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Mortgage or Retirement? Where Should Match Group Employees Put Their Money?

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'Match Group employees approaching retirement must balance investment opportunities with debt reduction, and as Patrick Ray of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group

'Match Group employees retiring soon should consider not just the numbers, but also their comfort with debt and financial flexibility—Wesley Boudreaux of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group

In this article, we will discuss key factors influencing the decision to allocate extra funds toward investments or mortgage repayment. Specifically, we will explore:

The Financial Trade-Off – Analyzing potential investment returns versus mortgage interest savings.
Risks and Considerations – Understanding market volatility, liquidity, and tax implications.
Personalized Decision-Making – Evaluating individual financial circumstances, debt levels, and retirement goals.

In the world of personal finance, choosing to allocate extra money to investments or debt reduction can be difficult, especially for Match Group employees nearing or entering retirement. This choice becomes particularly important in situations where a mortgage is one's primary source of debt. This debate's central argument frequently comes down to weighing the expense of debt versus possible investment rewards.

A financial perspective on investing versus accelerated mortgage repayment

The main justification for favoring investments over accelerated mortgage payback stems from the stock market's past success. In particular, the S&P 500 index had an average yearly return of 9.9% (including dividends) between 1965 and 2022. This implies that one could fairly anticipate long-term returns in the range of 7% to 8% for a well-diversified portfolio that includes both equities and bonds.

For the sake of illustration, let us take the following scenario: a person pays 20% down and purchases a $500,000 home, financing it with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6% interest. Let's say this person inherits $400,000. If this amount was invested with an annual return of 8%, it might gain over $4.03 million over the course of three decades instead of the $863,353 in interest and principal payments related to the mortgage. Though in a very simplified context, this example highlights the financial benefit of investing over quick debt reduction.

The Argument for Mathematical Returns' Inherent Flaws

That being said, there are some who disagree with the case for investing in accordance with mathematical returns. The returns on investments are by their very nature erratic and variable, and they seldom follow the straight line that average annual returns suggest. For example, between 1965 and 2022, the yearly returns of the S&P 500 saw significant fluctuations, ranging from a high of 37.6% to a low of minus 37%. In addition, a sizable fraction of American homeowners benefit from mortgage rates that are lower than 4%, which makes it much more difficult for individuals weighing their options between debt repayment and investment.

Other Things to Think About

When deciding weather to increase mortgage payments versus make investments Match Group professionals should also consider their financial circumstances. It makes sense to pay off high-interest bills first, especially credit card debt, which has average interest rates close to 25%, before thinking about making extra mortgage payments. Another important factor to take into account is liquidity; whilst house equity is an illiquid asset, equities and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide comparatively faster access to capital.

This choice is also influenced by tax implications. In addition to providing instant tax savings, contributions to tax-deferred retirement accounts, like IRAs, increase the allure of investing. Further lowering the cost of borrowing is the opportunity to deduct mortgage interest on loans up to $750,000.

When the loan debt hits 80% of the home's original value, mortgage insurance can be removed, which might result in annual savings of thousands of dollars. This is another factor to consider.

Final Thoughts

To put it simply, a number of factors, such as the mortgage interest rate, investment return expectations, other outstanding debts, liquidity needs, tax implications, and personal comfort with debt levels, influence the decision of whether Match Group professionals should allocate excess funds toward investments or mortgage repayment. The choice is almost always more complex, even while the economics of investment returns may favor investing, particularly in low mortgage rate situations.

When making this difficult choice, Match Group professionals must carefully assess their own financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Ultimately, moving closer to financial security and peace of mind should be the top priority, regardless of whether debt reduction or investment comes first.

It is important for those who are getting close to retirement to think about the implications of required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts, which start at age 72. Choosing to invest more money can result in these accounts being much larger, which could mean higher RMDs. A pleasant retirement may be supported by this greater income, but it may also result in a higher tax burden. Since Roth accounts have no required minimum distributions (RMDs) and retirement withdrawals are tax-free, making strategic investments in Roth IRAs or Roth conversions can provide a tax-efficient solution to handle this situation. (Source: IRS 'Retirement Plan and IRA Required Minimum Distributions FAQs,' last revised March 2023; Internal Revenue Service).

