“Are those ‘mortgage-free in five years’ hacks for real?” Mailbag episode

Ever wondered whether those “mortgage-free in five years” hacks you see online are real, or just clever marketing?With so many mortgage “shortcuts” floating around social media, it’s hard to know what actually works, especially in New Zealand’s property market.In this Ask the Experts episode, we break down the truth behind mortgage-freedom shortcuts: the strategies that genuinely speed up your repayment timeline, the red flags to watch for, and the behavioural traps that can cost you thousands.Financial coach Shelley Palman from EnableMe has tricks from smart mortgage structures like offset and revolving credit, to how much extra principal you actually need to pay to shave years (and hundreds of thousands of dollars) off your loan.We cover:• which “mortgage-free fast” claims are legitimate• the tactics that work for ordinary Kiwi households• common mortgage mistakes that slow you down• how to avoid clickbait mortgage hacks• mindset strategies to stay motivated on a long payoff planIf you’re trying to pay off your mortgage faster, avoid bad mortgage advice, or understand how to structure your home loan for long-term financial freedom, this episode will give you the clarity you need.Don't forget, if you have a letter you’d like us to answer, please send it through to [email protected] and you might feature on our next episode!LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.This podcast was filmed and produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock