An NYC couple broke a golden rule of mortgage payments, and it helped them retire early

Financially independent couple Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson

Courtesy of Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson

• Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson paid off their NYC apartment mortgage in 2024.
• Despite having 'good debt,' the couple chose to eliminate their mortgage for peace of mind.
• Eliminating their housing payment also allowed Chang to quit her job and Nathanson to reduce his hours.

In 2018, Josette Chang and Alexander Nathanson bought an apartment together in Midtown East.