Core Viewpoint - Financial expert Suze Orman advises against using savings to pay off a low-interest mortgage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cash reserves for emergencies [4][5]. Group 1: Listener's Situation - The listener, Crystal, is 57 years old, has nearly 40 years of career experience, and holds $85,000 in liquid savings [2]. - She shares a home with a domestic partner, with a mortgage balance of approximately $100,000 at a 3.3% interest rate, and has been making extra payments toward the principal [3]. Group 2: Orman's Advice - Orman highlights that it does not make financial sense to use $50,000 from savings to pay off a mortgage with a lower interest rate than what could be earned in a high-yield savings account [4][6]. - She stresses the importance of maintaining an emergency fund, as reducing liquid savings could leave Crystal vulnerable to unexpected financial challenges [4][5]. Group 3: Financial Analysis - The mortgage interest rate of 3.3% is lower than the potential earnings of 4.5% from a high-yield savings account, suggesting that keeping the savings is more beneficial [6]. - With only four and a half years left on the mortgage, most of the interest has already been paid, making aggressive paydown less advantageous [6].

Although a $600,000 home costs more than the national average, you can easily find yourself shopping in this price range in higher-cost-of-living areas, such as Boston, San Francisco, and Miami — especially if you need to buy a larger house. It’s essential to understand how a $600,000 mortgage will impact your short-term and long-term finances. What determines your mortgage payment on $600,000? Many factors influence your mortgage cost besides the home price, including the following: Down payment. The ...