Which of the following is not a valid reason to refinance a mortgage?

Refinancing a mortgage involves taking out a new loan to replace an existing one, often to achieve various financial goals. Obtaining a lower interest rate is a common motivation, as it can reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Similarly, refinancing to reduce monthly payments can provide immediate financial relief for homeowners by decreasing the amount they need to pay each month, freeing up cash flow for other expenses. Accessing home equity allows homeowners to leverage the increased value of their property for cash, often for improvements or debt consolidation.

However, lowering the principal balance is not a valid reason to refinance. When you refinance, you're essentially starting a new loan. While refinancing could involve lower monthly payments or interest rates, it does not inherently decrease the principal balance. If a homeowner wants to decrease the principal owed on their mortgage, they would generally need to make additional payments toward the principal rather than relying on refinancing as a strategy to achieve that goal.