Starting Out or Waiting – Homeownership

With interest rates rising and housing prices up, it’s no surprise that home affordability is in the headlines. I thought I’d share these two charts that highlight trends in the ‘starter home’ market … First, this US Census chart is making the rounds as evidence that young people can’t afford homes … You can see that the gap between 35 & 65 year olds has … Continue reading Starting Out or Waiting – Homeownership

Financial Potholes – Ten To Dodge!

It’s pothole season and good friend and regular reader, “Bowmanifesto”, commented about the “financial potholes” that prevent people from reaching FIRE (financial independence & retiring early). Just like the potholes in the road, there are hundreds of financial hazards that we all need to dodge each year. Just like the holes in the road, financial potholes aren’t catastrophic, they are just annoying costs that add … Continue reading Financial Potholes – Ten To Dodge!

Stop Calling Student Loan Debt A “Crisis”

I really hate writing articles about political issues, but here I am again. The Biden administration’s student debt cancellation policy – which seeks to erase $430 billion in college student loan debt – is in the headlines again. We’re awaiting a Supreme Court’s decision on its Constitutionality, likely this June. It caused me to look a little into the scope of the “CRISIS” as it … Continue reading Stop Calling Student Loan Debt A “Crisis”

Americans Less Financially Resilient Than Ever?

It’s been about three years since the start of the pandemic. I’m not sure if it’s officially over yet, but Americans have returned to their old financial behavior: save little & charge much. Here are two charts I came across recently that paint the ugly picture. First, the US Savings rate fell to 4.7% in December (well below the 8.8% pre-pandemic average) … Second, it’s … Continue reading Americans Less Financially Resilient Than Ever?

Sunshine State Snowbirding Vibe

Our friends and us sometimes debate the “vibe” of snowbirding in Florida versus Arizona. I would guess that about 2/3rds of our friends opt for Florida and 1/3 opt for Arizona. We were undecided until a few years ago when my wife noted that although we’ve been to both many times, when we’ve chosen Florida over Arizona at about a 3:1 ratio for vacations over … Continue reading Sunshine State Snowbirding Vibe