Is It Ok to Have a Mortgage in Retirement?

Paying off a mortgage can be smart for retirees or those just about to retire who are in a lower-income bracket, have a high-interest mortgage, and don't benefit from tax-deductible interest. It's generally not a good idea to pay off a mortgage at the expense of funding a retirement account.

Is it wise to have a mortgage in retirement?

Key Takeaways. Carrying a mortgage into retirement allows individuals to tap into an additional stream of income by reinvesting the equity from a home. The other benefit is that mortgage interest is tax-deductible. On the downside, Investment returns can be variable while mortgage payment requirements are fixed.

How many retirees still have a mortgage?

Mortgages are the largest debt owned by many Americans, but paying them off before reaching retirement age isn't feasible for everyone. In fact, across the country, nearly 10 million homeowners who are still paying off their mortgage are 65 and older.