Pay Off a Loan Early or Invest The Money First?

Pay Off a Loan Early or Invest The Money First?   Money gives me options, but is not necessarily an end goal. The rational choice can be the one where we don't end up with the "most" money but with a better set of options.

I've written before about choosing between paying off a loan early or investing the money. And I thought it's worth revisiting that as I'm about to make the same choice myself.

A few years ago I got a car loan. However, I didn't follow most experts' advice. I did give a little bit more than the usually required down-payment and sought the lowest interest available. But I got a 5-year loan. That way I could get the lowest monthly amortization.

Most experts' advice is to instead get the lowest loan total - that is, get the option that pays the least interest.

Not the most savvy move, specially for a guy with a personal finance blog. But sometimes numbers aren't what they seem at first.
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