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Making the choice to pay off your mortgage early or put more money down for retirement is like a seasoned sailor choosing the best route to a far-off land. See your retirement as a peaceful, far-off island that you are trying to get to. There is a limited amount of cargo capacity on your yacht, which represents your available finances and your financial strategy. You have two options: either load up on more provisions (investments) to make sure you can comfortably weather any storms and currents along the way, or lower your load by tossing your mortgage overboard to enable a faster, more direct voyage. Every sailor's voyage is distinct, shaped by the winds (market returns) and the state of their vessel (financial circumstances). The trick is to pack your boat as efficiently as possible while maintaining safety, so that when you arrive at retirement island, you have enough money and peace of mind.

Source:

Williams, Rob. 'Should You Pay Off a Mortgage Before You Retire?' Charles Schwab , August 2023, https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/should-you-pay-off-mortgage-before-you-retire .

Hartman, Rachel. 'Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before You Retire?' U.S. News & World Report , January 2025, https://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-you-retire .

Ameriprise Financial. 'Is It Better to Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?' Ameriprise Financial , 2024, https://www.ameriprise.com/financial-goals-priorities/personal-finance/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage .

Carter, Erik. 'Should You Save More for Retirement or Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?' Forbes , 11 Oct. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/financialfinesse/2022/10/11/should-you-save-more-for-retirement-or-pay-off-your-mortgage-early .

Vanguard. 'Paying Off Debt Before You Retire.' Vanguard , 2024, https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/retirement/planning-paying-off-debt .

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Match Group?

Match Group offers a 401(k) plan that allows employees to save for retirement with pre-tax contributions, providing a tax advantage for participants.

Does Match Group provide a company match for 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Match Group offers a company match for employee contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees grow their retirement savings.

How can employees at Match Group enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Match Group can enroll in the 401(k) plan during their onboarding process or during the annual open enrollment period.

What types of investment options are available in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Match Group's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk profiles.

Is there a vesting schedule for the company match in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Yes, Match Group has a vesting schedule for the company match, which means employees must work for the company for a certain period before they fully own the matched contributions.

Can employees at Match Group take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Match Group allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain conditions and limits set by the plan.

What is the minimum contribution percentage for Match Group's 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage for Match Group's 401(k) plan may vary, but employees are encouraged to contribute at least enough to receive the full company match.

How often can employees change their contribution amount in Match Group's 401(k) plan?

Employees at Match Group can change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Does Match Group offer financial education resources for employees regarding their 401(k) plan?

Yes, Match Group provides financial education resources and tools to help employees understand their 401(k) options and make informed investment decisions.

What happens to Match Group's 401(k) plan if an employee leaves the company?

If an employee leaves Match Group, they have several options for their 401(k) savings, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employer's plan, or cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Pension Plan Name: Match Group does not appear to have a traditional defined benefit pension plan. Instead, the company provides a 401(k) plan which is the primary retirement savings vehicle for employees. Years of Service and Age Qualification: Since there is no defined benefit pension plan, the typical pension-related qualifications such as years of service and age do not apply. Pension Formula: As there is no defined benefit pension plan, there is no pension formula applicable. 401(k) Plan Name: Match Group, Inc. 401(k) Plan Eligibility Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing 30 days of service. Contribution Matching: Match Group offers a company match up to a certain percentage of the employee’s contribution, usually matching contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of the employee’s salary.

Layoffs and Restructuring: Match Group announced a significant restructuring in early 2024, resulting in a reduction of 10% of its workforce. This move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve profitability amid challenging market conditions. The company is focusing on integrating its various platforms and investing in new technologies to drive future growth. Benefits and 401(k) Changes: Alongside the layoffs, Match Group is also revising its employee benefits and 401(k) plans. The company has reduced its matching contributions to employee 401(k) plans and is introducing a new performance-based benefits program. These changes are aimed at aligning compensation with company performance and managing costs more effectively.

Match Group offers stock options and RSUs as part of its compensation packages. Stock options typically grant employees the right to purchase shares at a set price. RSUs represent a promise to issue shares to employees upon meeting certain conditions.**

Benefits Overview: Employees have reported comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Additionally, Match Group offers flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Employee Reviews: Many reviews highlight positive aspects of the benefits package, including a strong emphasis on mental health support and employee wellness.