Group 1 - The decision to pay off a mortgage early or invest more depends on financial goals and potential gains from each option [2][4] - Comparing the mortgage interest rate of 2.375% with potential investment returns, such as a 4% CD, is a common approach [4][7] - The risk associated with investments, particularly in stock portfolios, contrasts with the certainty of savings from paying down a fixed-rate mortgage [6][7] Group 2 - The analysis should consider the time horizon for retirement and the comfort level with investment risk [7] - The low mortgage interest rate of 2.375% supports the argument for not paying it down sooner, especially when a fixed-rate CD offers a higher return [7][8] - Tax implications of CD interest and potential mortgage interest deductions should also be factored into the decision-making process [8]

Remember when you could find high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) that earned upwards of 5% APY? It seems those days are behind us, at least for now. Every time the Federal Reserve makes a rate cut — which it is likely to do at least once more before the end of the year — rates drop on HYSAs and other deposit accounts, making them less attractive tools for saving. With that said, you can still earn 4% or more on a few HYSAs, which is far more than you'll earn on a regular savings or checking account. And ...