i probably just need reassurance, its probably too late to stop this train: I am self employed and work 15-20 hours, age 65, just signed a 5 office year lease renewal. My partner is 63 and is also self employed as a musician, does lots of related stuff, with no plan to stop. We just sold our 1200 sf house in a "hot" neighborhood, about 8 minutes from my work. The thing I liked about living here is the walkability to stores and fun places to hang out. We have been driving each other crazy in our house because its basically 3 rooms, and theres no where to go to escape. He has the (new 50") TV going all the time and i am not a tv person. We figured buying bigger would relieve the tension of feeling so cramped. So, our offer was accepted, and i have taken on a 30 year mortgage and a 2100SF house. It is a wonderful house, but lacks the walkability part, although it is still less than 10 minute commute. I guess the trade off is: I have taken on twice as much debt, lost my neighborhood, but in exchange will get an amazing house and hopefully an easier time at home. The house is in my name as the other one was, but he plans to contribute more so that i shouldn't have to pay more. Of course, for him, this means lots more gigs at odd hours, and then he's not at home (pro/con). As I write this it seems like a money vs. quality of life thing: relationship should improve, but loss of neighborhood bad. (We couldn't afford anything over here, its become too hot.