FREE ASSESSMENT

How Much House Can I Afford?

By Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

By Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

My family has been considering a move at some point in the near future (my wife and I have different definitions of the word “near”).

Like many red-blooded Americans (the American Dream and all), I get tempted by the listings that are “just” out of our price range. Before you know it, the “budget” has quietly increased by $50,000 or $100,000 (or more).

But also like many Americans, I don’t want to be “House Poor” (or Big Hat, No Cattle)–where your home mortgage is hindering your capacity to meet crucial long-term financial goals.

Setting aside the issue of budget creep, how do I figure out what our price range should be?

Your mortgage lender will give you a budget that will always be higher than what is prudent for your financial situation. And, they will always quote you a 30-year mortgage rate – unless you specifically ask for a 15-year or 20-year mortgage quote.

[side note / caveat: we recognize that rising home prices and rising interest rates have made 15-year mortgages even more challenging to afford.]

From a financial planner’s perspective, the simplest way to budget for a new home is to “practice” a higher mortgage payment right now.

Hypothetical scenario:

  • A family is currently paying $2,500/month (all-in: principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance).
  • The level of home they want would lead them into a total mortgage payment of $4,500/month (for a 15-year mortgage, including taxes and insurance).
  • To practice making that $2,000/month of an additional payment, the family has two great options:
    1. Log-in to their current mortgage website and automate an additional monthly principal payment of $2,000–and zealously maintain that payment level (don’t lower it).
    2. Automate a $2,000 monthly addition to a joint investment account (a non-retirement account, which some folks call a “brokerage” account or an “after-tax” investment account).

By doing this, the family can stress-test whether they could handle a $4,500/month housing payment.

We recommend trying to get at least 6 months or longer of successfully doing this before making the big decision of buying a new home.

The Wealth Group team guides our clients through this process. We want to help our clients feel peace about their home-buying decisions. A sample of our home purchase scenario spreadsheet is below.

P.S. Much like a preacher needing to heed his own sermons (preaching to himself), we at TWG also aim to practice what we preach! This post was a good reminder for my own family finances and home search.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG

The Wealth Group – Austin B. Colby & Associates is a Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here.

Form CRS  |  Privacy Policy

Facebook Linkedin Youtube
cfp-logo-knockout

OUR LOCATIONS

MINNESOTA
14850 SCENIC HEIGHTS RD, STE 100 EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344
(952) 937-9423

 

TENNESSEE
725 COOL SPRINGS BLVD, STE 445 FRANKLIN, TN 37067
(615) 395-8600

 

VIRTUAL OFFICE NATIONALLY VIA ZOOM 

client ACCESS
FREE ASSESSMENT
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Jamy Antoine

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Facebook Twitter
I’ve been a business owner, investor, and entrepreneur for over 21 years. Well over a decade ago, my wife and I had a significant net worth for our age. However, much of it was built on leverage – similar to Dave Ramsey – if you are familiar with his story.

My wife and I have been clients of The Wealth Group since 2006. Austin designed a plan that we followed for a few years, but due to my entrepreneurial nature, I eventually deviated from that plan and pursued whole life “bank on yourself” insurance, real estate, and other ventures.

While there certainly is a place for diversification, I’ll never forget the day Austin Colby – owner of The Wealth Group – sat us down and explained that although we looked pretty good on paper, mathematically, it was a house of cards. I remember walking out of that meeting feeling like someone had punched me in the gut. Hindsight and regret can be painful, but can also motivate new habits, behaviors, and attitudes toward money. The Wealth Group helped change my core beliefs about money and my family’s financial future. Remember, it is never too late to start making good decisions.

Ten years later, not only has our financial situation changed dramatically, but I’ve also joined The Wealth Group team using my business and personal finance experience to help business owners, entrepreneurs, affluent individuals, and motivated young families build and expand their financial future on solid footing, by holistically and proactively addressing all aspects of finance to include investing, tax, giving, estate and legacy planning.

