Is it time to have a car or a house, first?
By joizee
@joizee (502)
Philippines
April 30, 2013 2:49am CST
I think we're going to be turning one year here in the apartment. The rent's a little costly for my preference but husband said because it's newly-built. Anyway, my online tutorials had increased hours so I can teach as much as 17 hours in a day - that could give me P40,000 a month. Hefty isn't it? But I'm thinking of investing that money to something my family could own forever - house or car.
We only have a motorcycle and gives me the creeps whenever we're travelling with our daughter because accidents involving motorcycles are increasing rapidly in the country. I can't sacrifice the safety of my family anymore. Plus there are still quality second-hand cars so we can save a little, relatively. Hehe!
Recently in our town, there is the emerging business of subdivisions. You can now have your own house and lot! Ha! Sure to win my vote since I'm getting tired of wasting money to house rent fee. There's also a new dormi-tel (hotel-style dormitory) inside the premises of the university I graduated from. I am thinking which of the two I will opt to have for my family.
The only thing is my husband isn't telling me his take opinion when I consult him. I ask him many times and just replies "soon, soon we'll decide". The more I wait the more money is being wasted to other things. And I can't save enough because we're buying a lot of things and paying a lot of bills. I'm not sure if I can endure more. I need to have a decision.
25 responses
@ayeeesha (1127)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
House, definitely. It's more permanent and the value of a property increases compared to cars. You are right, why waste your money for something you can't even own? So house should be your first investment first as a family :)
Then save enough money then buy a second-hand car. There are a lot of quality used cars available. it's just a matter of choosing carefully :)
1 person likes this
@ayeeesha (1127)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
Of course you can. It just means you have to work harder :) There are a lot of sites where you can earn additional income so maybe, you can utilize those sites :)
Try PSBank, they have the lowest rates for housing loans compared to other banks :)
1 person likes this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
30 Apr 13
You cannot own a car "forever." They deteriorate, and they start losing their value as soon as you drive them off the lot.
You have your own source of income. Open a savings account and start stashing away your money to save up to buy a house--and don't touch the money for any reason. Why wait for your husband to make a decision? This is something that affects your future, too.
1 person likes this
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
1 May 13
Hi Wil! I wanted it to be a shared decision. Even though I'm the breadwinner, I want to consult my partner of the things I plan for the family. It's a matter of openness I want to practice.
Anyway, I do sometimes leave some cash in the debit card but sometimes I used for "emergency purposes". Then suddenly, I'm left with nothing! Must be smarter this time. It's a harder life nowadays.
Thanks for the response! :)
@rafiholmes (2896)
• Malaysia
30 Apr 13
This is the MOVIE discussion..not HOUSING or property discussion..
Anyway... house and apartment is more essential than a car...but ..
is a car cheaper than a house there? Usually it harder to get a house because it cost more..so most people get a car first ..so that they can go to work etc..but if u dont mind using public transportation..save up money to get a house/apartment/or Flats is a much better future security. A House can double in prize the moment u purchase them..a car doesnt..
1 person likes this
@BannedHelsing (693)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
I would say investments but it is not included in the choices. I prefer to put my money in investments first, like stocks or mutual funds. Then buy a car or house slowly when my investments are growing or accumulating money.
1 person likes this
@BannedHelsing (693)
• Philippines
1 May 13
It's not too late to study it. And there are Mutual Funds that are suited for the risk your willing to take.
1 person likes this
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
Nice point Ban ;) But I'm not that knowledgeable about stocks and investments. I'm seemed to scared of letting my money to be involved in such high-risk things...or so that's what I think about the stock market. But thanks! Would try to talk about it with husband, he might have better knowledge with this than me. Thanks!
@santoshkumarssk (97)
• France
1 May 13
Hi Joizee,
What I feel is irrespective of investment (I somehow hate to use the term investment for home) we need to have a 'Own' house. I understand that this would take up a lot of money, but we will find our freedom in our house, which is obviously more than a rented house where the owner puts a lot of rules and tenants will be pissed off. It really gives a pride in telling friends and colleagues that I have owned a house.
As the other guy mentioned that the rent can be transferred to bank for a new home A very much valid point) First I request to dream big for a house and then we can plan for the (luxurious) car down the line.
