Originally Posted by
unterhausen
I have very little good to say about finance. There is a lot to be said for being debt-free. If nothing else, it cuts down on spending.
This is a rather simplistic view, and not at all supported by actual principles.
One simple example: how many people can afford to buy a house without borrowing money? And yet, many people wish to own houses, they are generally pretty good investments, and we all need somewhere to live. Postponing that purchase until you have saved up the entire purchase price would involve missing out on a great many benefits - both financial and intangible.
By the same token, student loans are generally very wise financial moves, as long as certain conditions are met - such as that the degree is actually earned and has a reasonable market value.