<prompt> Human: Im about to turn 40, I have good credit and no debt but also no savings. I make around 48Kyear, single with no kids. I recently sold my car to clear up 400month in payments, my mechanic is fixing up an old Blazer that Ill need to finance at about 30month and Im guessing 30month for carrenters insurance. I pay 825month in rent, which is all-inclusive. And I have a 30month phone bill. Im maxing out an HSA directly from my paycheck.I know I need to build up cash savings for 3-6 months. Does this go in a bank account or T-bills or what? My problem is every time I save up 3K I take off to Malaysia or Guatemala for a month. Im trying to be more responsible.My question is, after I have a cash reserve, whats the best vehicle for saving? My goals are saving up a down payment on a house, but Im also way behind on retirement savings. I cant use a Roth IRA if I ever want to buy a house right?I have a friend who is an insurance agent, and he is pushing me towards Universal Life as an investment vehicle with a minimal term life since no one is dependent on me. Hes saying when I do things like buy a car like I plan to this week I could loan myself the money at a much cheaper rate. I could also use it as a down payment on a house one day, and if I ever get married and want term life I could pay off a term life plan or something like that, I didnt really understand.My understanding is there is some real hatred of Uni Life, that they are high-fee and high-commission. He says I am getting a variable rate, but it is never negative. Are the rates he is showing me the final, true rate or do fees also cut in to that rate? Would it work for me and my goals? Would I do it in addition to a Roth IRA? Any advice would be appreciated.  <response>: Dont do it. 