<prompt> Human: Is it smart to cut down the percentage contribution to your 401K in order to help pay your mortgage? My thinking is that owning a home is an equal investment to your 401K and thus retirement fund. I live in the SF Bay Area if that helps you understand the housing market Im dealing with.  <response>: Imo no. It may make sense to reduce 401k contributions to save up a down payment, but if you cant pay for your mortgage and save 15 for retirement, then you cant afford that house.Edit: Two assumptions youre making with this statement, My thinking is that owning a home is an equal investment to your 401K and thus retirement fund.1. Your house will appreciate at the same rate as the market grows 5-7 in the long term after inflation.2. Your house is as safe as a diversified portfolio. Saying your house is your retirement fund is like putting your retirement savings in one stock and saying thats a good idea. I live in the SF Bay Area if that helps you understand the housing market Im dealing with.Not everyone can afford to buy a home where they live on their income. You may be in that group. 