Editor’s note: This is the second installment of a three-week series on programs designed to pay off a mortgage quicker.

Last week, we addressed the CMG Home Ownership Accelerator program. This week, we have an overview of the Money Merge Account system from United First Financial.
This is an intriguing program. It does not require you to refinance your existing mortgage and does not involve a change in lifestyle.
To make this program work, all you need is an open ended line of credit that meets very specific criteria. The line of credit functions as your checking account. Your paycheck is deposited into this line of credit. Your mortgage and bills are also paid from  it.
You must purchase the $3,500 Money Merge Account software which utilizes banking concepts. It enables you to keep track of all deposits and payments in your line of credit, and tells you the optimum time for making payments.
It also provides a dashboard that keeps you very focused on how many years are left on your mortgage.
For an overview, see a 15-minute video at http://unitedfirstfinancial.com/Portals/2/Flash/15_minute/.
 The line of credit functions like an accordion. You make a transfer from the credit line to pay down your first mortgage and your bills. When you get your paycheck, you put your income into it.
This reduces the outstanding balance. When it is time to pay your bills again, you pay them from the line of credit. This increases the balance. You pay interest on the line based on the average daily balance.
How quickly you can pay down your mortgage depends on your individual circumstances. The higher your savings after paying your monthly expenses, the quicker your mortgage will be paid off.
The more disciplined you are, the better your results. Instead of letting the bank make money on the float and low yielding checking and savings accounts, you make the money
Interestingly, the amount of the line of credit that is needed can be very small. There is a formula based on your paycheck, expenses and discretionary monthly income.
As an example, let’s say your income is $4,000 per month, your expenses are $3,500 per month, and your savings are $500 per month. The line of credit might be equal to your paycheck, plus your expenses, plus five times your discretionary income or a total of $10,000.
Can you really pay down your mortgage in one-third to one-half the time using these principles?  It might be worth your time to get a complimentary three-page analysis, and look at the company’s excellent video and testimonials to find out.
That will answer most of your questions. If you want more confirmation, you may want to get a second opinion from your CPA or financial planner.
Mike Ferguson is with Windsor Financial Services  in Granite Bay. His Web address is www.windsorFS.com.