"I will go without rather than go into debt," says Atwood.
This error can doom your chances, warns Kimberly Pope, founder of The Pope Institute for Polish, Poise and Etiquette.
You could be putting yourself at risk, says Bankrate's Greg McBride.
Some households rack up over $1,000 a year in interest payments alone.
Warren Buffett also offered "Cousin Jimmy" some business advice.
You can do it!
For every net worth up to $1 million, the most important asset is the primary residence.
Getting by is a lot easier some places than others.
"A single family home is not an investment."
What did your state look for?