But but... I've only had this place 11 years and will be done paying in about 7... turned a 25 year mortgage into 18 years. In that 11 years, I paid about $25k to do a garage (excavation/foundation paid, the rest supplies) that added $50k in immediate equity. All in all, I have about $97K left on my mortgage but my place is now worth $325k+ (one of the few houses on the street with a garage, real estate agents drop off their cards with notes that say "I could sell your house in 48 hours for $300k!" - no doubt, because it's under-priced by 10%). Not bad considering I paid $166k + $25k = $191k, except I didn't pay the $25k (early inheritance from my father in law). So... doubled in 11 years, paid in 18 years, just in time for first kid to go to post-secondary.... sigh.
You also have a government job with a pension... set for life. Most people our age(20-30 year olds, not you old geezer )will not have a pension. The only way for us to save money is to invest in medium risk investments... forget about trying to retire on a low-risk investment.... the inflation rate will eat away any earnings.
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