I did it. I fully paid off my margin.
I really hated letting go of shares that I know will be worth > $1k each (and were worth > $400 at the peak) for only $293, but it gives a far greater sense of security.
Considering, I’m no longer working, being > 100% invested in Tesla was crazy! I was not at very high margin when we peaked at $4xx per share, but I bought more and increased it on the way down. It got pretty scary when we got down to $107 last year. Had it gone down below $80, I would have had margin calls and had to to sell nearly half of my position or risk losing my retirement altogether.
I know I won’t do as well in the long run, but I don’t want that stress anymore (or smaller monthly budgets). Life’s too short.
So yes margin paid off for me, but at my age, trading a year or more of very high stress for more money later in life was not wise.
Still ~90% Tesla, but I plan to reduce that gradually over time.