With all that said, I appreciated his plan but I applied it as it worked for me. That seems to be the gist of everything you’ve written here. There is no cookie cutter approach to your financial freedom and success. You bring up many valid points that realistically counter some of his guidance.

The biggest thing I’ll agree with about what you wrote applies to my own situation. Living in the North East, our rents here have suddenly exploded since I bought a home. While there are those occasional people enjoying rents of $800-900 a month for a decent apartment in a decent area, or people who work out excellent arrangements with in-laws, parents, or others who are interested in some sort of work-barter agreement for low rent, it made the most sense for my wife and I to buy a home. Now most rents are in the high $900s or over $1k a month for something that builds zero equity.

Here I am 5 years later, with a home I paid $115k for, owing nearly $105k on it, and looking at about $25k in equity if I was to sell it tomorrow. My mortgage has remained constantly under $1k a month, including PITI and PMI. While I have had some unforeseen Murphy moments like having my furnace completely go out, I tried to make smart moves and ended up with a new furnace plus central air installed and paid it off in 2 years.

I think the biggest life lesson that could be taught in personal finance is that nothing is ever going to follow a plan. You won’t go 30, 40, 50 years and never have a hiccup. But making smart choices and keeping track of everything you’re doing while living reasonably within your means is about the best place to start.

Thanks for your perspective! Great article.

Exactly! You have to do what is ultimately best for you!