Here is an excellent rent Vs own calculator that can help you make an informed decision about how to spend your housing budget. Home ownership is a dream when you can afford it and can quickly turn into a nightmare when you can’t.

The true cost of ownership is not just the PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), but also the maintenance of the home and lifestyle of the neighborhood.

Home maintenance must be part of your budget and saved in your Momentum Account.

Keeping up with the Jones’ is a real thing. Your neighbors are will likely become your friends and your social reference so beware of moving into a neighborhood where your neighbors earn substantially more money than you do. Keeping up can lead to consumer debt.

Green with Envy by Shira Boss is a wonderful look into the lives and checkbooks of our neighbors.