Once you're a homeowner, your house will probably be the biggest, long-term investment you have. Every dollar you spend on a mortgage or down payment is like putting money in a house-sized piggy bank, so it makes sense to look at home buying through the lens of saving.

Once you are debt-free except for your mortgage, bump your starter emergency fund up to three to six months' worth of expenses. That will be your fully funded emergency fund.

Debt basically enables people to live a lie.