5 proven strategies
Popular prepayment strategies
The four most effective mortgage prepayment strategies are: biweekly payments (one extra full payment per year), rounding up the monthly amount (e.g. $1,398 → $1,500 saves $30,000+ over a 30-year loan), making early lump-sum payments ($5,000 in year 1 saves $15,000+), and combining strategies. Biweekly works best when budget-neutral; rounding up requires no behavioural change.
Level
Try calculatorKey takeaways
04 · ideas- Biweekly = 1 extra payment/year without noticing
- Rounding up $1,398 → $1,500 saves $30k+
- A $5k lump sum early saves $15k+
- Combine strategies for maximum impact
Illustrative chart
$200k · 7.5% · 30yr
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Five strategies, from simplest to most powerful:
- Round up your payment: $1,398 → $1,500 (+$102/mo)
- Fixed monthly extra: add $300 or $500 every month
- Biweekly payments: pay half your monthly payment every 2 weeks
- Lump-sum payments: direct bonuses or windfalls to principal
- Combination: mix monthly extra + annual lump sum
Pick the one that fits your budget and automate it.