Ask The Compound

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest in Stocks?

7 snips
Feb 18, 2026
Practical rules for when to pay down a mortgage versus investing in stocks. Guidance on whether to pause dollar-cost averaging and how long to hold a house. Currency and tax effects for expats buying US ETFs. Thoughts on home equity liquidity and borrowing options.
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ADVICE

Keep DCA Regardless Of Valuations

  • Do not pause dollar-cost averaging based on high valuations or market moves.
  • Ben Carlson advises to keep investing unless other goals or changed risk/time needs require stopping.
ADVICE

Split Extra Cash Between Mortgage And Investing

  • Prioritize paying extra on mortgages only when rates are high or as part of a split approach.
  • Ben recommends splitting extra cash between mortgage prepayment and investing rather than doing only one.
INSIGHT

Rate Bands Guide Mortgage Decisions

  • Use rate thresholds to guide decisions: under ~4–4.5% avoid prepaying, over ~7% strongly consider prepaying.
  • The 4–7% range is discretionary and depends on personal goals and liquidity needs.
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