Regarding the house, you don't have to buy. Ever. I'm 39, married (well...) with two kids and I never owned a house. I've rented houses and felt settled for years. I know the US culture is all about buying and most people think that it makes more financial sense, but it's not that clear. See the New York Times calculator to compare the price of rent vs buy. If anything, it's a reminder that renting can be cheaper, equal or not much more expensive. It has many other upsides, such as outsourcing the responsibility of the house to someone else. A single phone number to solve all problems!
Just putting one more perspective out there.
M39 D6 D3 (at S) S 2014-09 D 2016-09
"You can't start a fire sitting around, crying over a broken heart" - Bruce Springsteen.
