Pay Off Mortgage Early vs. Invest
Compare paying extra toward your mortgage vs. investing that money in the S&P 500. See which strategy builds more wealth — including how one-time expenses play out differently for each.
Inputs
Mortgage
Strategy
One-Time Expenses
No expenses added. Use these to compare how each strategy handles large costs (e.g. home repair, tuition).
Better Strategy After 30 Years
📊 Invest Extra wins by $451,079
in total net worth (portfolio + home equity)
Base Monthly Payment
$2,528
Payoff with Extra Payments
Year 19.4
10.6 years early
Interest Saved (vs standard)
$205,557
by paying extra
HELOC Interest (Scenario A)
—
no expenses added
Scenario A: Pay Off Early
Extra $500/mo → mortgage until payoff, then invest full payment
Scenario B: Invest Extra
Extra $500/mo → S&P 500 for full 30 years
Growth Over 30 Years
- Pay Early – Portfolio
- Invest Extra – Portfolio
Net Worth = Investment Portfolio + Home Equity · S&P 500 assumed at 10% avg annual return