Definitely it is an act of prudence. Paying off mortgages before time saves a considerable amount of dollars and earns a comfortable rate on return of the investment. The interest you have already paid on your mortgage loan will prove an advantage for you now. Although the mortgage tax will be off, but in case you are in 25% bracket of tax for each quarter, you are entitled for a return of only $1 of the interest paid. As a whole if you are free from other debts, it is not a bad idea to pay off the debt before time.