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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement?
Trivia: What is the official term for a baby swan?
RetireHub
February 23, 2026
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Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Monday newsletter is here!
Deal of the Day:
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What We’re Reading
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 | By: Danielle Stewart The Bend in Redwood Road is a poignant novel about maternal longing, buried truths, and the lasting impact of life-altering choices. It follows Leslie, who quietly grieves the child she once gave up, and Gwen, the adopted daughter searching for answers about her origins, as their parallel journeys lead toward revelation and self-discovery. With richly drawn, complex characters and a thoughtful exploration of adoption and family dynamics, the story lingers long after the final page. |
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On this day in 1945, U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. The moment, captured in an iconic photograph by Joe Rosenthal, became one of the most enduring images of the war and a powerful symbol of perseverance and sacrifice.
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement?
For many people, carrying a mortgage into retirement feels unsettling. After decades of work, the idea of entering your next chapter completely debt-free can offer powerful peace of mind. But financially speaking, the answer to whether you should pay off your mortgage before retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all.
First, consider your cash flow. In retirement, income often shifts from steady paychecks to Social Security, pensions, or withdrawals from investment accounts. Eliminating a monthly mortgage payment can significantly reduce your fixed expenses, giving you more breathing room and lowering the amount you need to withdraw from your portfolio each year. That can help reduce sequence-of-returns risk, especially in the early years of retirement.
On the other hand, your interest rate matters. If you locked in a historically low mortgage rate, you may be borrowing at 3–4% while your investments have the potential to earn more over time. In that case, aggressively paying off the mortgage instead of investing could mean missing out on long-term growth. Liquidity is another factor: once you put extra money into your home, it’s no longer easily accessible without selling or borrowing against it.
Taxes can also play a role. While fewer retirees itemize deductions today, mortgage interest may still offer some benefit depending on your situation. However, for many retirees, the psychological benefit of owning their home outright outweighs modest tax considerations.
There’s also a middle-ground strategy. Some retirees aim to pay down a significant portion of their mortgage before retirement, then decide whether to eliminate the remaining balance based on market conditions, health, or lifestyle goals. Others build a dedicated “mortgage payoff fund” that they can use if markets turn volatile, providing flexibility rather than locking in a decision too early.
Ultimately, this decision comes down to three core questions: How stable is your retirement income? What is your mortgage interest rate? And how much do you value peace of mind versus potential investment growth?
Retirement isn’t just a math equation — it’s a lifestyle transition. For some, freedom means maximizing net worth. For others, it means sleeping soundly at night knowing the house is fully theirs.
Many of our readers are already enjoying retirement, so we’d love to hear about your real-life experience: |
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Yesterday’s Poll Results: How Do You Most Often Learn About Local Events?
It looks like our community has a clear favorite when it comes to staying in the loop! Over half of you (53%) rely on neighborhood social media or apps to learn about local events, proving just how connected we’ve become online. Traditional sources still hold a place in our hearts, with newsletters, word of mouth, and even good old bulletin boards helping many of you stay informed. And for a few, local happenings still manage to surprise you—keeping the sense of discovery alive. Thanks to everyone who voted and shared how you keep up with the vibrant events around us!
TOP COMMENTS
“I write a weekly column in the local paper, so keep my ear to the ground to let people know what's happening.”
“Because of being busy, tired or just wanting to shut down for a while, I occasionally miss some of them. I use most of them (no physical bulletin boards) to watch for local events.”
“I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to facebook”
“I follow local events and local entertainers. This way we get a good idea of what's going on around us. :)”
Embracing New Beginnings, Even When They Feel Awkward
Sometimes the moments that push us into unfamiliar territory — whether it’s travel, trying a new practice, or pursuing deeper personal growth — can feel unsettling at first. There’s often a gap between what we’ve known and what we’re becoming, and that “in‑between” stage can feel awkward, slow, or even discouraging. But when we stick with the process and show up consistently — even on days when we’re unsure — gradual change begins to take root. Growth typically doesn’t happen all at once; it unfolds quietly over time, rewarding patience and presence. The challenge isn’t whether we’re allowed to start again — it’s whether we’re willing to remain committed when the path feels unfamiliar.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Class act
Meaning: Someone who is dignified, gracious, and admirable in behavior — the kind of person who handles themselves with style and respect, no matter the situation.
In a sentence: “Even at the bingo table, Mrs. Thompson was a real class act, helping everyone celebrate their wins and laughing off her own near-miss jackpots with charm.”
Good News of the Day
3D Printing Breakthrough Could Change How Motors Are Made
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a new 3D‑printing system capable of producing a working electric motor in just a few hours using a single automated process. By developing a platform that seamlessly handles multiple materials — including conductive and magnetic components — the team was able to fabricate a linear motor that performed as well or better than traditionally manufactured versions for only about 50¢ in materials. This innovation points toward a future where customizable electronic parts for robots, vehicles, and medical devices can be made quickly on‑site with less waste and less dependence on complex supply chains.
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RetireHub Trivia
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What is the official term for a baby swan? |
What unit is used to measure electrical resistance? |
What is the term for the study of coins and currency? |
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