You do, but you also have to pick a risk profile you're comfortable with. If I pay off my mortgage I can afford to take on more risk in the market. I can affor

You do, but you also have to pick a risk profile you're comfortable with. If I pay off my mortgage I can afford to take on more risk in the market. I can afford to attempt entrepreneurship. It took me a long time to get to the point where I truly believed it was worth attacking my mortgage. I prefer to have as little debt as possible for my own peace. It's possible for me to get totally debt free in a year or two. Then I can focus on building a portfolio for retirement. I'm also choosing to remain in my first house and not spend lots on my standard of living.