<prompt> Human: All the literature out there seems pointed toward persuading dumb guys like me away from buying a second home, though Im not sure I fit into the typical audience of those authors.Hoping I could share my situation with the community here and receive advice as to what makes the most sense for my family.Im an American expat in France who would cut off his right arm to be able to move back to the States. Unfortunately, my wife and I are professionally entrenched here in Europe, so moving back completely is not an option. However, Im still committed to raising my kids at least partially in the American spirit.So the idea isnt just to visit the U.S., but to establish a real home base there. Wed like to spend 3 months out of the year in the States 2 months in summer, 1 month in winter. Since we are closest to the family and friends living in the Minneapolis area, we thought co-investing in a lake house around those parts would be an interesting idea. We have about 3000month in expendable income. Im happy to spend this entire amount on ensuring that my kids dont grow up completely French. Still, the myriad articles have somewhat deterred me from buying a second home. Perhaps its just better to be perennial renters without the ball and chain of additional property.  <response>: Youd have year-round costs for something you use 25 of the time.People do it, but not purely because its a smart financial decision in the typical case. 