Paying off a mortgage early may reduce total interest paid over time and can change your overall financial picture. Common approaches people consider include refinancing into a shorter term, making an extra payment in some years, setting aside funds for additional payments, moving to a smaller home, using lump sums like bonuses or tax refunds, and checking loan terms for any prepayment penalties. Depending on the loan and situation, these approaches can shorten the mortgage timeline and reduce total interest costs.