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We temporarily lowered our 401k contribution from max to match only for about 6 months to boost our down payment. But not for the actual mortgage payments.
Mentor
Interest rates may never go down
If you have to stop contributing all together to 401k your finances might be a bit too stressful. If it’s temporary stop to 401k then that might be normal. I paused my 401k contributions every so often. Sometimes you have competing priorities but it really depends on your goal(s).
For my savings goals, yes, that would absolutely mean my mortgage is too high. I still max all retirement accounts and save in personal accounts while making my mortgage payment. I realize salaries and savings goals are different for everyone, but I would not have purchased a home that didn’t allow me to keep up with savings goals.
Also, assuming interest rates will decrease in the near future is not supported by historical interest rate trends.
Subject Expert
Reducing your contribution for a period of time to build up cash reserves (either before or after purchase) makes sense. I would try not to go to 0 contribution if you can avoid it. Note that there are provisions that allow you to borrow up to $50k or up to 50% of your current 401k balance towards the down payment of your first home, so that’s something to keep in mind (and another reason to keep contributing!)
If the only way for you to afford your mortgage is to reduce your 401k contribution to 0, you’re probably house poor.
Subject Expert
I believe it’s a loan. I don’t believe you pay taxes on the money, but I’m not an expert. Talk to your 401k provider.
I have stopped 401-K contributions entirely while rebuilding my cash/liquid position post-purchase at one point, and then went back to doing the max matched amount once I felt comfortable. No ragrets. However, not sure this is applicable in all situations and given all the factors, I'd take other people's experience here with a grain of salt. Factors I considered: HCOL area and needed to stretch a bit to get into a home that we'd be in for a while; prices were actually relatively low (post-great recession); prices and rents were likely (and did) to increase substantially going forward so locking in at this price made a lot of sense; once I rebuilt cushion I'd go back to full amount that is matched; reasonable and predictable expectation that my income would continue to rise so long term affordability was in good shape; dual income household; and probably some other factors. Point is - be thoughtful and consider your likely future financial trajectory.
Truly appreciate your thoughtful response!