[Jonty30]

I think you are always better off with a hard asset than not, whatever that asset is. If you own it, you have lower costs over time than renting it. It can also be converted to cash if need be. Cash is only good in stable economies. If the US economy goes Weimer, it wont matter how much cash you have as it will be essentially worthless.

The only exception I make is probably a vehicle. If you can get away without one, you’re probably better off financially.

[Prolixus]

If the U.S. economy goes Weimar?

[Alberta's Child]

That's a good point. I would suggest that in many parts of the country a home is now a liability, not an asset. The last 15-20 years have demonstrated that a lot of the conventional wisdom related to the financial situation with owning a home have gone right out the window.

Even if you own a home outright, it's important to remember that it is one of the least liquid assets you can own.