Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 6, 2012 at 4:13pm

Hi Joan,

 

In my opinion, the word “homeowner” is one of the most misleading and problematic words in our language. In what other context would we say someone “owned” something when they owed way more money for it than they have already paid for it? Our current housing market is nothing more than another government-sponsored giveaway to large financial institutions that has resulted in artificially raising the values of homes. I wonder how many “homeowners” realize that by the time they’re done paying for the home they’ve been allowed to pretend they own that they will have paid the banks more than double the listed sale price?  

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on April 6, 2012 at 4:50pm

That is exactly correct. I learned from my parents not to pay money for money unless it made money. My parents paid cash for their home, I bought a fixer upper and had it paid off in two years. I lived here for two years with a mortgage, and 36 years without a mortgage. Most people don't understand that. I paid $12,000 for my home and paid it off working at minimum wage and going to school full time. My neighbor spent $200,000 and it is under water now and their jobs are not secure. 

I pay off my credit card every month, and I saved and paid cash for my new now 20-year old car. I expect it to last as long as I do. 

Everyone needs to understand interest payments and the long range effect of interest rates. They need to know how to figure out amortization of a loan and what the final cost will be. 

If a house payment, car payment, credit card payment uses up disposable money, then quality of life goes down. One may live in a grand home and have a fancy car and quality clothes, but what does it cost them if they have to pay interest payments?