What to weigh when deciding to down the mortgage early - 2004-02-08
Q: My friend's accountant suggested that she pay off her house in Orange County, Calif. I think this is not a good idea. My friend is tired of paying a monthly mortgage of $782. What do you think?

N.S., via e-mail

A: It might make sense to pay off the loan, but consider figures provided by Richard Fingerman, a certified financial planner in Boston. Let's say your friend has a $100,000 loan at 6 percent for 30 years. Over that period, payments total more than $215,000, including $115,000 in interest.
Read the full story at Christian Science Monitor

Home opens door to savings - 2004-02-08
Boosted by the lowest mortgage interest rates in more than 40 years, home sales and refinanced loans advanced at a record pace last year. The bustling mortgage activity means more taxpayers must master the complex rules that help homeowners win big tax advantages.

"It's tax-favored in a number of different ways," said Bernard Kent, a personal financial services partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Read the full story at Modesto Bee