Is It Better to Pay Mortgage Weekly?

When it comes to paying off a mortgage, homeowners often find themselves choosing between different payment schedules: monthly, fortnightly, or weekly. While most people are accustomed to making monthly payments, some are starting to wonder whether paying weekly could be a better approach. But is it really better to pay mortgage on a weekly basis?

In this article, we will delve into the pros and cons of weekly mortgage payments and help you determine whether this option is right for you. By understanding the impact of how you pay mortgage, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

Mortgage Payment Frequency

Most homeowners are familiar with the standard monthly mortgage payment structure. This means you pay a set amount every month for the length of your loan. However, many mortgage lenders also offer different payment schedules, including fortnightly (every two weeks) and weekly payments.

The weekly payment option is often considered when looking to pay off a mortgage faster and potentially save on interest. To better understand the impact of weekly payments, it’s important to first look at how each payment frequency works.

• Monthly Payments: This is the most common structure. Homeowners make 12 payments per year, which are typically calculated based on an annual amount divided by 12.
• Fortnightly Payments: Under this plan, you make payments every two weeks. This results in 26 payments per year, which is the equivalent of 13 monthly payments over the course of the year.
• Weekly Payments: If you choose the weekly payment option, you’ll make 52 payments in a year. These payments are often smaller than monthly payments since they are divided by 4, but you end up paying a little more annually than the monthly plan.

While the fortnightly and weekly options may sound similar, weekly payments come with unique advantages and some potential drawbacks.

How Does Paying Your Mortgage Weekly Work?

Paying your mortgage weekly essentially means you’re making 52 smaller payments every year instead of the usual 12 monthly ones. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• Divide your monthly payment by 4: For example, if your monthly mortgage payment is $1,200, paying weekly means you would pay $300 every week ($1,200 ÷ 4 = $300).
• Extra payment each year: Because there are 52 weeks in a year, you will end up making one extra monthly payment. In the previous example, you would pay $300 x 52 weeks = $15,600 for the year, compared to $1,200 x 12 months = $14,400 under the monthly structure.

By paying weekly, you will reduce the principal balance of your loan faster, which can help to lower the amount of interest you pay over the course of the loan.

Benefits of Paying Your Mortgage Weekly

There are several benefits to paying your mortgage weekly. Understanding these advantages can help you determine whether this approach aligns with your financial goals.

1. Reducing the Interest Paid Over Time

One of the most significant benefits of paying weekly is the reduction in interest over time. This happens because your mortgage balance decreases more quickly, which means less interest accrues. The more frequently you make payments, the faster you chip away at your loan principal.

With weekly payments, your mortgage balance is lowered every week, which means you will pay interest on a smaller balance more frequently.

Over time, this can lead to a substantial amount of interest savings, especially for long-term loans like a 30-year mortgage.

2. Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster

Since weekly payments result in 52 payments each year instead of 12 monthly payments, this structure allows you to pay more toward your principal every year. While each payment might be smaller, you’ll still pay off more of your loan than you would under the monthly payment system.

If you follow a strict weekly schedule, you may be able to pay off your mortgage in a shorter time frame without dramatically increasing your payments.

This means you could potentially pay off your mortgage years earlier than expected, allowing you to free up funds for other investments or savings.

3. Better Alignment with Weekly Income

If you are paid on a weekly basis, aligning your mortgage payments with your paycheck could be a helpful strategy for managing your finances. Instead of budgeting a large lump sum for a monthly mortgage payment, you can pay in smaller, more manageable amounts.

This can make it easier to avoid dipping into savings or relying on credit to cover a single large payment.

For those on a tight or fluctuating income, the weekly structure may feel like a better fit with their cash flow.

4. Building Equity Faster

With weekly payments, you’re not only paying down your loan balance faster, but you’re also building equity in your home at a quicker rate. As your mortgage principal decreases, the equity you own in your property increases.

This can be particularly beneficial if you plan on refinancing or selling your property in the future, as increased equity can help you secure better terms or a higher selling price.

Potential Drawbacks of Paying Mortgage Weekly

While there are certainly advantages to paying weekly, there are a few drawbacks to consider before making this change.

1. Difficulty with Budgeting

Paying weekly means you will have to manage more frequent payments, which could make budgeting slightly more complicated.

If you’re used to paying a single monthly payment, weekly payments may feel like a hassle. It might require setting up more reminders and staying on top of your finances to ensure you don’t miss any payments.

For homeowners who prefer the simplicity of a single monthly payment, this could feel like an unnecessary complication.

2. Not All Lenders Offer Weekly Payments

It’s also worth noting that not all lenders offer the option to pay weekly. Some lenders might restrict the payment frequency or impose additional fees for switching to a weekly plan.

Before deciding to switch to weekly payments, it’s crucial to check with your lender to see if this option is available.

Additionally, some mortgage agreements may have terms that prevent you from changing your payment frequency without incurring a fee.

3. Administrative Hassle

Although this may not be a major issue for everyone, making 52 payments a year instead of 12 could mean more administrative work. For those who like to manage payments manually, this could be an additional burden.

You may also need to set up automatic payments through your bank or the lender, which can add a layer of complexity if you’re not used to dealing with regular automatic payments.

4. Limited Immediate Impact on Short-Term Homeowners

If you don’t plan on staying in your home for the long haul, switching to weekly payments may not provide the maximum benefit. You might not be in the property long enough to reap the full advantages of reduced interest payments and a quicker payoff.

If you plan to move within a few years, the interest savings may not outweigh the effort it takes to set up and maintain weekly payments.

Is Paying Weekly Right for You?

Ultimately, whether paying your mortgage weekly is right for you depends on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Here are a few things to consider:

• Weekly Income: If you receive your income on a weekly basis, it might make sense to align your mortgage payments with your paycheck to make budgeting easier.
• Interest Savings: If you’re keen on reducing the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan, switching to weekly payments could help you achieve this goal.
• Long-Term Ownership: If you plan to stay in your home for the long term, making weekly payments could help you pay off your mortgage faster and save money on interest. However, if you plan to sell in the short term, the benefits might not be as significant.

How Original Wealth Can Help You Choose the Right Mortgage Plan

At Original Wealth, we understand that every homebuyer’s situation is unique. That’s why our team of expert mortgage brokers is here to help you explore all your options, including different payment schedules. Whether you’re interested in weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments, we can work with you to find the best solution for your financial goals.

With access to a network of over 60 banks and lenders, we can help you secure a mortgage plan that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term financial health. Reach out to us for a personalized consultation, and let us help you make the right choice for your mortgage payments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while paying your mortgage weekly has its advantages—such as reducing interest and paying off your loan faster—it may not be the right choice for everyone. It’s important to weigh the benefits against potential challenges like budgeting and administrative hassle.

If you think weekly payments could work for you, or if you’re simply looking to learn more about your mortgage options, contact Original Wealth today to speak with a trusted financial consultant.