That is a toughie! I agree with DisneySteve but also it is really hard to make a general guideline of what you can afford or not afford.
For many here on this board will think I pay too much for my home (36%) as I am going over the rule of thumb 25-30%. I think my home is my shelter but also entertainment as it is fun to live there. I have large land and large scale gardening and landscape that I enjoy walking around and maintaining when I get home after work. I rather be in my garden than to take a long week vacation staying in a resort somewhere. I live in an area far from the cities and no temptation to shop or eat out and no pressure to please others. That is my balance and I do not miss eating out anyways as my husband is a wonderful chef.
We have savings, tithing’s, and retirement all set up and contributing each month so we are not lacking in this area but we do have to work at it to make sure we are on top of our finances and check our progress like normal people. My luxury is if I save extra money, it would be going toward more plants and home stuff. It would seem to others that these are frivolous purchases and seem like we should not be able to afford to do that because we already pay so much for our home.
I really cannot imagine doing something else and I feel like I am already living my golden years even though I am still working and in my early 30's.
I do not like hearing about these 'percentage' rules as it seems like everyone should have everything everyone else have in life squeezed on their plates(so much like the Jones’) instead of choosing just what they want. Some discipline is needed here because not everyone can have everything they want at the same time.
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