Hey SEAJ, one of the entertaining features of this forum is hearing such wildly differing opinions ... and in this case, boy, do I disagree with you!!
I happen to think that there are a number of very smart, very successful, and very wealthy people reading and contributing posts here. If you think otherwise, you're either being disrespectful or just underestimating the qualities of your friends here. Yes, there are all sorts, and maybe you're writing to impress the audience of impoverished youngsters who are also reading ..?
The cost of punting is NOT small change. Sure, if you only go out once or twice a month, your budget may be comparable to your drinking budget. But judging by reports, for most people their budget is more comparable to that of an enthusiastic and regular golfer. Or someone who flies a light aircraft for leisure. And some spend so much I get uncomfortable just thinking about it ... especially those guys who are also filling a role as provider to a traditional household at the same time ... and I admire that they are able to do it.
So yes, I do believe this forum is a great place to ask questions that affect an ambitious and successful man. Including investments and finances. Don't trash it just because its primary focus is for sharing about paid sex.
I for one am VERY interested to hear views expressed here about interest rates, inflation, commodity prices, social unrest, etc etc ... for sure, every smart contribution will be accompanied by 5 idiotic ones ... but - and here I agree with you and sirtiger - we are all going to make our own choices in the end, hopefully better informed by the active debate.
Oh, and the house thing? Yes, for most people a house is their biggest purchase ... except for those who actually spend more on their children's education ... or on taxes ... or on their mistress ... or ...
My point is that THINKING your home is SUPPOSED TO BE your biggest purchase automatically puts you in a blind alley and makes you a slave to the banks. It's not our agenda, it's theirs. My point is: make that choice if you want to, but make it deliberately not because everyone else is doing it. For the wealthiest people it is DEFINITELY NOT TRUE that the house they live in is their biggest purchase, not by a long chalk. AND a lot of wealthy people bought their expensive home way before it became expensive.
Who do you choose to emulate??? That's my point ...
If you do the math there are many smarter choices than putting all your wealth into your home. And no, I don't expect the majority to agree with me, I'm OK being in a minority here