Buying is throwing away money too, often just as much as the rent you were paying. Yes some portion of what you pay goes to principle and you eventually own the home but the following amounts are just lost money: - interest on the loan - utility bills - property taxes

You also have to replace anything that breaks and are responsible for all repairs on the property. Many of these replacements and repairs don’t increase the value of the home.

At best buying a home is a forced investment plan. It forces you to take money above and beyond the cost of rent and put it into a savings vehicle that generally generates good returns. But if you’re renting you could just as easily put that excess money into the stock market if you have the discipline to not spend it.