A weekly thread to discuss financial matters - from personal all the way up to global.
Ground Rules
- Remember that we're all just Internet randos. Don't bet your life savings on a hot tip from this thread.
- Keep culture war in the culture war thread. Yes, global events may impact our personal finances, but that does not mean we have to incessantly harp on culture war aspects here. If you are going to discuss it, please stick to the practical impacts of it on an individual level.
- Be kind. Remember that everyone here comes from different circumstances. We all have different resources available and different risk tolerances.
- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Better is better. Celebrate people when they take a step up and work to move their finances in the right direction. Don't flame out because they haven't followed what you consider the optimal path. Everybody has to start somewhere.

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Notes -
Back when interest rates were 2%-3%, a 30-year mortgage was practically free money, but today, if you can afford the house you want with a 15-year mortgage, it will save you a large amount in total payouts. Most people take 30-year mortgages so they can afford more house.
Some people will say take the 30-year mortgage and make double payments when you can afford them, which saves you almost as much but allows flexibility should your finances become strained. That works, but requires financial discipline, and if you can comfortably afford the 15-year rate, it's still a better deal.
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