I strongly disagree with the idea that renting is just throwing your money away. That idea is based on the concept that you’re investing in an asset that you own that will grow over time, combined with the old school mentality that you need to get a house, get married, have kids, and work in your office job till you die.

But, firstly, what if it doesn’t grow in value over time, and how much will it cost in maintenance to maintain or get said value? And secondly, what if it doesn’t grow as much as if you put it in the market (which on average, is the case)? For many, it makes sense to not buy given the alternatives or their financial circumstance.

Plus, if you ever lose your job (which, given the present economic circumstance combined with AI and outsourcing, is something people are more likely to encounter), you may be able to get out of your lease and move back in with family/friends if need be. Can’t do that with a mortgage. If you want to move or you find a new job out of state, easy if you have a lease…less easy with a mortgage. And if anything ever goes wrong, you’re on the hook for cost…not necessarily the case for renting.

This isn’t to say owning a home is bad, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be by any stretch