[where's_the_Outrage?]

Any extra money paid should automatically go to principal.

I tried to tell my parents to pay off early, they said great and sent a double payment but did not direct where the extra money would go. The mortgage company said that based on the lack of direction they just posted it as an advanced payment.

[lepton]

yep. that’s the norm if you don’t force the issue.

[SisterK]

I sent a second check in with my mortgage payment and wrote on the second check “for principal only”
paid off a 30 year note in less than 7 years

but with inflation the way it is now, I am not sure I would do it the same these days

[alternatives?]

I always paid lump sum even amounts like $2,500 or $5,000 and never had a problem.