I will be retiring at the end of the year. Always had in my mind that I did not want a mortgage when I retire. Currently have about $85,000 owing on a $750,000 house. The mortgage is at 1.69% for another year or so. I have the money to pay off the mortgage. The $85,000 is just sitting in a regular account as I did not want to take a chance at investing it and losing part before I retired. Pay it off and pay a small penalty or let it sit there until the mortgage is due and retire with a mortgage. Thoughts?