I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
Fred Allen
Quote
Author Archives: Claire Middleton
Can the Tiny House Movement Last?
Some people like tiny houses because they’re more affordable than average houses; other people prefer them for the statement they make about sustainability, or having a smaller footprint on the earth. When I read articles like this one, I have to wonder how long the enthusiasm for tiny houses will last. I suspect it all depends on whether or not the economy improves.
My adult children all live in houses or apartments bigger than the house I live in. I really don’t picture them downsizing unless they experience job loss or some other financial setback. But for (ahem) older people like me, small is beautiful!
Nomads for a Reason
This isn’t just another story of a family that sold everything so they could travel. This family lost their little girl a few years ago, and are dealing with their grief as they travel the world while homeschooling their remaining children. They make it clear that home is where your family is, not where your McMansion stuffed with smart TVs and high-end furniture is.
We found that to be true after the last recession forced us to downsize and move away from our large family home that we built and that was paid off. We lived in rental housing for four years before we found the lovely little town we now live in, and the sweet little house we now call home. Even when we were in rentals, and selling off most of our belongings via garage sales and Craig’s List, we knew that as long as we were together, we would be fine, and we were.
My heart goes out to this young family.
Young and Mortgage-Free
I feel sorry for young people these days. Most of them don’t earn nearly enough money to pay for rent or a house payment, because housing prices are ridiculously high compared to incomes in many places.
But limitations spur creativity, as Thomas Edison used to say. This young man has come up with a way to have his own space without spending a small fortune on housing each month. More power to him!