There is no tax break. The standard deduction for married couple is now $24k. You have to itemize your defections more than $24k in order to receive any kind of break. What an idiot.

How do you know he doesn't have greater than 24K deductions and use schedule A rather than taking the standard deduction ? Idiot ??? I don't think I would assign that label to someone I know nothing about.

The tax break issue is far down on the list for me as to why I want to owe interest. Many state that they pay down quickly on their mortgage so they can put more money away later before they retire or age with additional health costs. Starting to invest early when I was working was the main reason I did so because the time value of money is huge. I don't know the exact differences but a $1 saved at age 25 is worth a whole lot more than several times that dollar at say 50, 55 or 60. Saving money and owing money while we are in our early working years also helps one live within means and managing budgets and learning to live and be happy with a responsible budget to makes life enjoyable. During the 90s and early 2000s I had many opportunities to prepay my small mortgage, I am so very grateful that I decided to increase my retirement savings and general savings more then to pay down debt. To me it makes sense to use money I have not yet earned to pay off debt when I have debt that I can manage.

Bryce

X2 ! Especially if those savings/investments are in a tax advantaged vehicle

Exactly! Put into words I couldnt.

Having a loan is not all bad as some portray.

Yes. Along with that, having an excellent credit history is a good thing , too. It can work in one's own behalf to get things done in life.

Similar to Kre

I rather continue to pay 3.5% and take what would use to pay off early to invest to earn 10%.