<prompt> Human: Taking a look around where I live Bay area, even tiny old houses in bad neighborhoods costs upwards of 500k. I dont understand how I could ever afford anything... Ive always been very frugal, but theres only so much one can save given how much income there is. Here are some numbers, can someone help set my expectations? Breakdown of finances: Age: 23Gross Income: 120k before bonuses and stock Cash on hand: 20k Stocks: 35.3k401k: 2kCar: 12kNo debt of any kindMonthly Budget:401k: Matched 6 500ESPP: 10, 1200Post-tax net income after 401k and espp: 5000100 Gas300 food100 entertainment1100 rent50 internetFiancé is in grad school and will not have a significant income for a while, so combining our incomes is a no-starter. I dont like to be in debt... something about the concept just makes me anxious. Thus, I think I want to save until I can liquidate all assets until i can buy a 1M house in cash... But even at my current rate of savings, it seems like it would take 2 decades to afford a house. Am I just being crazy and should go for a 20 down payment or something? I love the cheap relatively rental that I am in, but I do know I want to own eventually. Can anyone offer some advice? Thanks!  <response>: Debt paranoia is stupid. Debt is a useful tool when handled correctly. Trying to buy a house in cash is very difficult. And as you can plainly see, will take a long time. Get over your paranoia. Find a house you can afford, save up the 20 and get a mortgage like everyone else. Read about debt, understand it and utilize it. Dont be afraid of it because other people were weak or ignorant and got themselves fucked over by their credit cards or ARMs. 