Originally Posted by rickair7777

Sure, but where you live is a choice by and large. At most legacies you can usually find a relatively affordable locale that's not too long of a drive to the airport. Or commute.

Student loan is a different topic I guess. Obviously try to avoid or minimize, especially in this era of inflated education costs. If that's not in the cards for whatever reason then you might get stuck with some. I would have for sure gone to Hometown State U and lived at home if I hadn't got a scholarship.

I have mixed feelings on Ramsey, but if I was young with a lot of student debt I would go with his program to aggressively pay it down and defer lifestyle gratification to later. The sooner you free up your cash flow the sooner you can start building wealth for yourself.

Also in 2026 I think we're in a reality where dual income household is kind of the default. If Mom is going to stay home with the kids, either forever or take a career intermission, that's a choice that you're going to have to balance against other things. It's no longer 1955.