I am happily married with four children. I serve on the deacon board at our church, and I have a life goal of becoming a scratch golfer!


— Jamy

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • BS – Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Pre-Med
  • DC – Doctor of Chiropractic – NWHSU  
  • FICPA – Fellowship International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
  • BCN – Board Certification Neuropathy – American College of Physical Medicine

Jaron Kissner

Financial Advisor

Facebook Twitter
“In my early 20’s, I read a personal finance book for the first time. The contents of that book opened my eyes and sparked a passion in me that transformed the financial trajectory of my family. Fast forward a few years, and that passion led me to change my career path and become a financial planner.

I feel blessed to be a part of The Wealth Group and work with a very talented, high-quality team of people. I can’t think of work that is more rewarding and impactful than being able to help our clients and their families achieve their financial goals!”

— jaron

Favorites

Education/Designations

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central Universit

Personal Interests

Jaron married his lovely bride, Jennifer, in 2016. Since then, they have added three children to their family: Vivienne (2019), Graham (2021), and Cooper (2023), as well as a Golden Retriever named Penny. They settled into their first home in Jordan, MN in 2021. As a family, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, visiting relatives in AZ, hiking, and being on the lake. They are also very involved at River Valley Church in Chaska, where Jaron and Jennifer serve as deacons.

Jaron has recently become passionate about the game of golf and is striving to break 85. He also enjoys working out and watching the Vikings as they find new ways to lose NFC Championship games.

Paige Heltemes

financial advisor

Facebook Twitter

“I have always had an interest in personal finance. Having a plan and setting goals for your financial life enables you to accomplish things that otherwise would never be possible. A thousand small steps in the right direction can lead to a life of stability and ability—The Wealth Group exists to help plot that course and keep our clients on track.”

— PAIGE

Even as a young adult, keeping her finances in order and planning for the future has allowed Paige to experience wealth as a blessing rather than a stressor. She wants people to know that same freedom, especially when life gets complicated. 

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central University

Ben Thorson

financial advisor

Facebook Twitter

I enjoy helping our clients make good decisions with their money. It’s rewarding to watch our clients build wealth with us at their side. When I see a young family cross the $1 million net worth mark — after starting with our team with a net worth of $200,000 — it’s an awesome feeling.

As our clients continue to focus on the things they can control, such as paying down debt and adding money to their investment portfolio year after year, I have noticed that it becomes easier to stomach the (inevitable) bear market. Over my time at The Wealth Group, I have learned that good financial behaviors never go into a recession.

When I’m not at The Wealth Group I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. Together we like to be outdoors, play sports, and be active participants at our church.

— Ben

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Accounting experience at CH Robinson in Eden Prairie.

 

Misty Tanner

Senior Client Services Associate

Facebook Twitter

“I am passionate about my work because I think it is important to make wise, informed decisions with our finances as it permeates into all aspects of our lives. Just as people strive to maintain balance in their overall lives, financial wellness and understanding in your personal life is just as important. ”

— Misty

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • B.S. in Business Administration in Sports & Fitness, Minor in Bible & Theology
  • Certificate in Coaching

Karie Merritt

partner, Director of Client Services

Facebook Twitter Linkedin

“I have realized there are so many people in the world today who are unsure of how to save or plan for the future. They live paycheck to paycheck and think debt is normal. We get to help people realize that there’s a different way to live. We get to help people who feel hopeless finally find a clear path for the future while taking control of their finances for the first time. When people are proactive rather than reactive, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. 

— Karie

Karie’s main role is managing the onboarding process for new clients. She works hard to ensure a seamless transition and to make all clients feel welcome and cared for. As the Director of Client Services, she oversees the Client Services team, plans client events, processes monetary transfers, handles paperwork for clients and helps to manage the day-to-day operations of the office.

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • AA in Liberal Arts & Sciences from North Hennepin Community College
  • BA in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Concordia University St. Paul
  • Notary Public

Dan Johnson, CFP®

PARTNER, Financial planneR

Facebook Twitter

“I love being able to see and contribute to the confidence in the families we help when they know they are taking the correct steps towards financial independence. I truly enjoy building relationships with people. The work I do with The Wealth Group gives me the opportunity to do this by building a relationship that will last a lifetime.”

