[dmcummins]

Rick, I agree age has alot to do with it. I'm 49 and as I said I plan to retire soon. Actually I planned to retire a 47 but I cant seem to pull the trigger. Work isnt as bad when you don't have to be there.

I havn't run all the numbers but I also assumed that I would be investing the money that I would have been paying in interest. In your $200k example that is probably over $900 a month for quite a few years.

Also I look at my house as part of my overall holdings. If I don't have to make that $1200 month payment , that saves me from having to make something like $1600 to clear the $1200.

Ive been investing in the stock market since 1980 and one thing Ive learned is to diversify. That means some fixed income to smooth out the bumps.

At least your running the numbers. Thats better than most. Just remember to invest the money in appreaciating assets.

Good Luck!