A 3% mortgage creates an unusually tempting money dilemma. Put an extra $1,000 toward the loan, and the balance drops faster. Invest that same $1,000, and the money stays available while potentially growing over time.
Neither choice works like a magic money machine. Paying the mortgage produces a predictable benefit because every extra dollar reduces future interest charges. Investing offers greater growth potential, but investments can lose value and never promise a particular return.
