Mortgage payments are usually calculated to be equal over time. Therefore, a greater proportion of the early payments goes to interest, but a greater proportio

Mortgage payments are usually calculated to be equal over time. Therefore, a greater proportion of the early payments goes to interest, but a greater proportion of the later payments goes to principal. Payments in excess of the set payment amount are generally applied to the principal. Thus, making payments in excess of the set payment amount early in the life of the loan will reduce the principal faster than expected, and the total interest paid for the loan will be reduced.