<prompt> Human: 28 yrs old - live in a major US city. I currently have no debt, Bachelors and Masters loans paid off a little less than 1 year ago. Have about 60K saved in 401k with 6 match and a 15000 Emergency fund. Ill make 80K this year after bonuses. Just got a promotion and raise so probably will make closer to 100000 next year. I contribute 15 currently with 6 match. My biggest expense is rent and utilities which comes to about 1500 a month. Food and social stuff is probably another 500 a month max. Im looking into buying a place in 2016. There are a few really nice places in my price range 250K. Would it be worth it to pause my 401k contributions momentarily to be able to secure a better mortage option with greater down payment and still have a nice emergency fund? Thinking that the tax incentives of home ownership could help what Ill end up owing the IRS during tax time for 2016 as well?  <response>: Always take your match because nothing beats free money. But past that, it is completely acceptable to put the rest on hold to get a down payment ready. And saving up enough down payment to avoid PMI will usually be worth the effort. Im in the Dave Ramsey church of conservative personal finances and I am completely confident that he would tell you the same. 