We have a Defined Benefits Pension Scheme in work. I make AVC payments monthly to bring the contribution up to the max allowable at my age. I owe around 50k on an equity release mortgage. Would I be better putting the AVC money (or most of it) off the mortgage monthly, so that I can have it paid off sooner? It's hard to weigh up the pros and cons. On the one hand my AVCs get tax relief and they will be there for me when I'm older; on the other hand I only get tax relief at the lower rate and I could do with clearing the mortgage as quick as I can, especially as I'm coming to the end of a 2 year fixed rate and the interest rate will be 5.95 from next month. Anybody any suggestions please? Many thanks.