I think one of the main reasons we are in the economic mess we are in is that people are ignorant of how finances work. Not the ONLY reason mind you. There are plenty of politicians, brokers and bankers to shoulder the blame as well. But many of these people facing foreclosure had no idea what they were getting into financially. Money is far too important to deal with blindly. Like most things in life, a financial education isn't for the rich/elite. Learn how things work and don't follow the crowd. Money is as personal as it gets. What works for one person might not for another. But only you can know what's right for you. If it seems like too good a deal (double your money in six months by buying a house ) It probably isn't a deal at all.