What’s the All-In-One mortgage and is it for me?

For young dentists, high cash flow combined with significant debt is a common occurrence. Because of this, making the right choices financially can have a huge long-term impact on one's life. One intriguing financial instrument that has gained popularity among dentists is the "All-In-One Mortgage." In this article, I’ll break down what an All-In-One Mortgage is, how it differs from a traditional mortgage, and help you decide which option might be best for your unique financial situation.

Traditional Mortgage

With a traditional mortgage, a borrower will make regular fixed payments toward the loan, and each payment includes a portion toward paying down the principal and a portion that goes toward the interest. Typically early on, more of the regular payment goes toward interest. But as the debt owed declines, more of the mortgage payment will go toward paying back the principal and increasing equity within the home until eventually it’s paid off.

All-In-One Mortgage: A Hybrid Solution

An All-In-One Mortgage is a versatile financial product that combines elements of a traditional mortgage, a home equity loan, and a checking/savings account. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where your payments primarily go toward interest and gradually chip away at the principal, an All-In-One Mortgage allows you to pay down more principal in the short term.  As you pay down the principal, equity becomes available to be borrowed against if you need it.

The most common reason for using an all-in-one mortgage is to benefit from being able to accelerate principal reduction which reduces the interest paid over the lifetime of the mortgage. With an all-one mortgage, any income earned is deposited directly against the debt owned. These deposits lower the mortgage balance and with, it comes reduced interest payments. Any money needed for spending is withdrawn from the equity that’s being built within the home. An all-in-one mortgage can be an excellent tool for those with excess cash flow.  Anytime you have funds left over sitting in cash, these funds automatically get used to lower debt outstanding while still allowing you access to the cash.

Here's how it works:

Imagine you have an $800,000 All-In-One Mortgage with a 5% interest rate, payable over 25 years, resulting in a monthly payment of $4,900. If you have an extra $2,000 in your budget to put towards your mortgage, you can immediately apply it to reduce your principal balance. This not only saves you money on interest over time but also offers the flexibility to access these savings when needed.

The Unique Features of All-In-One Mortgages:

• Easy Access to Equity: If you are financially disciplined, an All-In-One Mortgage allows you to access your home equity without the need for a separate application, making it an efficient way to tap into your property's value.

• Payoff Without Penalties: Unlike traditional mortgages that often come with prepayment penalties, All-In-One Mortgages provide the flexibility to pay off your loan early without being penalized.

• Flexible Mortgage Payback Schedule: All-in-one mortgages let you create a flexible payback schedule that you can adjust to fit your needs, providing you with greater control over your financial situation.

All-In-One Mortgage Considerations:

While All-In-One Mortgages offer numerous advantages, they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Here are some key considerations:

• Financial Discipline: The ease of access to your home equity through an All-In-One Mortgage can be a disadvantage for individuals who lack financial discipline. It's crucial to avoid excessive borrowing and maintain a responsible approach to debt management.

• Credit Limit Impact: As you pay down your debt, unlike a traditional mortgage, the credit limit extended to you remains unchanged.  This means that despite paying debt down, the total credit limit still filters into your total debt service ratio (TDSR) and gross debt service ratio (GDSR). This could affect your eligibility for additional credit when needed.

• Interest Rates: All-in-one mortgages often come with higher interest rates compared to traditional mortgage products. While they offer flexibility, you must consider whether the interest savings outweigh the increased costs over the payback period.

Which Mortgage is Best for You?

The decision between a traditional mortgage and an All-In-One Mortgage ultimately comes down to your financial circumstances and preferences.

If you value simplicity, lack financial discipline, and prefer not to spend time on record-keeping, a traditional mortgage is likely the better choice.

If you are seeking a flexible, affordable strategy to quickly pay down your mortgage, consolidate debt, fund investments or renovations, and you're good at maintaining financial records, an All-In-One Mortgage could be a suitable choice for you. It’s important to consider how long you expect to carry the loan - a marginally higher interest rate may be worthwhile if it allows you to repay the loan earlier.

Importantly, an All-In-One Mortgage is most effective for individuals with large excess cash flow, meaning they have extra funds at the end of each month. This surplus cash flow accelerates mortgage balance reduction while still being available if needed, making this type of mortgage a more attractive option.

In conclusion, an All-In-One Mortgage can be a powerful financial tool for dentists with a disciplined approach to managing their finances. However, it should be used with caution, and a thorough understanding of your financial situation is essential before making a decision. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine whether this innovative mortgage option aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.

- Brandt Butt, Portfolio Manager/Investment Advisor, CIM®

Brandt is a Portfolio Manager/Investment Advisor and part of an award-winning team at Endeavour Wealth Management with iA Private Wealth. Brandt’s focus is working with incorporated physicians and dentists between the ages of 35-45 who are looking to set themselves up on the right financial path in hopes of reaching a point where they are choosing to work, instead of having to.

This information has been prepared by Brandt Butt who is a Investment Advisor/Portfolio Manager for iA Private Wealth Inc. and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Private Wealth. The information contained in this newsletter comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. The information contained here in may not apply to all types of investors. The Investment Advisor/Portfolio Manager can open accounts only in the provinces in which they are registered.

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