Thanks for the feedback! I sort of knew this would be a point of contention, even coming from my own mother who does exactly as you've described. I agree it definitely makes more mathematical sense not to pay off the mortgage early. I lean on the much more conservative route in my attitude towards debt, as it personally gives me a mental benefit which is worth it (to me).

I suppose I should caveat that the paying off mortgage piece is absolutely optional, and may not even be a distinct stage of wealth. Will make that edit, thanks for pointing it out!