re: Question about debt reduction and deciding when to purchase home

170k in loans is a load man. Dave Ramsey's advice is good for a lot of people, but doesn't always makes sense for everyone. If I were in your position: If I felt like the jobs are secure to very secure, then I would maybe consider buying a house. But, on the flip side, imagine what would happen if one of you lost your jobs, got in an accident, had medical issues, etc. Interest rates and home prices are at an all time low and waiting to be snatched up, but if I were in your shoes...and potential upside to snatching up a bargain would be outweighed by the possible negative scenarios involved with having an existing heavy debt load at 6+%...and then putting a house note on top of that. That is just my $0.02.