Its true that theoretically the value of 3x up front is in the same ballpark - but only if you invested all of it wisely. But in reality my wife would need to u

Its true that theoretically the value of 3x up front is in the same ballpark - but only if you invested all of it wisely. But in reality my wife would need to use the entire benefit to pay down our mortgage and refi, so those theoretical gains mean little. Meanwhile, she has to somehow get enough income elsewhere to pay what is left of the mortgage, our kids college, etc. Knowing there is some real level of income security for 10 years is way way better.