If you're buying a home for the first time, or moving from a rental property, you may already know about the long term benefits in real estate investing. But aside from the financial gains that come with buying a home, there are other investments that come into play when you finally choose to purchase a home.

Saving money is always hailed as a great thing to do for your future. However, most of Americans do not, cannot, or will not save money to plan for the future. So we all freak out over our "retirement savings" and buy into 401(k)s and other retirement plans. Even though these kinds of savings plans work, they don't worry very well, gain little to nothing, and aren't that appealing when it comes to most of Americans.

But when you purchase a home, you wind up making a solid, proven investment that you just happen to be able to live in. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity increases, giving you gains in financial stability and collateral that you can use to adjust your way of life as you grow older. Also, you're in a home that has shown appreciation over extended periods of time. Couple those together, and you have a good game plan for saving for the future.

When you buy a home, you're doing what no savings plan can offer. You're in full control over your own capital and your own gains, and can adjust whatever you need to whenever you need to. Add the great perk of, well, living in your investment, and you'll begin to reap your benefits soon after your purchase.

Buying a home is a great investment in your future if you want to shun other retirement savings plans. It's a good way to offset the money that you didn't save before while you were working, and allows you to have that nest egg that you'll need to live comfortably in the future.