thanks huckster,
that puts my mind at rest. i have not discussed investing the money with an ifa. i am just a bit worried about investing in the present economic conditions. i keep saying to myself that the money is safe in the mortgage. at least i know my mortgage will be payed off early and then i can do what i want with any extra money i will have.
your advice on not reducing the term makes sense and i think i will take your advice and keep the term as it is. i thought i wasn't benefiting as much as i could by not reducing the term, but from what you are saying i loose nothing. thanks