In case you were in any kind of denial, here's an excerpt from a story on
Market Watch."All major categories of homeowner expenses increased faster than incomes between 1996 and 2006, the center reported in "Stretched Thin: The Impact of Rising Housing Expenses on America's Owners and Renters."
"While mortgage payments increased 46% during those 10 years, utilities increased 43%, property taxes increased 66% and property insurance increased 83%, according to the study. But homeowner incomes increased just about 36%.
Here's the full story.
Kudos to all those who remain in the no-heat contest. No one else has written to tell me they turned on the heat, so we're all still in this together.
Fortunately for us in the Northeast, we're expecting mild temps in the low 70s for the rest of the week. And with all the terrible economic news (the Dow dropped again today like a lead weight), I'm looking at this no-heat challenge as more and more a necessity, not just entertainment.
On top of that, Accuweatheris forecasting the coldest winter in the Northeast in five years. So hang onto your mittens!
October 9th, 2008 at 09:11 pm 1223586708
Don't be jealous though, healthcare is wiping us out! & I do figure the rest will be inevitable.
My house has settled around 80 degrees; no heat.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:21 pm 1223590863
October 9th, 2008 at 10:46 pm 1223592365
October 9th, 2008 at 11:55 pm 1223596548
October 10th, 2008 at 02:39 pm 1223649556
October 10th, 2008 at 06:49 pm 1223664593
I do prefer some things about living down south.
I did however pack a sweater for camping this weekend.