When factoring in home buying cost, do I include my BAH?

BAH stands for basic allowance for housing. Why wouldn't you include money given specifically for housing for housing. You shouldn't be buying a house if you don't plan on keeping it a very long time. You'll just be wasting money that way typically. You also shouldn't buy an ultra expensive house if the only way you can afford it is to stay in one location the entire time. Folks in the military move around a lot. Renting isn't a waste and can be cheaper than buying in some cases. The alternative is to rent it out, but you have to become a long distance landlord typically. So, there is much more to take into account then it sounds like you've put to mind yet. If you are currently stationed in NYC and PCS'ed to Omaha, Nebraska and were relying on NYC BAH to pay off your home then you'd be screwed potentially.

Think about long term and decide if buying is the correct move in general.

/r/personalfinance Thread