MF investment vs loan prepayment: which is better? (2024)

A reader says, “I have a query regarding mf investment vs loan prepayment. I have an SBI MaxGain home loan account where I can park surplus funds and save on interest. Now I’ve approx 20L outstanding there, and I’m about to receive approximately the same amount from a different venture”.

“I have two options. 1. deploy all the funds in MF over six months. Initially, I thought of using a mix of index and debt funds, but in light of recent tax changes, I need to think about the debt fund portion. 2. Park the funds in the home loan account and use interest saved ~20k for mf investments. I can use this arrangement for the remaining 15 yrs of tenure. What do you think?”

We have never been fans of overdraft-based home loans like MaxGain. It is a needless complication. A simple home loan that can be pre-closed gradually, along with regular goal-based investments, is sufficient.

Typically readers are worried about servicing debt for several years, and if they get a lump sum equal to the loan outstanding, they would think of pre-closing the loan. In your case, you seem quite comfortable with servicing the debt.

Therefore, the simplest and smartest move (IMO) is to continue EMIs from your monthly income and deploy the Rs. 20 lakhs lump sum into an asset allocation suitable for long term goals. Parking the amount in an overdraft account to save on interest wastes capital.

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Please note whether taxed as per slab or not, the place of debt in a portfolio is non-negotiable. Also see: New debt fund tax rule: How to change my investment strategy?

Other readers in a similar situation may divide the lump sum into two chunks – partially prepay with one chunk and invest the other as per your goals. The division can be as per your comfort level if you invest enough for your goals. If not, more should be allocated for investments.

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MF investment vs loan prepayment: which is better? (2024)

FAQs

MF investment vs loan prepayment: which is better? ›

Prepayment benefit: By prepaying the home loan, you would effectively earn a guaranteed return of 8% (the interest saved). Mutual fund potential: However, investing in mutual funds can earn a higher return of 12%, even after considering taxes.

What is better loan repayment or investment? ›

Though prepaying a loan helps get rid of it quickly, thus, lessening the effect of debt and liabilities on one, investing your additional savings can help you achieve your financial goals early in life. Numerous individuals underestimate the potential advantages of investing rather than prepaying their home loans.

Is it better to break a mutual fund or take a loan? ›

When the cost of borrowing using MFs is much higher than the expected return on your investment, it is better to sell the units rather than using them to take a loan. This usually happens in case of debt funds.

Is it better to pay off a loan early or invest? ›

If the interest rate on your debt is 6% or greater, you should generally pay down debt before investing additional dollars toward retirement. This guideline assumes that you've already put away some emergency savings, you've fully captured any employer match, and you've paid off any credit card debt.

Is it better to invest or pay off mortgage? ›

It's typically smarter to pay down your mortgage as much as possible at the very beginning of the loan to avoid ultimately paying more in interest. If you're in or near the later years of your mortgage, it may be more valuable to put your money into retirement accounts or other investments.

How to pay off 250k mortgage in 5 years? ›

Increasing your monthly payments, making bi-weekly payments, and making extra principal payments can help accelerate mortgage payoff. Cutting expenses, increasing income, and using windfalls to make lump sum payments can help pay off the mortgage faster.

Do millionaires pay off debt or invest? ›

Millionaires typically balance both paying off debt and investing, but with a strategic approach. Their decision often depends on the interest rate of the debt versus the expected return on investments.

What are the five cons of a mutual fund? ›

Potential Cons
  • High fees. Mutual funds have expenses, typically ranging between 0.50% to 1%, which pay for management and other costs to operate the fund. ...
  • Market risk. Just as with stocks and bonds, mutual funds generally have market risk, meaning that prices can fluctuate up and down. ...
  • Manager risk. ...
  • Tax inefficiency.
Oct 6, 2023

When should you quit a mutual fund? ›

If a fund consistently underperforms over multiple periods and fails to deliver satisfactory returns, consider exiting the investment. Research and select funds with a similar investment objective but better track records and performance history to redirect your investments.

When should you dump a mutual fund? ›

When your mutual fund has a significant capital loss, while other holdings incur capital gains, it might be time to sell. In such a case, if you sell the fund, you'll be able to secure a capital loss on your tax return. That loss can offset realized capital gains and ultimately lower your tax bill.

Is there a downside to paying off a loan early? ›

Yes, paying off a personal loan early could temporarily have a negative impact on your credit scores. But any dip in your credit scores will likely be temporary and minor. And it might be worth balancing that risk against the possible benefits of paying off your personal loan early.

Do banks like it when you pay off loans early? ›

Some lenders may charge a prepayment penalty of up to 2% of the loan's outstanding balance if you decide to pay off your loan ahead of schedule. Additionally, paying off your loan early will strip you of some of the credit benefits that come with making on-time monthly payments.

Is it smart to pay off a loan early? ›

The good news is yes, usually you can. If you receive a cash windfall, using the money to clear debt ahead of schedule can save on interest. And your credit score may improve as you lower the amount of debt you're carrying relative to your income.

What happens if I pay an extra $1000 a month on my mortgage? ›

When you pay extra on your principal balance, you reduce the amount of your loan and save money on interest. Keep in mind that you may pay for other costs in your monthly payment, such as homeowners' insurance, property taxes, and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

At what age should you pay off your mortgage? ›

If you are under 45, it's difficult to argue that your dollars would be better served paying off your mortgage unless you are on Step 9, pre-pay low-interest debt. You should aim to be completely debt-free by retirement, and after age 45 you can begin thinking more seriously about pre-paying your mortgage.

Should I overpay my mortgage when inflation is high? ›

As a general rule, if your mortgage rate is around the same, or higher than, your savings rate, then it makes sense to overpay. However, if your savings account has a higher interest rate than your mortgage, then it would be better to put any spare cash into that savings account and let it build interest.

Which is better to invest equity or debt? ›

Which is better debt fund or equity fund? The choice between debt and equity funds depends on individual investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Equity funds offer higher potential returns but come with higher risk, while debt funds are safer but offer lower returns.

Is it better to pay off student loans before investing? ›

In this case, getting out from under your loans before investing might be a good idea. You could also consider paying more than the minimum payment on your student loan each month. The extra money will go toward your loan principal, which can help you speed up your payoff time.

Do investors prefer debt or equity? ›

SHORT ANSWER: All else being equal, companies want the cheapest possible financing. Since Debt is almost always cheaper than Equity, Debt is almost always the answer.

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