We have found a house. Not even a month married, and we have found the most adorable home in such a nice area with great big trees and a nice level lot and a two-car garage and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and it is oh-so-affordable and in quite good shape and now, all we have to do is come up with extra dollars for earnest money, breaking the lease, and paying for a house inspector.

Which comes to over two grand.

Why does everything have to be so difficult? Why can't two hard-working individuals be able to afford things like this? Why can't someone just accidentally erase credit debt? Why did I go to such an overpriced school? And harkening back to Ubermilf's discussion, why am I considered middle class if I am living hand to mouth? I want aid, dammit. Financial assistance. Some kind of government subsidy.

"I, being of sound mind and body, do hereby testify to support my community, pay my taxes, and encourage young people to be responsible. I also give my word and pledge that I shall take care of my yard, only buy outdated iPods, and limit my vacation trips to camping at local parks. I shall work long, hard hours at a job that does not pay nearly enough, and I shall have a child, as is expected, and shall raise that child to also fit the mold that I have fitted--the mold outfitted for me since my birth as a very middle middle-class woman. In turn, I would like a discount on a house."

Please send happy thoughts, if not money. Money, however, would be good.

How does ANYONE afford these things--houses?