This week, Kim and I hired a contractor for what we hope will be the last major project on the “country cottage” we bought last summer. We’re replacing our rotting back deck and installing a hot tub. It’s an expensive (and extensive) project.
The cost hurts all the more because we’ve already poured nearly $100,000 into performing needed repairs on this property. (In fact, as you may remember, we considered forgoing the deck replacement altogether.)
Budgeting for this job led me to reflect on the costs of owning a home. Like my colleague J.L. Collins (who believes a house is a terrible investment), I refuse to join to the cult of of homeownership. Yes, I own a home — and have for 24 out of the past 25 years — but I’m under no illusion that this is a smart financial move. Kim and I want to own an acre of land in the country, which is why we bought this place. We didn’t buy it because we think it’ll make us wealthy. (It seems to be having the opposite effect!)
Today, both for entertainment and catharsis, I want to spend some time talking about the high costs of homeownership. And lest you believe the stories below simply prove that I’m a fool with money, I want to point out that my experiences seem typical. Everyone I talk to about homeownership has similar tales to tell. I’ll bet you do too!
Student loan repayment is one of the most complex and multifaceted personal finance topics. There are so many different options, pitfalls and considerations to keep track of, that thereâs really no âone size fits allâ approach. Whatâs worse, borrowers are expected to start tackling their loans as soon as they leave college.
The post What You Should Know About Student Loans appeared first on MintLife Blog.
Purchase applications fell 10% and housing inventory decreased by 8.664 units last week, according to the Housing Market Tracker.
The whole world cried in shock when beloved actor and comedian Bob Saget passed away unexpectedly in early 2022. Tributes poured in, and unsurprisingly, most of them were tied to his unforgettable portrayal of the loving father-of-three, Full House‘s Danny Tanner. Saget’s character, with his caring, gentle nature and bottomless sac of good advice stood […]
The post The real âFull Houseâ house in San Francisco and where to find it appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
Is it your dream to live in the heart of Manhattan, in a chic and stylish apartment close to the city’s best in terms of shopping and dining? Then here’s how you can make that dream come true. Warburg Realty is looking for a buyer for this magnificent and cozy two-bedroom, two-bathroom at 45 Crosby […]
The post Ultra-Chic Crosby Street Loft Hits the Market in Soho appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
There are plenty of ways to be a stellar wedding guest without driving your own finances into the ditch. Here are several ways to keep the wedding frugal.
The post How To Keep A Wedding From Ruining Your Summer Budget appeared first on Bible Money Matters and was written by Kayla Albert. Copyright © Bible Money Matters – please visit biblemoneymatters.com for more great content.
Take your time in Tulsa to the next level in one of these apartment pools.
The post 10 Incredible Apartment Pools in Tulsa appeared first on The Rent. Blog : A Renterâs Guide for Tips & Advice.
This week’s installment of our One Room Challenge update is a bit of a cry for help. Things have been going pretty smoothly thus far. I have my design direction. I found some killer ideas for cool paint features. I’ve zeroed in on my furniture plan (will be sharing next…
The post One Room Challenge Week 4: My Conundrum appeared first on Apartment34.