a relative who did it over and over again, late 50's he has home equity, but sorely lacking any other retirement investments. Also wiped out most of it during bad timing buying the big house. Like most things in life, it's finding right balance, having all info and making informed decision that's right for your family.

Usually, any extreme painted as the "smart thing" can be the wrong decision. I'm leery of any Talk Radio that preaches blanket statement solutions for hundreds of different scenarios of his many different listeners. Most of them are better for entertainment. I do applaud your accomplishment. Sometimes it's as psychological as anything. Takes commitment to do that by 42, and you still have time if you neglected any tax-deferred or tax-free growth retirement investment vehicles. America learned "real estate and houses can only go up" can be painful lesson for any family over-weighted in any one type of investment. But, if any blanket advice is more benign the other, probably "no-debt".