If $20k covers six months of expenses, great! If not, set aside six months. I know the suggested range is 3-6 months, but you’re living on one income and the economy is unstable. I think it’s best to go for six months or more, if that makes you feel more secure.

So, after deducting furniture costs and your 6-month emergency fund, you’re left with several hundred thousand dollars with which to buy a house.

You mentioned that you’re shopping in the $350 – $400k range, but what about lowering your range first to see what’s available? I have no idea where you live, so that might not be a good option.

And, be sure to take on a 15-year mortgage and pay it off ASAP. You’ll be completely debt-free soon! How cool is that?

I was pressured by one of my parents to go to university and I hated it. I was told by one of my prof’s that i would be the top student in my college, but I didn’t have the heart to tell him I was secretly miserable. Thankfully, I had enough saved working the previous year that I had paid cash for that year, but I think about what would have happened if we had invested that money – we would more than likely have our house paid off in our mid 30′s.

Nobody should suck it up and go to university if they are unsure. I recommend everyone take the time to search their hearts and remember there are tech schools and other programs – find your niche.