18. Houses

Buying a house is a loser’s game. They are no longer reliable as investments. Millions of Boomers are putting their McMansions on the market with no takers. Younger generations don’t need (few marriages or kids) or want a huge money pit and can’t afford it anyway. Many who did manage to rid themselves of their monstrosities moved to Florida in time for a chance to buy high, now trying to sell at any price and be stuck waiting for the next hurricane with canceled insurance. High interest rates, crazy increasing insurance and property taxes, costly repairs can trap you into debt poverty for life. Rent modestly and cheap. Get roommates to share expenses. Why carry that weight all your life?