Hi Straight,

I still have 2 years until the house is paid for. Looking at the way I phrased what I wrote, it does appear that mine is paid for now. Purchased my house using the ground rules you listed and have been investing and saving money. As the principal comes down and what I'm saving increases, I'll be able to pay it off when they meet in the middle. I estimate it to be in 2011, and that is based on my base pay and nothing extra.

Not snobby at all. For two years my wife and I cut the budget down to the bare minimums and followed Dave's baby steps outlined in the Total Money Makeover. We paid off everything we owed except for the mortgage. Technically we are debt free except for the house.

The walk wasn't very easy to do and the road definitely felt uphill most of the way. But all of that sacrifice is well worth it the day that last payment is made and you can now begin paying yourself instead of someone else.

You are correct. I normally do not say anything because it is very personal on both ends of the conversation. The only time I bring it up is when there is an opportunity to help someone, and that someone is usually a friend or family member. I'm able to sympathize with much of one's struggle because I've been there as well. At the same time, I'm able to offer support, encouragement and helpful advice if they are motivated to get out of debt. It's rewarding when you finally are out of debt, but I find it even more rewarding when you can help someone else do the same - especially when they are able to avoid a mistake or mistakes I have made in the past.