Despite realizing 11.5% compounded annual return in the stock market over 15 years, we paid off a sizable 3.5% fixed mortgage after a year.

But we also had plenty of remaining liquidity. If i don't have well over a year's cash around, i think i'm broke. So with ample cash set aside, i say pay off the mortgage ASAP, but only after all credit card and auto debt are paid off.

Guaranteed to make you feel better. You can't go broke if you don't owe anyone anything.

Despite the myth to the contrary, most self-made eight figure types pay cash for everything and avoid debt like the plague. People who love debt often engage in it in part to finance a yet unearned lavish lifestyle, whether or not the use of most borrowed funds are effectively employed.