Title: Can Dr. Carter Afford a $900,000 Home While Paying Down $280K in Debt? Tagline: Can Dr. Emily Afford Her Dream Brownstone AND Maximize Retirement? 28/36 Rule Says Maybe! Problem: Dr. Emily Carter, a 35-year-old physician, earns $250,000 annually. She's diligently paying off $280,000 in student loans and maxing out her retirement accounts (401k and Roth IRA) totaling $30,500 annually. She's eyeing a charming brownstone priced at $900,000, with a planned 20% down payment ($180,000). Property taxes are estimated at $12,000 annually, homeowner's insurance at $2,400 annually, and HOA fees at $300 per month ($3,600 annually). She wants to know if purchasing this home, with its associated PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) and ongoing student loan payments, aligns with the 28/36 rule and won't derail her financial progress. Her current student loan payment is $3,000 per month. Solution: By inputting Dr. Carter's income, debt, and housing expenses into the 28/36 Rule Calculator, she can determine if her proposed housing costs fall within the recommended 28% of gross monthly income (housing costs including PITI) and if her total debt obligations (including housing, student loans, and other debts) stay below 36% of her gross monthly income. This analysis will provide her with a clear understanding of her affordability and potential financial strain. ROI: By using the 28/36 rule calculator and potentially refinancing her student loans if needed, Dr. Carter can ensure her housing costs remain manageable. If her debt ratios are too high, she could consider a smaller home, a larger down payment, or aggressively paying down more student loan debt first. Remaining within the 28/36 guidelines allows Dr. Carter to avoid financial stress, continue maximizing her retirement contributions, and build wealth, potentially saving her thousands in interest payments and future financial setbacks. Specifically, following the rule might save her an estimated $50,000 in potential credit card debt and related expenses over the next 10 years by preventing her from overextending herself financially. Description: Is your dream home financially feasible while aggressively paying off debt? Use this calculator to see if you're overextended. Category: Lead Gen