Tornadoes in Colorado, California, Kansas and Oklahoma - some of the usual places tornadoes are seen and some new ones. Earthquakes and tidal waves. Fires. Devastation. Homelessness - temporary or otherwise.

What does paying off your mortgage have to do with all this? Even the proponents of stretching out a low-interest loan as long as possible (for the tax deduction, or whatever other perceived benefit) say "There's nothing that beats the psychological security of owning your home free and clear."

If times become tough, at least you have your house. Property taxes going up? If your house it paid for, taxes and insurance (and maintenance of course) are your only housing concern.

This is only one of the reasons why many people choose to accelerate their mortgage payoff and own their homes years sooner. It's not just "pride of ownership." It's peace of mind because the biggest debt you take on in your life has been fulfilled; you won - it's paid for! No longer a huge monthly payment hanging over your head.

Owning your home free and clear won't prevent tornadoes or earthquakes or roof damage. But for most of us, freedom from that debt can lower the blood pressure and unwrinkle the brow. Now worries.

To learn more about how you can pay off your home years sooner, watch the video on this site's home page. It discusses whether the money merge account is a good way to go or not. But whatever you decide about paying off your home, do it sooner rather than later. The peace of mind you'll save will be your own.