<prompt> Human: What would you guys do? I dont make much money, a little under 60K in northern NJ. I have about 180K in index funds and 20K in available savings. I was considering the idea of offering cash for houses for sale around here that were for sale at around 220K and offering 200K in cash. Girlfriend Ive lived with for 10 years says she would pay the yearly taxes about 5K and utilities as her rent, leaving me with virtually no bills, and I would just resume saving as usual after buying the house. Im currently splitting a 1800 a month rental and putting as much as savings I can in an index fund. Im 40, never owned a house. i usually am able to save around 20K a year. Id be able to save around 30K a year after I bought a house with the current index funds. Is it better to buy a house or just keep adding to the index funds? Not interested in any emotional benefits to owning, just in making the best financial decision.  <response>: The 180,000 in index funds may not translate into 180,000 in cash you can spend. You may owe taxes on the amount you cash out? Do you have any other assets? A workplace retirement account? 