this post was submitted on 01 Oct 2023
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Does she budget for other longer term expenses, like car replacement and repairs, retirement, or college for kids (assuming she has kids)? If not, this should be a wakeup call that she needs to get her finances in order, because working a second job shouldn't be the solution to every periodic expense.
I don't know where you live, but at least in my area, I had to finish a new homeowner packet to get my mortgage, which laid out common expenses. AFAIK, that's a pretty common thing because banks don't want you to default due to an unexpected repair cost.
But maybe renting is better for her if she is unable or unwilling to plan ahead. My point is that, in most cases, owning ends up being cheaper than renting for the same space.
I'm willing to bet there's a lot of homeowners like this. Why do you think there have been so many foreclosures?
New homeowners get the house then they think that's it.
But it's not.
Homeownership isn't for everyone. Not everyone is financially responsible to own a house.
I absolutely agree. I'm just saying that's what homeownership requires, otherwise you'll be stuck with an endless money pit financing every little repair.