Selling your investments in relation to an outstanding mortgage can offer various potential benefits, which depend on your unique circumstances and financial objectives.
In today’s economic landscape, seniors in Australia often find themselves considering various options to manage their finances effectively. One such option is selling investments to pay off a mortgage. While this strategy may seem appealing at first glance, one must be careful and analyse its rationale and potential risks.
This article will explore the concept of selling investments to settle mortgage accounts, discussing its viability and when it may not be the most advisable course of action.
Selling your Investments
It’s worth noting that the decision to sell investments should be based on careful assessment of your financial goals, specific market conditions, and risk tolerance.
Below are some typical reasons for doing so:
- Financial relief. Selling investments can provide immediate cash inflow to pay off an existing mortgage, offering financial relief and eliminating monthly mortgage payments.
- Debt reduction. Clearing a mortgage can alleviate debt burdens and free up future income for other expenses or investments.
- Simplification of finances. By eliminating the mortgage, individuals can simplify their financial situation, potentially reducing stress and improving their overall financial well-being.
- Increased cash flow. Without mortgage payments, individuals may have more disposable income available for other purposes.
Factors to consider
- Investment performance. Assessing the performance of investments is crucial before deciding to sell. If the investments have experienced substantial growth or provide regular income, selling them might not be the wisest choice.
- Long-term financial goals. Examine the long-term financial objectives and whether selling investments aligns with those goals. It is important to strike a balance between present financial needs and future aspirations.
- Tax implications. Selling investments may result in capital gains tax or other tax obligations, which could significantly impact the overall financial outcome. Consulting a financial advisor or tax professional is recommended to fully understand the tax implications.
- Diversification. Selling off all investments to pay off a mortgage could potentially lead to an imbalanced portfolio. Diversification is key to managing risk and ensuring long-term financial stability.
- Budgeting and expense management. Adopting effective budgeting techniques and managing expenses can help create additional cash flow without the need to sell investments. This approach may require lifestyle adjustments but can contribute to long-term financial stability.
The risks involved
- Missed investment opportunities. If the sold investments had growth potential or generated regular income, their sale could result in missed opportunities for future wealth accumulation.
- Market timing. Selling investments during a market downturn may lead to significant losses. Timing the market is challenging, and selling at the wrong time could have long-lasting negative effects on one’s financial position.
- Inflation and currency depreciation. Cash proceeds from the sale of investments might lose value over time due to inflation and currency depreciation, reducing purchasing power in the future.
- Reinvesting challenges. If the decision to sell investments is irreversible, reinvesting the proceeds in a manner that generates comparable returns can be challenging. Finding suitable investment options might prove difficult, particularly in a low-interest-rate environment.
What Investments to Unload
These examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the suitability of each investment type for paying off a mortgage depends on individual circumstances and financial goals.
Shares/Stocks
Many individuals invest in shares or stocks listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). If you hold shares that have experienced significant growth or have generated regular dividends, selling a portion of these investments could provide funds to pay off a mortgage.
It is important to carefully evaluate the performance of individual stocks and consider potential capital gains tax implications.
Managed Funds
Managed funds rely on multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of assets. These funds can include shares, bonds, property, and other investments. If you hold units in a managed fund and have accumulated substantial growth, selling a portion of your units can help settle mortgage accounts.
One example of this is if you have invested in a managed fund focused on real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the fund has generated consistent returns.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are investment funds that trade on stock exchanges, representing a basket of securities. They offer diversification and can be an attractive option for cashing out investments to pay off a mortgage.
Assess the performance and liquidity of the specific ETFs before making a decision.
Property Investments
Investing in additional properties is a popular strategy. If you own investment properties that have appreciated significantly in value, selling one or more of these properties can generate a substantial amount of cash to settle a mortgage. However, think of the costs associated with selling property, such as agent fees and CGT.
Term Deposits and Fixed Interest Investments
If you have investments in term deposits or fixed interest instruments, such as bonds, assess the interest rate environment and the potential impact on future income.
Suppose you have a term deposit that is about to mature, and the interest rate environment is low. Cashing out the term deposit and using the funds to pay off your mortgage could save you from earning a lower interest rate upon renewal.
Cash and Savings Accounts
While cash and savings accounts typically offer lower returns, if you have a significant amount of money in these accounts, using a portion to pay off a mortgage can be a viable option.
You have to strike a balance between keeping emergency funds and allocating funds towards mortgage repayment.
Selling investments to pay off a mortgage can provide short-term financial relief and debt reduction. Seeking professional financial advice is necessary to make informed decisions that align with individual circumstances and long-term financial objectives.
The ASAG Reverse Mortgage
Seniors may consider an equity release solution, such as the ASAG Reverse Mortgage, as an alternative to selling investments. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners to unlock some home equity without ongoing payments and selling. This option allows access to funds while retaining investments.
Exploring Senior Refinancing options can help secure better mortgage terms, lower interest rates, or extend the loan duration, which can reduce monthly payments and alleviate financial pressure.
If you need further details about how our reverse mortgage works, feel free to reach out to the ASAG team at 1300 002 724 or info@asagfirst.com.au. We are dedicated to offering assistance and will gladly answer any enquiries you have regarding our equity release solutions.
You can also start assessing your available equity by using the provided equity assessment tool below.