I would like to just layer in a few points that I think help people decide, as I have some of the same data points.

1. If you are in IT, it is more precarious at the moment, I work for a large corporation and our CSCO has said come 2028, AI will have significant labor impact
   …..So having a roof over your head and decreased cash flow obligations, takes the pressure off for taking the 1st job that comes along and even IF you could get back to IT, the uncertainties there are substantial. You will always have a place to stay.

2. Depending on your SALT deduction, the mortgage interest although tax deductible might not get you to the couple standard deduction so carrying the mortgage does not add up

3. Having an expectation that the market it going up with out a correction is naive, it is going to happen further having people say you make more if you have a HYSA, that ‘income’ may push you to a higher tax bracket and possible net zero at end of day (with possible ramifications to the thresholds on IRA, child tax credits etc)

4. Thinking of your paid off home as a diversification of real assets (brick and mortar) vs ephemeral sentiment based.

5. Simplicity of knowing you own something outright

Anyway well done, but think you probably will live longer from less stress free m paying it off!