<prompt> Human: I am 24 years old and Ill be getting married next year. My fiance will be moving in with me in August, and she will be bringing about 150k of student debt with her most at 7.8. Our plan is for me to pay for all of our living expenses while all of her income goes toward paying off her student debt. Were thinking that she should make about 70k starting out, so hopefully we can get this accomplished in only a couple years. Were very set in this plan, but my question comes in housing. Here are my specifics:12K in cash 5k dedicated as an emergency fund24k in roth ira4k in 401kSo my questions are 1 does it make sense for me to start looking into buying a house now? I dont like the idea of of paying around 750month for a one bedroom for the next 3 years or so and not getting any equity while we pay off her loans. We plan on staying put where we are, so theres no worry about needing to move. And 2 if I do buy a house, what should I do about the down payment money? Where I live, I could get a decent 2 bedroom for around 110k. I know I can take out 10k of my roth penalty free, but does it even make sense to take away that tax free growth at roughly 8 when Id be saving myself money from a 4 mortgage? I know everyone always seems to encourage putting 20 down, but what about a FHA mortgages. Ill admit I dont know all the specifics on them though. Is any my thinking flawed on this? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all.  <response>: Personally I wouldnt take out any money that you have in your roth for a down payment. Since it looks like youre ok in the finances department I would set a goal for your down payment, the closer to 20 the better. Figure out how long it will take to get you there, and then re-evaluate your thoughts. It may take a few years to save that up, but you may also change your mind on where you want to live in by then as far as in your area. Maybe in 2 years youll be looking at kids, which in that case you may need to look at bigger houseshouses in better school districts, etc. 