When I Joined a ‘Mortgage-Free’ Group

These past few days, a typhoon swept through Guangdong, unexpectedly granting us a rare day and a half of rest. While waiting out the storm at home, I was mindlessly scrolling online when I stumbled upon an article that led me into a “Mortgage-Free” chat group.

I joined without hesitation — those four words, “Mortgage Cleared,” were too tempting. Like many others, I’m burdened by a housing loan. The dream of paying it off early has always lingered in my mind, so the idea of zero debt had a magnetic pull. I wanted to know how others were planning to achieve it — and if they’d already done it, I was eager to learn their secrets.

1. My Plan to Beat the Mortgage

My original plan was simple: keep six months of living expenses as an emergency fund, and pour every extra cent into early repayments. Even with this approach, it would still take nearly ten years to finish. Ten years — by then, I’d be almost fifty.

I don’t want to spend the rest of my life working just to service a loan. I want to pay it off, save a little more, and retire early to live a calm, simple life. With those thoughts in mind, I joined the group full of hope.

The members were easy to identify — everyone renamed themselves using a format like “City + Name + Remaining Mortgage.” It was strangely neat and inspiring. Before I even finished changing my name, dozens of messages popped up. Clearly, this group of under 200 people was quite lively.

I didn’t have time to read through everything, so I sent a quick message: “How are you all planning to pay off your mortgages?”

The responses came flooding in — “Spend less, earn more,” “Ask family for help,” “Pay a lump sum every year,” “Repay whatever you can, whenever you can.”

To be honest, I felt a little disappointed. These weren’t new strategies. They were exactly the same things I’d already thought about, researched, or asked around for.

2. Cutting Costs, Creating Income

When it comes to spending less, I can manage a bit. My household expenses total about 150,000 yuan a year — maybe I could shave off 10,000 or 20,000 if I’m careful.

As for earning more, I’ve tried a few things. The only one I’ve stuck with is writing for my public account. Other attempts — like running a food stall — didn’t last. My workplace is too remote, and commuting to town without proper transport isn’t practical.

I even thought about delivering food, but that was just a passing idea. Between helping my child with homework in the evenings and my not-so-great driving skills, it’s not a safe option where I live.

So, writing remains my only feasible path for extra income. It’s slow progress, but at least it’s something. Taking small, steady action is still better than sitting around wishing.

3. Family Help? Not for Everyone

Some in the group mentioned turning to family for financial help. For others, that might work — but not for me. My family’s situation is modest, and honestly, having healthy parents is already the greatest gift they could give.

Many people also mentioned the “one lump sum a year” method — repay whatever you can afford each year. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. Slow and steady, bit by bit — like moving mountains one stone at a time.

The truth is, people like us don’t have many other choices. As we get older, the financial pressures only grow — children’s education, aging parents, healthcare expenses. Meanwhile, our own energy and job opportunities decline.

When I was young, I believed I’d make it big — earn a fortune, build a career. But now, I’ve come to accept that I’m just an ordinary person doing an ordinary job, earning a modest income to keep life running.

For me, the best repayment plan is simple: pay what I can, when I can.

4. The Group Goes Off Track

Before long, the group’s discussions drifted away from mortgages. People started debating whether buying a house was even worth it, regretting their “bad timing.” Then came the usual small talk — family issues, in-laws — until a few men began boasting about women, cars, and properties.

The tone grew unpleasant. The chat that once buzzed with shared goals turned into a noisy, toxic argument. When the topic shifted to jobs, complaints spiraled into one-upmanship — everyone trying to prove whose life was harder. The group soon dissolved into bickering.

I’d had enough. I left.

Peace returned instantly.

Looking back, the experience taught me that there really aren’t many shortcuts. The methods are what they’ve always been — spend wisely, earn steadily, stay consistent. I went in hoping to learn something new, but all I got was wasted time and bandwidth.

Perhaps what I truly wanted was to find a faster, easier way — a secret path to freedom. But there isn’t one. Fortunately, no one in the group tried to scam me, though I doubt I’d have fallen for it anyway.

Next time, I’ll think twice before joining random groups. Instead of chasing “quick wins,” I might as well spend that time reading others’ real experiences — that’s where genuine lessons are found.