NOT Homeowners

Well, the fiance' and I sat down and had a LONG and PAINFUL discussion last night, the outcome of which is that we are NOT going to be making an offer on the house we like. In fact, we are not even going to continue looking for a house right now. When I sat down and figured up the finances (AGAIN...I feel like I do this every damn month), it appears that we are living beyond our means as it is. We have a lot of debt that we need to get under control before we even think about taking on a mortgage and the additional costs that come with owning a home. I'm sad, but SO relieved. I didn't realize how stressed out about this I'd been until we decided to put the brakes on it. I didn't want to disappoint him, he didn't want to disappoint me, neither one of us wants to give up the fantastic opportunity we have in the current buyers' market. But the bottom line is, we are not financially ready. And I think there is something in realizing that and acting appropriately. Maybe at this time next year we'll have paid off a credit card or two (at least that is my plan), and we'll be ready to get out of here and into a home of our own. At that point, we might even be able to afford more house, without some of our debt dragging us down. Although it's been fun looking, and I'm sad to see it end, I KNOW we've made the right decision. I wouldn't feel this relieved if it were otherwise.