I think it would be similar in lots of countries. Living in Australia, our household priority is to pay down debt. I don't understand the value of holding lots

I think it would be similar in lots of countries. Living in Australia, our household priority is to pay down debt. I don't understand the value of holding lots of cash while you have a mortgage. If cash is needed we can redraw. Ofcourse public health care is free here and education is still affordable and there is a social security safety net and compulsory superannuation payments. So it isn't like a family sickness will see us lose our home and sleeping under a bridge.