When FIRE does not feel liberating and whether to buy a house
Me (48F) and hubby (53M) 4 kids aged 8 - 16. We live in Hong Kong, originally from Europe. We have a monthly income of USD 20K from investments that include property and financial instruments. We also both work, because we actually enjoy it. All this time, we have always rented our residence. However, I feel restless and unhappy about this. A part of me would like to own our own place. The apartment we currently rent is lovely: airy, spacious and light, lots of space, friendly community, great amenities. I am disliking the insecurity of renting, and would like to offer a home base for my kids so that they can always come back here, if they want to. Yet the thought of ploughing a substantial amount of our income-generating investments into a house is a daunting prospect. The costs of owning a house are not insubstantial - monthly management fees, maintenance. I'm embarrassed to admit that i feel lost and sad and occasionally resentful about this because I realise we have it really good. Has anyone faced a similar situation or can anyone share any ideas to consider in this sutuation?