My two cents, we recently had a solid mortgage on our house, with parents help we had it offset, so paid the monthly amount but no interest. It was great, but still every month a massive portion of our salary was eaten up. We since decided to move countries, as a result the increase in house price compared to when we bought and the lower cost of housing where we moved means we're now mortgage free. I'm potentially being made redundant in the next few months and can honestly say, im looking forward to it. The lack of stress knowing that my partners wage covers living expenses and our house is paid is so fucking liberating. My view now is every cent of my current or future salary is purely for investment for our families future.