1. | Nov 14, 2013

Escape,There comes a point when rational ppeloe decide it is NOT worth earning the extra buck. Mrs. Shore and I were talking about the hours spent earning our income and have seriously discusswd whether it is worth the time and effort to generate the income that puts us above the new rich benchmarks. Certainly, we would take a substantial hit in income and it would reduce our ability to travel etc. On the other hand, we travel in large part to seek a diversion from the daily (and I mean 7 days a week most weeks) grind that, unless one gets away from once in a while, will chew one up and spit one out. I recognize that we are lucky and many, well, most, ppeloe don't have any choice and MUST seek out every additional dollar; however, we have been lucky and, after seeing relatives go to an early grave from overwork and stress, it gives one pause. Two questions for the assembled: Is the mortgage deduction a critical, do or die, component to housing affordability, or is it just perceived as being so? If B.O. gets or allows congress to eliminate the mortgage interest deduction, will it have a greater benefit to ppeloe in the long run by: a) putting downward pressure on prices and eliminaing the rebate psychology that comes with home buying; b) focusing homeowners on the spending made in their towns and states, as the dont worry about it you get to deduct it on your taxes mentality goes away?