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In today’s culture, homeownership has become a symbol of success, often seen as part of the “American Dream.” However, for many, it remains an elusive goal. While some view buying a house as a smart investment, it requires a significant amount of initial wealth—a factor often overlooked. This dilemma is front and center in Netflix’s “Marriage or Mortgage,” where couples must choose between funding a wedding or purchasing a home. For my partner and me, the choice is straightforward: marriage. We simply lack the financial means necessary for homeownership.
I would much prefer to allocate our resources toward a wedding instead of a house. Some may deem this choice frivolous or reckless, but the reality is that homeownership is a long-term commitment, whereas a wedding is a one-time financial event. Yes, planning a wedding can be expensive, but once it’s paid for, we’re not tied to it financially like we would be with a house. While renting can be frustrating, it remains a viable option. The celebration of our union deserves priority over the so-called “adult” responsibility of owning a home.
Our Engagement and Wedding Plans
My partner and I got engaged during the 2020 holiday season, and naturally, people are asking about our wedding plans. We’ve made it clear that we are saving for a wedding a couple of years down the line, although we have other financial obligations to address first. Having a wedding that we can celebrate with family and friends holds immense importance to us. Watching “Marriage or Mortgage,” we resonated with the story of two older women, Lisa and Michelle. Similar to Lisa, my partner has been married before, while I have not. For us, a wedding represents the fulfillment of a dream.
Financial Challenges
Currently, we’re both grappling with student loan debt. I haven’t earned enough to make significant progress on repayment, and my partner has been gradually paying hers down, but it remains a burden. We’ve managed to eliminate my small credit card debt, but now we’re focusing on hers, which is around $11,000. Unfortunately, this impacts her credit score, complicating any future housing prospects.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the fragility of financial stability. I’ve been able to continue my work as a writer, but my partner, who works in entertainment, has faced unemployment. This has placed the financial burden solely on me. The pandemic has snatched jobs away from many, making it challenging to keep up with bills. Even if one manages to buy a house, job loss can quickly lead to a precarious situation. The ongoing economic uncertainty raises questions about how homeowners can navigate potential financial crises.
Insights from “Marriage or Mortgage”
“Marriage or Mortgage” showcases couples who have saved for a house, but it fails to address whether they can sustain those payments long-term. For instance, one couple in the fitness industry might struggle if one partner suffers an injury and cannot work. While their parents helped with the down payment, they likely won’t cover monthly mortgage payments.
Homeownership comes with numerous hidden costs that many prospective buyers might not consider. If something malfunctions in a house, the owner is responsible for repairs, while renters can simply submit a maintenance request without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. This is a critical aspect of why my partner and I have weighed the pros and cons of renting versus buying a home.
Critics of “Marriage or Mortgage” argue that the choice between a wedding and a house seems absurd in the current climate. While it’s true this show was filmed before the pandemic, the couples could not foresee the challenges that lay ahead. Some might argue that now is a good time to buy due to lower housing prices, yet economic uncertainty looms large. Many of the weddings featured took place during COVID, leading couples to scale back on their plans, which inadvertently saved them money.
Follow-Up Insights
In a follow-up article, Women’s Health checked in with some couples from the show. Two couples, Sarah and Jamie, both nurses, faced job changes due to the pandemic. If they had chosen to buy a house, they might not have had the flexibility to pivot their careers. Similarly, Josh and Angela, both personal trainers, experienced a loss of income with gym closures.
We understand that the rent we pay might equate to a mortgage, but various barriers make homeownership unrealistic for us right now. Acquiring funds for a wedding venue doesn’t require a loan, and my ability to purchase a wedding dress isn’t influenced by my credit score. Weddings are costly, and I recognize why some see them as extravagant. However, regardless of our income fluctuations, we will still be married without the stress of losing a home.
Additional Resources
For more insights on home insemination, check out this blog post here. If you’re looking for expert advice on home insemination techniques, you can find valuable information here. Additionally, this resource offers excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination here.
Summary
The choice between marriage and homeownership is a complex one, especially for couples facing financial challenges. While owning a home symbolizes stability, the commitment can be overwhelming compared to the one-time financial event of a wedding. The current economic climate makes these decisions even more difficult, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships over material possessions.
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