— Dan

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a degree in Business Administration.
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Adam Colby, CIMA

PARTNER, CFO, FINANCIAL PLANNER

Facebook Twitter

“I love working alongside the people at The Wealth Group. Additionally, my younger brother (and now boss) and I have wanted to work together for years. When the opportunity arose within The Wealth Group I jumped at the chance. I have always had a passion for personal finance and investing; the transition into this investment-focused role was a natural one for me.”

— ADAM

Developing and stress-testing the firm’s asset allocation models is a passion of Adam’s.  You may often find him assessing risk metrics for client portfolios and the broader global markets as well as trading and rebalancing client portfolios.

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • CIMA®
  • BA (Business Major/Math Minor) from Dakota State University

Investments & Wealth Institute TM (The Institute) is the owner of the certification mark “CIMA” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professional.

Mike K. Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

PARTNER, DIRECTOR OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Facebook Twitter

From childhood, I was strongly interested in working hard, making money, and most importantly, saving money. Today, I use that passion to empower our clients to succeed with their money. A lot of people experience unnecessary stress and anxiety in their financial lives.

After college, I worked in a large bank and began investing on my own for the first time. I remember plugging numbers into a Roth IRA Calculator and realizing the power of compounding from an early age. I was amazed at how [seemingly] easy investing was…not realizing that bear markets are what make investing challenging. A few years into my career as a financial advisor, the Great Recession (2007-2009) hit, and I gained a lot of crucial experience in a short period. 

Those lessons from the Great Recession will stick with me for the rest of my life. I learned not to over-extend myself on real estate, to never sell out of stocks during a bear market, the power of being 100% debt-free (including no mortgage), and also the opportunities in stocks that arise from the ashes of a deep bear market.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” We aim to be those counselors that provide knowledge and safety for our clients. 

A good financial advisor should have the heart of a teacher. Through our relationship, we aim for our clients to grow in knowledge and mastery over their finances. We want them to be the driver of their financial plan, with us as their sidekick/coach to help them realize their plans and goals.

I have been quoted as a financial expert in Fox Business, U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo! News, GOBanking Rates, Lifehacker, and Business Insider.

More important than my role at The Wealth Group is my position as a redeemed son of God, husband to Krista, and father to five children.

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • BS in Business/Economics from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Paul M. Bennett, CFP

Sr. Financial Planner

Facebook Twitter

“I want people to succeed at life and that includes guiding them to achieve sound money management. I enjoy helping individuals and businesses make beneficial decisions in regards to money and investment management. Long range planning is one of my professional passions and moving people from the thought of retirement to the reality of retirement is something I enjoy assisting our clients with.” 

— Paul

Paul has more than 25 years of experience advising business owners and affluent individuals about their finances. Paul has achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Being a CFP® professional enables him to help clients focus on what is important to them. He has also earned the Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC®) designation, which demonstrates his expertise in the area of retirement financial planning for individuals.

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • BS in Finance from Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor)
  • CKA® (Certified Kingdom Advisor®)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Austin B. Colby, MBA, CFP®

Owner / Sr. Financial Planner

Facebook Twitter

“I believe every family can achieve their financial goals if the path to do so is clear. This work of building paths and guiding clients along those paths is my passion, and it brings me tremendous joy. After twenty years of doing this, I am more excited today than ever about helping families with their finances. Helping one family at a time make good choices makes a difference. I believe that wholeheartedly and am thankful for the opportunity to serve so many people in this capacity.”

— Austin

Austin is the owner and visionary behind The Wealth Group. His #1 responsibility is to lead our team in devotion to the mission: providing quality financial planning and investment management to the firm’s clients.

Favorites

Education/Designations

  • BS from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Finance with an emphasis in Financial Planning
  • MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Leadership & Organizational Development
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.