Most of us settle initially for the cheapest form of putting a roof over our heads. It’s easy to forget that this has to be a lifetime project, encompassing many options and uncertainties:

• Do we value flexibility?

• Are we prepared or able to live with our parents?

• Share with other family or friends?

• Save for a deposit?

• Inheritance?

• Marriage?

• Children?

• Rent or Buy?

We consider this last in Simple Money. For now we remind you that whatever you do will produce cash needs. These may be in the form of rent to a landlord or interest to a mortgage suppier, and you should:-

• remember to include these cash needs in your planning process,

• try the effect of different methods of financing your home on your immediate investment decisions. How flexible do you need to be?

• remember that if you chose home ownership you have a valuable asset which may affect your choice of other assets in your savings plans