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Rent vs. Buy: Best Family Home Choice?

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"A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink."

- Gina Carey

Hello, Tired Human! Welcome to Wednesday, the day your coffee needs coffee. Today, we're tackling life's most pressing dilemmas.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • Renting vs. Buying: What's the family verdict?

  • DIY faucet extender

  • Sweet potato oat crumble. Yum! 👩‍🍳🥧

  • Wooden Turkey Decor

Outsmart cold season with a click – discover the mom-approved kit!

Budget Diapers & College Dreams

Is It Better to Rent or Buy a Family Home?

As young families navigate the complexities of today's housing market, the choice between renting and buying can be overwhelming.

Dive into the key factors every family, from new parents to experienced moms, should consider when making this significant decision.

Financial Readiness for Home Ownership

Before diving into homeownership, take a close look at your finances.

Owning a home comes with expenses absent in renting.

Scott Rubzin emphasizes that families should only consider buying if they're financially stable with consistent income.

Mom Tip: Start a separate savings fund for unexpected home expenses. This can help ensure kids' needs and school expenses aren't compromised if an unplanned house repair pops up.

Saving Habits Matter

Homeownership demands a robust saving habit. Regular repairs and maintenance can quickly drain finances.

As Greg McBride points out, if you struggle to save before owning a home, it won't magically improve after.

Mom Tip: Turn saving into a family activity. Introduce kids to basic budgeting early on by setting a family savings goal, perhaps for a home renovation or vacation.

Long-Term Living Plans

Buying often becomes beneficial if you plan to stay in the same place for at least five years. 

Moving frequently, perhaps for work or health, leans more towards renting, as a house can tie up funds in down payments and equity.

Comparing Rent and Mortgage

Evaluate your current rent against potential mortgage payments.

Martin Orefice suggests that if rent surpasses a probable mortgage, it might be more economical to buy, turning your monthly payments into an investment.

Mom Tip: Don't forget to factor in other homeowner expenses, like property taxes and homeowners' insurance, when comparing costs.

Renting's Freedom and Perks

While renters don't build personal equity, they enjoy certain freedoms.

Alix Nadi advises considering upcoming financial changes or the need to explore a new area before committing to buy.

Mom Tip: Renting can be a great option if you're expecting family changes, like a new baby or a job shift, that could influence your living requirements in the near future.

Takeaway

Every family's decision to rent or buy is unique, shaped by finances, future plans, and personal priorities.

While owning can be an equity-building endeavor, renting offers flexibility.

Assess your family's situation, weave in your own insights, seek expert advice, and make an informed choice that aligns with your goals.

Keep reading here.

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

How frequently do you have date nights?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

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Poll Results From 11/6

How do you usually handle picky eaters?

 🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Let them skip the meal (19%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Cook them their favorite food (8%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Mix disliked food with something they love (65%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Persist until they eat it (8%)

Featured Response 😊 

“I use the "2 bites, no thank you" rule. The 2 bites have to be normal size and you have to try the bites before they finish their favorite food on the plate. I also remind my oldest to not speak negative about the food he dislikes because his you get brother listens and says the same whether it's true or not.”

- Community Mom

That's a smart approach! It's great how you're not only tackling picky eating but also teaching your oldest about the influence they have—way to go! -Danielle

Mom Hack

Make Reaching the Faucet Easier for Toddlers With a DIY Faucet Extender

Mom Hack

Ever notice your little one struggling to reach the faucet? Make a DIY faucet extender using an old bubble bath bottle.

Remember, the neck might be a bit tough to cut. Just tweak it according to your tap's design and voilà!

Tiny hands can reach with ease.

Mom’s Menu

Sweet Potato Casserole with Oat Crumble 👩‍🍳🥧

Source: superhealthykids

Do you remember those creamy sweet potato casseroles you indulged in during Thanksgiving feasts?

I've got a delightful twist for you!

A healthier version that won't leave you or your kiddos feeling sluggish but will tantalize your taste buds just the same.

Light, creamy, and topped with a crunchy pecan oat crumble - this dish is all shades of yum!

Ingredients 📝

  • Sweet Potatoes:

    • 5 medium sweet potatoes

    • 2 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup

    • 1/2 cup milk

    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

    • 1 large egg

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

    • 1/4 tsp salt

  • Oat Crumble:

    • 1/3 cup rolled oats

    • 1/4 cup flour

    • 1/3 cup brown sugar

    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

    • 3 tbsp melted butter

Instructions 👩‍🍳

  1. Cook your sweet potatoes till soft. For a hassle-free method, consider using the Instant Pot.

  2. Preheat oven to 400° F. Ready an 8×8 baking pan with some cooking spray.

  3. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato insides with maple syrup, milk, vanilla, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until velvety and smooth.

  4. Transfer this mixture into your baking pan, spreading evenly.

  5. For the crumble: Blend flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, and add in the melted butter. Once combined, sprinkle it over your sweet potatoes.

  6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Wait for that golden brown, crunchy top, and then dive in!

Source: superhealthykids

Note 📌

This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a dish; it's a wholesome experience.

Perfect for family gatherings and even the little ones will be asking for seconds.

Happy cooking! 🍽️🧡

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Thanksgiving Edition)

Wooden Turkey Decor

For those who love classic decor, this one's for you!

Craft a delightful wooden turkey that'll surely get some "awws".

No need to hunt for materials, everything you need is in a kit.

See Etsy kit here.

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Mom’s Meme 🤣

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