Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away - And Buying Isn’t Always Smart

Should you buy a house or keep renting? In this episode, Maddie and Meghan break down the real costs of both - beyond just the mortgage payment - and help you figure out what actually makes sense for YOUR life, timeline, and goals. This isn't about what looks good on paper. It's about making the housing decision that supports the life you want. Plus, Meghan shares the real story of her first condo purchase.

In This Episode:

• Why the "American Dream" pressure doesn't work for everyone
• The real cost of renting (it's more predictable than you think)
• The real cost of owning (mortgage is just the starting point)
• Stability vs. flexibility: what are you prioritizing right now?
• Why timeline matters: the 7-year rule explained
• Hidden factors people forget (opportunity cost, maintenance, liquidity)
• When buying makes sense vs. when renting makes sense

Key Insights:

• Your rent is the MAXIMUM you'll pay. Your mortgage is the MINIMUM.
• A $500K home at 6.168% interest = $978K total spent (including interest)
• Plan to stay 7+ years for buying to make financial sense
• That $100K down payment invested at 8% for 10 years = $216K vs. $134K in home equity at 3% appreciation
• Renting isn't "throwing money away" - it's paying for flexibility and lower risk

Read the full Show Notes Here!

 

Thanks to our sponsor:

 

• Rakuten

 

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