Should I focus on finishing off my home loan as soon as possible - or invest in rental property or shares?

Q.

I am 33 years old, earning $80k a year and have $15k in super. I bought my home three years ago for $325k and my home loan is $215k. I am $30k ahead of the regular repayments as I make extra repayments of $200 a week. I also have $5k in an offset account. I've been thinking about buying an investment property and using my equity for the deposit. Alternatively, I also want to be a long-term share investor. Should I focus on finishing off my home loan as soon as possible - or invest in rental property or shares?

Provided you have your home loan under control it would be a good strategy to invest elsewhere and i believe shares are a better option - they are highly liquid and you can choose a loan that suits your comfort level. Make sure you take the loan on an interest only basis using a home equity loan so you never are put in the position of having to pay a margin call.