[quote=captcha]Indeed. But between being single-income by choice and dual-income by necessity which one would you pick? And weren’t you the one who brought up the 4% unemployment rate among people with 4-year college degree? So, is it hard or not to get a job if you are well educated?[/quote]Yes, but that 4% is for people who are currently employed. I read/hear a lot about people who have been out of work for >6 months have a much harder time finding a job.
[quote=captcha]I don’t know how many put 25% down. JimTheRealtor publishes numbers like that for few costal areas. Back in June 13% of sales were with less than 20% down and 44% put 30% or more.
I did not say anyone. Get-rich-quick people that got flushed probably did have those. Or maybe not since they likely were not college educated. Looking at my cul-de-sac, there are two retired military officers, two active duty military officers, 7-8 engineering immigrants mostly in mid-level managerial positions. That’s what I see when I look around.[/quote]True, but how much of those high down payment is in the $400k-600k range? How many retired people do you know retire in a $400k-600k house in 4S, vs 1st time home buyers? I would assume the $400k-600k range are the first time home buyers and the $600k+ is the retiree and middle management people. Is your cul-de-sac in the $400-600k range or the $600k+ range?
[quote=captcha]Your numbers are off. My first-hand experience says that a family of four can carry $400K mortgage, put $20K in 401k+IRA, travel to Europe, make several ski trips to Big Bear, own two cars, have two kids enrolled in 7 year-round activities combined, dine out at least twice/month, see a dentist twice/year, pay an extra payment or two on the mortgage, and still easily save $1K/month on $125K/year.[/quote]My numbers are not off, you’re just putting in $23k/year less than my numbers, which is maxing out of 401k + IRA for both spouses ($16.5k each for 401k and $5k each for IRA). BTW, I didn’t add in college fund either.
[quote=captcha]That’s OK. Some people are fiscally conservative and some are even more fiscally conservative.[/quote]That’s true, I just never consider myself to be in the “even more fiscally conservative” range. That label would be more fitting with my parents.
