Yes, it's tricky because the answer differs for everyone. I have a wicked practical streak that can drive folks crazy so I've come to focus more on cash flow than maximizing returns and such. Having enough coming in on a regular basis to at least match what's going out has a lot going for it. Many years ago, we paid off all our debt and then started saving up for a down payment. When we bought our house, we put 20 percent down. I was fortunate to get a mortgage that didn't require us to escrow for taxes and insurance. I do that anyway, just on my own. I also do anything else that isn't paid monthly. Eliminating those big fluctuations from month to month in cash flow does wonders! I'm working on getting up to having cash on hand to cover 24 months of all expenses but still have a ways to go. Getting the house paid off before I retire is a big goal too. For me, the last thing you want in retirement is a mortgage payment. One of the few good things about the big recession is that a lot of folks have learned the importance of saving.

Thanks RT and Chris and anyone else I may have overlooked. Your responses were very helpful. By the way Chris, PG&E has a minimum amount they charge and I don't know how that will all work when I provide electricity to them.