Sometimes I wish I would have just gotten an apartment, but I was coaxed into buying to appease the lady. The house is a huge money sink. You're essentially passing all the value to the banks. I could live in a shed and be happy. (Especially if I didn't have to pay taxes, insurance, etc.)

While our mortgage really isn't bad, the cumulative effects of all other costs hurt. I'd say our overall payment has increased at least 40% in the last 5 years.