DH and I had to use retirement money to get a house. But then , the house is sort of retirement safety net. I don't want to leave the neighborhood ever, but who knows what the future will bring.

I mean right now, our house is our nest egg.

But isn't that true for most people who own a house. The house is essentially the savings plan and, in many ways, retirement plan?

I got the best blanket today. Why yes, it's oohgobbles hot out, but you know what? We've been running the AC and it gets chilly.

I am also loving Fridays off. Steph, how are you enjoying your fridays? I mean, the job sounds heinous all other times, but fridays must be a nice break.

One thing I'm not factoring into my Five Year Plan budget is that, when my sister bought her first house (when she was still single), my parents gave her the equivalent of what they would have paid for a wedding. When she got engaged two years ago, she and her fiance paid for the wedding themselves, so it all worked out on both ends. I'm sure Mom and Dad will more than likely give me the same offer when I'm ready to buy.

Also, think of how much money that you could save if you halved most of your expenses (rent, utilities, etc.) The only thing that costs significantly more when there are two people is food, and even then, it doesn't double.

That's such a good point! My friend who owns the nicest/most expensive place married a guy who came into the relationship with a ton of cash, mostly due to living with his parents for years when he had a good job that was mostly travel. It's not like that makes either one of them a better (or worse) person -- It just is what it is, you know?

I have to remind myself of just that point, especially when it comes to my brother and his family. They've got three kids, the first going to college this fall, so it's good that they'll have their houses (home in NJ and vacation place in FL) paid for by the time they retire, because college expenses are going to be high. That's something I don't have to worry about.

Also, SIL is an extremely frugal person, which is something I'm not and that's my own choice. Also, they have some family money coming in from her side, as well as her brother who is a very successful insurance exec who doesn't have anyone else to spend his money on other than his sisters and their kids, so they have lots of stuff that they wouldn't have had otherwise.

I really shouldn't compare my life to theirs, because there is no comparison--it's apples v. oranges.

I really shouldn't compare my life to theirs, because there is no comparison--it's apples v. oranges.

I'm sure my sister probably thinks that I'm quite the irresponsible screw-up, which is sort-of funny considering that she hasn't had to work since she got married and most everything material that she has is due to her husband. Admittedly, if that wasn't the case, it would probably bug me a lot more. Plus, I'm content with where I am, which, sadly, I don't think she'll ever be.

My sister will probably own a home before I do, although for a moment I might have owned property first. But it's important for her--Jamaica has a lousy rental market, and she currently lives at home. Everyone wants her out, all love intended.

I'm fairly content.

And every time I start feeling like a loser for not owning a house, I go to Flickr and look at my travel photos.

And the feeling goes away!

I'm the only one in my family not to own. But it doesn't bug me. I mean, occasionally I wonder if I might be missing out on a better deal ('cuz who knows what the rental market will be in five years, plus with a mortgage you're building equity) but I don't really feel weird comparing myself to my siblings who own.

every time I start feeling like a loser for not owning a house, I go to Flickr and look at my travel photos

My sister's travel photos blow mine out of the water. Not sure how she manages what she does, since she certainly makes less than...right. I'm the one with the wardrobe busting at the seams and the 42" TV and the granite countertops et al.

Yeah, I like my stuff. But there will be changes. I'm working on that front.