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Why does the value of things in dollars not make sense? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

67 comments fedilink hide all child comments

This is difficult to explain. I can't figure out a rule of thumb for spending, the prices of things fluctuate so quickly it's confusing. Here are some examples

A house, prices are out of control, inventory is low, sellers are greedy. I'm feeling not only unable to afford it but finding lack of value in inflated prices
Computer parts. Relatively cheap compared to pandemic but more expensive than before but also much cheaper than 90s/00s, but still could be cheaper
TWS earbuds, completely different ball game from regular earbuds, disposable electronics.
Food. Nights out with drinks now sometimes cost me more than 2 & 3, but seem like just keeping up with inflation

The prices range from 100,000s to 100s, but some are fleeting, some semi permanent, some last a long time. I also spend hours researching prices of parts and waiting for sales, but spending the same amount on social events in an instant

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[–] morriscox 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

With rent you're just paying to live there. With a mortgage every payment means you own more of the place (equity). If you have payed off the mortgage or didn't need one then you have equity that you can use for last-ditch funding.

[–] foggy 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Yes, but managing that equity comes at a cost itself.

If a hurricane comes and floods my basement, it is 100% $0 to me, not my problem.

And, more importantly, I will have more capital available to me to be a first time home buyers by being patient, which will allow me to build equity faster in the long run.

[–] morriscox 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Good point on the basement but the overall concern seems to be that the cost of real estate (including renting) is getting so it's not feasible for most people to move along from just renting (if they choose to).

[–] foggy 1 points 1 year ago

Yeah, but that will create a supply issue

Either prices or interest rates will fall. Or the oublics buying power will Increase.