If you’re that risk averse, paying off may be best, hence the nothing better question. I totally get it, besides, a paid off primary is often a core step to financial independence and being able to say stuff the rat race.
That said, depending on their tax brackets, risk tolerance, being very conservative, structure a tax exempt Cali muni bond holding and use proceeds to pay off the loan at a future date. Maybe try and pick up some LA DWP bonds at 5% yield or SLO water bonds at the same rate.
A lot depends on their tax situation, if the mortgage write off doesn’t apply or they don’t have wage/ short term income to shelter, there is no tax advantage o carrying it.
