(Yet another) Pay off mortgage Vs Keep the Stocks & Shares ISA

bobsy31

Hi - I'd appreciate a sounding board from anyone reading this head vs heart decision.

Some numbers to help:
Value of ISA as of today: c142k
Amount left on primary mortgage: c110k (8 years left on it)
Amount left on second property: c45k (10/12 years left on it)
Amount left on third property (c80k) (15 years left on it)

Around 10 years ago I belatedly (I was 32 at the time) began my investment journey. For 8 years I paid the maximum amount. My plan was to keep paying into it until retirement, and while I may not have got the 'compound' benefit of someone who started in their early 20s, I wanted to do my best in me 'playing catch up' in my investment journey
 - Two years ago I left my employed role and took some time out for personal reasons. I stopped paying into the stocks and shares ISA, apart from a 100 p/m into one of the funds. For 18 months I didn't end up working, in that time we also moved house and got a 10-year mortgage. As a result we ate into a substantial amount of all our other savings.
 - 8 months ago I set up my business. The last few months, like many, have been tough. Financially we are in a position whereby if the business doesn't pick up by Dec/January then the Stocks and Shares ISA will have to be raided.

There was a strict 'hands-off' rule on my S&S ISA, however, I'm faced with a reality where we're left with no choice. 

I know the 'prudent' answer to the question I pose in my discussion title is to stick with investments. And I firmly believe that too. The situation we're in now is making me have second thoughts.
So:

 - If things get to December and we have to dip into my ISA, is there any logic in just noting the bullet and pay my mortgage off on the primary property completely instead of taking out c10k every 3 months or so until my business picks up.
- I cannot predict when it will be I can start paying the max amount into the stocks and shares ISA. I can't see it being next year or maybe even the year after. This takes me to the age of 45. 
- If I can't pay a meaningful amount int the S&S ISA in these coming years then am I losing out on the benefits that 20-30+ year investors get. 

I'm obviously hoping things pick up in the coming months, but like many, I can't be certain of it.

I'd just like to various opinions of everyone on here. It can then help me in my decision making.

Thank you

Albermarle

I think if employment /income stream is not secure than you should probably concentrate on keeping a roof over your head. 
After that you will have to decide whether to withdraw from one or both of the other property assets ( hopefully they have some value after mortgage is paid) and invest the proceeds or not . 
Have you got any cash savings or a pension ?

bobsy31

Albermarle said:

I think if employment /income stream is not secure than you should probably concentrate on keeping a roof over your head. 
After that you will have to decide whether to withdraw from one or both of the other property assets ( hopefully they have some value after mortgage is paid) and invest the proceeds or not . 
Have you got any cash savings or a pension ?

Thanks.
Cash savings have been eaten up by the last 2 years of no/low income. My Investments, coupled with the 3 mortgages were going to be my pension provision.

So you'd suggest drawing down what is required to keep financially secure, rather than taking the lot and paying off all the mortgages?
Then when I am financially more secure then invest again? Being in my 40s I don;t have too long an investment life left, does that mean I increase my risk tolerance (as much as I am conformtable with) to generate larger returns in the shorter timeframe?