Paying mortgage early is sometimes great financial decision and sometimes wrong choice. Depends on your interest rate vs likely investment returns. Higher rates favour paying off; lower rates favour investing instead.
When to pay off early
Mortgage rate above expected investment return (5%+ generally). Near retirement (reducing fixed expenses matters more than maximising returns). Anxious about debt (psychological benefit real). Lump sum from inheritance or bonus that wouldn't otherwise be invested well.
When to invest instead
Mortgage rate below 4% with long horizon (likely investment returns exceed this). Pension and ISA allowances unused (tax benefits often outweigh mortgage interest saving). Need liquidity for other goals.
Run the maths for your specific situation. Most blanket 'pay off mortgage early' or 'invest the difference' advice misses the nuance.