Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest the extra money instead?
That is one of the biggest financial decisions people get wrong because compounding is much harder to understand over 20, 30, or 40 years than it looks on paper.
In Episode 65 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano, CFP®, and Ben Jones, CFP®, break down how compounding affects investing, home equity, cash, inflation, retirement planning, and long-term wealth.
They start with simple examples of compounding over time, including Disney tickets, home prices, and long-term stock market returns.
The bigger point is that small differences in annual returns can create huge differences over 20, 30, or 40 years.
Brent and Ben then compare paying extra toward a mortgage versus investing the difference. In one example, an extra $1,000 per month toward the mortgage could save about $400,000 in interest, while historically investing that same amount over 30 years would have grown to about $2.36 million.
They also cover common mistakes like keeping too much cash in checking, taking too little appropriate risk when young, and prioritizing a paid-off mortgage over liquidity and long-term investing.
Later, the conversation shifts to financial independence and a different problem: what happens when your wealth keeps growing beyond what you actually need?
That leads to a bigger question:
What is your money actually for?
Brent and Ben discuss why good financial planning is not just about building the biggest possible portfolio. It is also about deciding how your money should support your life, your goals, and the people or causes that matter to you.
About Your Hosts
Ben Jones, CFP®
Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group
www.nwmgadvisors.com
Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com
Follow him on X @thekaratstick
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/
Brent Gargano, CFP®
Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning
www.infinitewealthplanning.com
linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573
Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter
They also cover:
Why the 10-year Treasury matters for mortgage rates
Why Fed rate changes do not directly control long-term mortgage rates
How inflation and higher energy costs affect markets
Why financial assets can compound differently than everyday goods
How to automate investing instead of relying on budgeting discipline
Why young investors may underestimate the value of taking appropriate risk
How financially independent people can give their wealth a purpose
Have a question you’d like Brent and Ben to discuss on the show? Submit it through the link on our page.
Chapters
00:00 - Market Update: Fed, Inflation, Bonds & AI
19:00 - Why Compounding Is So Powerful Over Time
36:30 - Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest?
48:00 - 3 Common Money Mistakes That Hurt Long-Term Wealth
53:30 - What Happens When Your Money Outgrows Your Needs?
Disclosure:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.
Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.
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