I’m All for Marriage on Netflix’s ‘Marriage or Mortgage’

Owning a home has become a significant aspiration in our society, emblematic of the “American Dream” that typically includes a house with a white picket fence. However, for many, this dream remains just that—a dream. While homeownership is often viewed as a wise investment, achieving it requires a substantial level of initial wealth that many simply do not possess. This dilemma is the crux of Netflix’s show “Marriage or Mortgage,” where couples must choose between spending their limited resources on a wedding or a house. For my partner and me, the choice is straightforward: we choose marriage.

For us, the appeal of a wedding far outweighs the allure of a house. While some may label this decision as reckless, the reality is that a wedding represents a one-time financial commitment—albeit a significant one—whereas homeownership is a much longer-term obligation. Buying a house means being tied down to monthly payments and maintenance for years to come. Conversely, once our wedding is paid for, we’re free from that financial burden. Renting might have its downsides, but it remains a viable option, whereas the significance of marriage and the joy of celebrating it shouldn’t be overshadowed by the more “adult” decision of buying property.

My partner and I got engaged during the 2020 holiday season, and the question of our wedding plans has arisen frequently. While we are saving for a wedding in the coming years, we have other financial priorities to address first. Celebrating our love with family and friends is paramount for us. Watching “Marriage or Mortgage,” we resonated with the older couple, Jessie and Taylor. Similar to Jessie, my partner has been married before, while I have not. For us, a wedding is about fulfilling a dream, and being in creative fields allows us to adjust our budget if necessary. The reality is that housing prices continue to rise, making homeownership feel like a constantly moving target.

Currently, both of us carry significant student loan debt. I haven’t earned enough to make a dent in my repayments, while my partner has been tackling hers as best as she can. Though I’ve paid off my small credit card debt, we are now focusing on hers, which still affects her credit score. This situation complicates our chances of securing an apartment, let alone a mortgage—something that is becoming increasingly common among couples today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of financial stability. As a writer, I’ve managed to maintain my job during this time, but my partner, who works in the entertainment industry, has faced unemployment. This has placed the financial responsibility squarely on my shoulders. The pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs, making it difficult to cover bills. Homeownership sounds appealing, but what happens if you buy a house and then lose your job? Even if you can make mortgage payments, there’s often no safety net. With the ongoing economic uncertainty, the long-term implications for homeowners remain a crucial conversation that “Marriage or Mortgage” doesn’t fully explore.

The couples on the show may have saved for a home, but do they have financial security to sustain those payments? What if an unexpected event, like a job loss or an injury, occurs? This is especially relevant for couples in high-risk professions, such as the fitness industry, where one injury could jeopardize their income. Moreover, if the parents help with the down payment, they likely won’t cover the monthly mortgage.

Homeownership comes with hidden costs that often go unconsidered. When something breaks, the owner bears the financial burden of repairs. If a hot water heater fails, it could result in a costly repair bill. In contrast, as renters, we simply submit a maintenance request, and the issue is resolved without any additional costs. Should unexpected expenses arise, we won’t be left in the cold.

Critics of “Marriage or Mortgage” argue that choosing between a wedding and a home in the current pandemic climate seems absurd. While the show was filmed before COVID, the couples couldn’t have predicted such a global crisis. Some believe that purchasing a home during a pandemic makes sense due to lower housing costs, but this perspective overlooks the broader economic instability that could impact homeowners.

In a follow-up article, Women’s Health checked in with the couples from the show. Two couples who opted for weddings faced pandemic-related work changes. Jessie and Taylor, who both worked as ER nurses, experienced burnout and decided to leave their jobs to pursue further education. Had they chosen to buy a house, they wouldn’t have had the flexibility to make that change. Similarly, the personal trainers, Emily and Braxton, faced a loss of income as gyms closed.

While we know that our rent could cover a mortgage, various obstacles make that option impractical. Planning a wedding doesn’t require a loan, and my ability to purchase a wedding dress isn’t dependent on my credit score. Weddings can be costly, but even if our income fluctuates, our marriage remains intact without the worry of losing a home. That assurance is what truly matters to us.

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Summary:

The article discusses the choice between marriage and homeownership featured in Netflix’s “Marriage or Mortgage.” It emphasizes the importance of marriage over the long-term commitment of owning a home, especially during uncertain economic times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The author shares personal experiences and highlights the hidden costs of homeownership, making a case for prioritizing weddings and the significance of celebrating love over material investments.

Keyphrase: Marriage vs. Homeownership

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