by: Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson

As the debate over renting versus buying rages on, we couldn’t help but think back to that time when we all looked on with judgement as Carrie Bradshaw declared that she’d amassed $40,000 worth of shoes, even though she had nowhere to live. But if personal finance experts have anything to say about it, we’ve all been guilty of squandering money that could help us live better long term. (Especially those of us who drink coffee on a regular basis.)

Granted, personal spending habits are just one (of many) factors that determine what kind of a home you can afford, and unlike, say, your kids’ college tuition, you’re going to have to buy a LOT of lattes before it starts to cut into your dream home fund.

Or is it?

We did the math on 5 homes currently on the market and 5 common expenses that you may or may not need to give up.

That Gym Membership You Don’t Use
Even though the average monthly cost of a gym membership has gone down, one year will still cost you more than a year’s worth of common charges at this adorable condo in Brooklyn, New York.

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