I get where you're coming from, but quarterly might be a bit much unless you're actively planning something big. I used to check mine every few months, and honestly, it just stressed me out more than anything. Markets fluctuate constantly, and seeing those small dips made me second-guess myself unnecessarily. Now I stick to twice a year—enough to stay informed without obsessing over every little shift. But yeah, if life's throwing curveballs your way, maybe quarterly checks could give you peace of mind...depends on your situation really.
Twice a year sounds about right to me too. When I first bought my place, I was checking constantly—probably every month or so—and it didn't do me any favors. I'd see tiny dips and start worrying unnecessarily. Honestly, unless you're refinancing soon or thinking of selling, frequent checks just create unnecessary anxiety. Better to focus on steady improvements like paying down principal faster or improving your credit score...those things actually make a difference long-term.
"Honestly, unless you're refinancing soon or thinking of selling, frequent checks just create unnecessary anxiety."
Totally agree with this. When I first bought my house, I was obsessively checking too, and it just stressed me out. Now I just focus on extra payments here and there...feels way more productive and less nerve-wracking.
"Now I just focus on extra payments here and there...feels way more productive and less nerve-wracking."
That's a really healthy approach. It's easy to get caught up in the numbers game, especially early on, but making consistent extra payments—even small ones—can significantly reduce your interest over time. I've seen people stress themselves out checking their equity constantly, but honestly, it's a marathon, not a sprint. You're definitely on the right track with this mindset.
"Now I just focus on extra payments here and there...feels way more productive and less nerve-wracking."
Totally get this mindset. A client of mine was constantly checking their equity online, like every week, and honestly it drove them nuts. They'd message me at random hours worrying about slight dips or wondering why the numbers weren't moving faster. Eventually, they switched to your approach—just chipping away with extra payments whenever they had some spare cash—and the stress levels dropped big time. I do wonder sometimes though, if there's a sweet spot between being totally hands-off and obsessively checking equity? Like maybe quarterly checks just to stay informed without the anxiety overload...
