortgage at 5%, and the desire to feel completely debt-free before retiring. Using their numbers, he shows the true financial tradeoff between keeping the loan and investing versus wiping the balance clean for peace of mind. You’ll see what the math says over decades of compounding, why the difference can exceed seven figures, and when paying off a mortgage actually does make sense, regardless of spreadsheets. Ari also shares the emotional side clients admit privately: the relief of owning the home outright, the stress of market swings, and the fear of ending up “rich on paper but time-poor” late in life. This video helps you think clearly about the decision: how to weigh guaranteed savings against long-term growth, how much volatility you can realistically live with, and why half-measures rarely feel satisfying. Interested in a custom strategy to retire early? → https://www.rootfinancial.com/start-here/ Get access to the same software I use in my videos and join the Early Retirement Academy here → https://ari-taublieb.mykajabi.com/early-retirement-academy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Time Stamp 00:00 - Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? 00:52 - Case Study: Couple in Their 50s 01:54 - The Math Behind Paying Off Your Mortgage 03:14 - Investment vs. Mortgage Payoff: A Financial Analysis 04:54 - Risk and Reward: Understanding Market Volatility 09:33 - Final Thoughts and Disclaimer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PODCAST - https://earlyretirementpodcast.com/ INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/earlyretirementari/ LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aritaublieb/ What video topic would you like to see discussed in a future video? Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA, is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and host of the Early Retirement Podcast. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 📣 Are you taking advantage of tax planning before 2026? Most people hoping to retire early know they're leaving money on the table but don't know how to fix it. 👉 Subscribe to our channel and press the bell icon. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation. The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsements Participation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.