[MRM]

Paying off your mortgage is almost always a good idea. Having no mortgage increases your cash flow. That increases your discretionary income far beyond what good stock returns can do. Second, it's 100% safe. If I pay of my mortgage this year (I plan to) I'm making the equivilent of a 6% return without being taxed on it. Interest alone is something like $800 a month. Despite the proven returns of the PPOTBB stock picks, I am not confident that the market will beat my mortgage rate for several years - with risk and taxes and fees. Finally, a paid off house is the most security you can buy. A house you can afford to keep up in a good neighborhood where there are good schools and a paid off mortgage, I can't see how that's a worse investment that your average mutual fund.