[John_AZ]

The article focused on 2 variables: early prepayment of mortgage,adding $100 per month or investing $100 in the stock/fund market.

My reason to payoff the mortgage:

The person making these choices is employed, uncertain of future compensation and wants stability in their lives. Peak earning years are in the late 40's/early 50's. Think GM current buyout scheme: $140K now and no pension or $70K now and maybe/maybe not future pension. The choice is made easier if the mortgage was paid down.
This is even more obvious with todays market down 15 to 20% from the October 2007 peak. Individual investors tend to buy high and sell low-making emotional decisions. Another point missed by the article-stock market fear.

Pay off the house if financially able-do the credit cards first. $6K-$9K typical balance due per household. Many of the nations work force do not have the luxury of the salary given to executives or the golden parachute.

John_AZ