re: Would you carry a mortgage if you didn't have to?

I hate a mortgage note as much as the next guy and believe that even if it is not the financially savoy thing to do (as long as it is somewhat close) that peace of mind means a lot and it is enjoyable not having a note, as for taxes , remember the standard deduction goes up this year so unless you have a lot of deductions the interest may not even be in play. All that said, I would never withdraw from a ROTH or other IRA to pay down a mortgage