Most homeowners make their regular mortgage payments every month for the duration of the loan term, and never think of doing otherwise. But prepaying your mortgage or making biweekly payments can reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay over time.

Under a biweekly mortgage, instead of making the payments once a month, you make half your normal monthly payment every two weeks. For example, if your mortgage is $1,000 per month, under a biweekly system it would be $500 every two weeks.

If you maintain the biweekly payment schedule you’ll make an extra month’s payment over the course of each year (26 payments per year, which is the equivalent of 13 full monthly payments rather than 12). You’ll also pay less interest because your payments are applied to your principal balance more frequently.

The effect of biweekly mortgage payments can be dramatic. For example, if you currently have a $150,000 loan at 8 % fixed interest, you will have paid approximately $396,233 at the end of 30 years. However, if you use a biweekly payment system, you would pay $331,859 and have it completely paid off in 21.6 years. You would save $64,374 and pay the loan off 8.4 years earlier! (This is a hypothetical example of mathematical principles used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment. Actual results will vary.)

When selecting ways to invest your cash reserve, you should balance your liquidity needs with potential returns. Short-term investment instruments, such as Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and money market mutual funds, can provide you with the liquidity needed to meet expected and unexpected expenses and to increase your short-term investment income.

By actively managing your short-term reserves, you can provide a means of saving for the future. You can use this money to increase your net worth with little or no additional risk to your principal. It’s important to remember that because income and personal circumstances are subject to change, you should conduct a periodic review of your cash reserve and its structure.

Note: Treasury bills are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest.

Note: Bank CDs are insured by the FDIC for up to $250,000 per depositor, per federally insured institution.

Money market funds are neither insured nor guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although money market funds seek to preserve the value of your investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund.

Mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.