6 Ways to Kill Your Mortgage Years Ahead of Schedule

Dave Ramsey just dropped some solid mortgage hacks that actually work. Here’s the thing — most people think paying off a 30-year mortgage in 15 years is impossible. It’s not.

The math is wild: On a $220k mortgage at 4%, just one extra payment per quarter? You’re cutting 11 years and $65k in interest. That’s not a typo.

Quick wins that actually stick:

1. Brown bag it — Skipping lunch out saves $1,200/year. Put that toward your mortgage and you’re looking at 3 years shaved off. Same goes for ditching daily coffee runs ($90/month = $25k in interest savings).

2. The bi-weekly hack — Pay half your mortgage every two weeks instead of once a month. Sounds weird, but you end up making 13 payments a year instead of 12. Result: 4 years gone, $24k saved.

3. Refinance or fake it — Convert to a 15-year fixed if rates cooperate. Can’t refinance? Just pay like it’s a 15-year mortgage anyway. Your future self will thank you.

4. Downsize the house — Sell now, buy smaller with cash or minimal debt. Sounds drastic, but it works.

5. 20% down changes everything — You skip PMI (that 0.5-1% annual fee that’s basically free money to the lender). Puts thousands back in your pocket.

Before you buy at all: Can you answer these with a hard YES?

• Zero debt + 3-6 months emergency fund?
• 10-20% down saved?
• House payment under 25% of gross income?
• Can handle a 15-year mortgage?

If not, you’re not ready yet. Wait. The early payoff game is real, but only if the foundation is solid.