In this no-holds-barred episode of The Extreme Personal Finance Show, Chris sits down once again with fan-favorite guest April to dissect the question: Is renting actually the smarter move in 2025?
Homeownership rates have dipped to 65.1%, the lowest in over 5 years, and in 50 of the largest U.S. metros, renting is more affordable than buying. With mortgage payments averaging 38% higher than rent, we’re kicking the white-picket-fence fantasy right in the teeth.
April and Chris dive deep into:
Whether renting is a financial failure or a new path to freedom
Why six-figure earners are choosing leases over mortgages
The real (and rising) cost of owning—taxes, maintenance, insurance, and surprise repairs
Renting for flexibility, lifestyle, and sanity
40- and 50-year mortgages: insane trap or necessary evil?
The outdated stigma of being a lifelong renter
They also swap personal stories—from loud neighbors and appliance fails to van life dreams and why owning a home might not be the badge of success it once was.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to buy, rent, or hit the open road in a camper, this episode’s for you.
Contact Chris:
https://heavymetal.money
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://x.com/MoneyHeavyMetal
https://www.instagram.com/chrisluger
https://www.tiktok.com/@heavymetalmoney
email: chris at heavymetal.money
Resources and Links:
https://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/2025/04/28/home-ownership-rate-q1-2025
https://heavymetal.money/younghomeowner/
Stacking Benjamins Podcast -
The Great Debate: Buying vs Renting Your Home (SB1677)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacking-benjamins-show/id650045209?i=1000705811478
Smart Money Happy Hour Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smart-money-happy-hour-with-rachel-cruze-and-george-kamel/id1645380849
CampFI
📣 Join the debate: Is the American Dream changing? Drop us a comment or share this episode with someone stuck in mortgage hell.
