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In today’s society, homeownership has become a significant aspiration, representing the “American Dream” of a house with a white picket fence. However, for many, this dream remains just that—an elusive goal. While owning a home is often seen as a wise investment, it requires a considerable financial foundation to begin with, something that many overlook. In the Netflix series “Marriage or Mortgage,” couples face the dilemma of choosing between a wedding or a house. For my partner and me, the choice is straightforward: we choose marriage. With our current financial situation lacking the sustained wealth needed for homeownership, a wedding feels like a more feasible investment.
I wholeheartedly prefer allocating my funds towards a wedding rather than a house. While some may see this as impractical, consider that homeownership is a far longer commitment than the one-day expense of a wedding. Buying a home requires years of financial commitment and maintenance. Once a wedding is paid for, that financial obligation is fulfilled, which is far more appealing than being tied down to a mortgage. Renting may have its annoyances, but it always remains an option, while the celebration of marriage should not be overlooked in favor of the more “adult” path of home buying.
My partner and I got engaged during the holidays of 2020, and naturally, inquiries about our wedding plans have surfaced. We’ve communicated our intention to save for a wedding in the coming years, prioritizing our finances accordingly. Celebrating our commitment with family and friends is incredibly important to us. Watching “Marriage or Mortgage,” we found ourselves relating to Jessica and Jordan, an older couple with a similar story. My partner has previously been married, while I have not. For us, holding a wedding represents the fulfillment of a dream, while also being a more manageable financial decision since we can adjust our plans if necessary. On the other hand, housing costs seem perpetually on the rise, and we often feel like we’re chasing an ever-moving target.
Currently, we are both dealing with significant student loan debt. I’ve struggled to make any substantial progress in repayment, while my partner has been paying down her loans when possible. Although I’ve cleared my small credit card debt, we are still focused on hers, which is around $11,000 and impacts her credit score. As a result, securing an apartment is challenging, let alone a mortgage, and our situation is far from unique.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the fragility of financial stability. As a writer, I’ve been able to continue working, but my partner, who is in the entertainment sector, has faced job loss. This shift has placed the entire financial burden on me. The pandemic has affected many, making it increasingly difficult to meet regular expenses. One can purchase a home only to lose their job shortly after. Should that occur, they may find themselves without a safety net. As we’ve navigated through the pandemic, we’ve witnessed the beginning of one of the worst recessions in U.S. history. The show “Marriage or Mortgage” does not delve into how this economic uncertainty could impact homeowners long-term.
While the couples featured in the show managed to save for a house, do they possess the financial means to sustain those payments? If unforeseen circumstances arise, do they have a financial cushion? It can be entertaining to watch couples weigh the benefits of different home features, but a serious discussion about the challenges of homeownership is necessary. For instance, one couple on the show works in fitness. If one suffers an injury and cannot work, their financial situation could drastically change. Although their parents may assist with the down payment, they likely won’t cover the mortgage every month.
Many costs associated with homeownership are often overlooked. My partner and I have considered these factors when weighing renting versus buying. If something malfunctions in a house, the homeowner is responsible for repairs, which can be costly. In contrast, if an issue arises in our apartment, we simply submit a maintenance request without incurring additional expenses. Without an extra $1,000 for emergency repairs, we’d be left cold in the shower. Unexpected costs of homeownership are a reality that many fail to acknowledge.
Critics of “Marriage or Mortgage” argue that the choice between a wedding and a home seems absurd now, a year into a global pandemic. However, it’s important to note that the show was filmed before COVID-19, so the couples could not have predicted the impending crisis when making their decisions. Some believe that purchasing a home during a pandemic is wise due to lower housing costs, but this thinking ignores the economic instability that comes with such investments. Most weddings occurred after the pandemic hit, leading couples to scale back their celebrations, ultimately saving money.
In a post-show update, Women’s Health reached out to the couples to learn how their lives have unfolded since filming. Two couples—Alex and Jamie, the nurse duo, and Emma and Ryan, the personal trainers—experienced pandemic-related job changes. Both Alex and Jamie, faced with burnout as ER nurses, decided to quit their jobs and pursue further education to become nurse practitioners. If they had opted for homeownership, they likely wouldn’t have had the freedom to make such a life-altering decision. Meanwhile, Emma and Ryan faced reduced income as personal trainers due to gym closures, showing that not all professions thrive during a health crisis.
While we recognize that our rent could potentially cover a mortgage, various obstacles make homeownership unattainable. Securing funds for a wedding venue doesn’t require a loan, nor does my ability to purchase a wedding dress hinge on my credit score. Yes, weddings can be costly, and I understand why some see it as excessive for a single day. However, if our income fluctuates, we will still be married without the worry of losing our home. That reassurance is invaluable.
For more insights on home insemination, check out our other blog posts here and also see Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit as an authoritative resource on this subject. Additionally, this article provides excellent information on the intricacies of pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
In the ongoing debate between investing in a wedding or a home, my partner and I firmly believe that marriage is the preferable choice. While homeownership represents a long-term commitment with ongoing financial risks, a wedding, though costly, is a one-time expense that celebrates our love. The economic landscape, especially in light of recent events, reinforces our decision to prioritize the joy of marriage over the uncertainty of owning property.
Keyphrase: Marriage vs Homeownership
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