Thirty-Year Ledger

Choosing a loan term with the whole horizon in view

Term and retirement

Ledger note

Some buyers pick a term that ends before they plan to retire so the payment does not compete with fixed income. Others keep a longer term and plan to pay extra later. Compare the payment you can afford now with your retirement date.

Last reviewed against the primary sources listed below.

Consider

Term questions readers send

Should my mortgage be paid off before I retire?

It depends on your budget and plans.

Can I shorten the term later?

By paying extra or refinancing.

Footnotes

Next: age and loan term