Nona

I used my IRA (only about 2 years worth of savings) money when I got my home. The IRS doesn't care what you use it for as long as you use it in the first year (or so) you buy your house. I mean they (IRS) don't ask for reciepts or anything when filing a regular tax return. So I used mine for acutal post-purchase construction upgrades. Yea you know there is a thread that has a link that shows housing trends in Houston (and surrounding) that acutally kinda confirmed that the values in my neighborhood are dropping. My sub is CityPark (288/W. Orem) Porchman, what do you mean "play" with? NONA

I said Other, as I stop falling in love with work when my last job marriage failed. But I do Like my job a lot

Never pay initial price. You shouldn't consider ANYTHING less then 30% and should go for about 50% of the price. Jewelry has VERY high markup.

Hi adameepoo (and others) I've really enjoying reading this post...very interesting, enough to get me to signup for this forum. I just wanted to add my two cents to the question of the house values. Having moved into a new community on the South side of Houston in 2005 the value of my house has pretty much depericated. To make it even worst is the HCAD "market" value of my home is COMPLETELY out of sync with actual selling trends in my neighborhood. I'm too am a single person with no person to support outside of myself and my dog. If I had 50k right now to invest in something, the last thing I would consider would be a house. That is from an investment, trying to get the highest roi, standpoint. However, if you need a place to stay and see renting as a waste of money, getting a house would be your best solution to that problem. Builders are reducing homes and many homes are for sale. It's a complete buyers market and yours for the taking. In looking at new home pricing list I got 6 months to 1 year ago to current rates, I'm seeing price reductions from 10k - 20k. Another thing I was thinking, and please correct me if I'm totally off base here (legally and/or finanically). You mentioned using your IRA if things get really bad financially. However, wouldn't you have to pay crazy taxes on that come years end? Would it (and I'm truely asking a question here), be better to use the IRA as the downpayment for your first house tax free and keep your already taxed 50k for that rainy day? NONA