Just a minor nitpick. If you are buying a home, and are also fortunate enough to be able to manage "retirement savings, kids college savings, savings in general

Just a minor nitpick. If you are buying a home, and are also fortunate enough to be able to manage "retirement savings, kids college savings, savings in general, and debt payoff and avoidance", you are likely not strictly middle class. Most people who are classified as middle class can't afford any one of those, let alone the entire set. You don't come across as negatively "privileged", but perhaps if you can afford to send your kids to college, and plan for retirement, and have a rainy day fund to boot, you might consider yourself blessed compared to the situation many people find themselves in. I'm well enough off, but I'd give an arm to be in your position. :)