1 person likes this
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
1 May 13
Hi Santosh! Oh, you're right. It's not an investment because you should have a home, it's a man's requirement to live. Freedom in my OWN house is what I'm longing for! Unfortunately, with all the bills I'm paying, I can't save enough. The money I save sometimes go to the "emergency fund", which turns out to be empty until the next payday... Hehe! Thanks for the idea ;)
STATUS:
house - 16
car - 1
@kishore_05379 (9)
• India
1 May 13
According to the economy rule food,shelter and clothes are important and primary essential needs to be fulfilled.....so once if you establish all this essentials then run for the luxuries next...My advice is to better purchase home and then next go for your dream car...
1 person likes this
@lynboobsy11 (11343)
• Philippines
1 May 13
We also talked like that before with my ex he wanted to buy a car but I refuse I just told him if we buy a house first his car can have a decent parking like a garage.
1 person likes this
@watchamacallitz (1171)
• Philippines
1 May 13
Personally, I think a house is a better choice as your investment. Anyway, you can get a house and pay for the mortgage monthly, right? You can distribute the money you have for maybe the downpayment and the car. But if it's just one choice, I'd go for the house. You'll even save money from paying rent.
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
1 May 13
Hi Watcha! Thanks for the response. :) Just have to look for a house which can be accommodated by my earnings now. I've been doing online jobs for three years now and I wish I go work in a regular office to avail such housing loans. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
STATUS:
house - 13
car - 1
@extremefun4fun (2908)
• India
30 Apr 13
i prefer to have a home first... having home is the base of each life.. i love to have home and car.. but first i prefer home...
@emily7339 (1337)
• Malaysia
30 Apr 13
I believe house is a better option as compare to car 
. Having a house could enable you to own a property where the value is appreciating while a car may depreciate over time. Besides, you may need to bear the burden of its service and maintenance from time to time and will eat into your savings 
. Owning a house could give you and your family a peaceful living without having to worry whether the landlord would take back the house or increase rental .
. Having a house could enable you to own a property where the value is appreciating while a car may depreciate over time. Besides, you may need to bear the burden of its service and maintenance from time to time and will eat into your savings . Owning a house could give you and your family a peaceful living without having to worry whether the landlord would take back the house or increase rental . 1 person likes this
@vip25sc (48)
• Thailand
30 Apr 13
In term of an investment, I would say a house but it is really depends on what is the most necessary for your family. I you but a house you must be sure that you will be able to handle the interest that increase every year. Also the living cost will be also increased when your daughter is growing up.
1 person likes this
@arpecubha (47)
• Bulgaria
30 Apr 13
My opinion is to have a house first. Yes - the car is something you can own forever but it can break. The house, otherwise, is something yours really forever. It's always better to invest in immovable property, than movable.
1 person likes this
@crazyranjeev (684)
• India
30 Apr 13
yes first need for good life is good house after that go for Car.
@jonastabuena (2307)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
I choose to invest on house first, i think if we invest on car it is another expenses for the fuel and the maintenance of the car. The important thing is the shelter, shelter that you call your own since renting an apartment is very expensive.
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
Hi Jonas, good point in terms of maintenance. I think it is really worth to have a house first which is more stable and permanent (I quote Starfish 541). I guess when I had the car I have to have extra money for the gas and maintenance. Thanks for the good idea!
STATUS:
house - 4
car - 0
@dagami (1158)
• Rome, Italy
30 Apr 13
a house is definitely a better choice because it is a long term investment and the value of real properties always go up. instead of paying rent, it is better to pay the monthly installments for your house. if you are afraid to let your child ride in the motorcycle, you can take public transport. cars are costly to maintain and when they are old, they easily break down. the resale value is very much lower than the original price.
1 person likes this
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
Hi Dagami! You're right in terms taking public transportation instead of the motorcycle. Especially this season, the summer heat is so strong now so we cannot stay in the sun too long. With the regards to reselling the house, that is good idea. Thanks!
STATUS:
house - 2
car - 0
@AmateurWriter (38)
• Romania
30 Apr 13
I love this discussion...I love this comunity///
1 person likes this
@sonusinghal34 (30)
• India
1 May 13
you are right it is most importent for us with out home where we will live and with out car how can be travel and its time to fashion and we want to improve our thinking and our life style so do not west our money easily frist we think bright our future its very importent for us???????
1 person likes this
@starfish541 (8)
• Philippines
30 Apr 13
It's better to have a house first so you can have a safe and permanent shelter for you and your family. God bless :)
1 person likes this
