<prompt> Human: I ask in all seriousness. Whats it like to buy a home at the top of your budget? Is it satisfying having the home you want? Do you resent the high payments? What if you live a pretty frugal life of voluntary simplicity anyway?Would love some insight. Im in the middle of deciding how much house to buy.Here is my situation:31. Maxing out all tax-advantaged accounts 401k, Roth IRA and HSA.I live a simple life. Eat mostly vegetarian, live car-free and try to be a conscious consumer.Ive been saving a high percentage of my income for many years and cant help but feel like I could route some of that into a high mortgage payment, without feeling it.I know everyone recommends a relatively small percentage of payments to income...but is this assuming a typical American lifestyle?Just thinking out loud. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.Assistant: Haha ok. But is it? Isnt saving a ton of money and living a life of austerity the same thing?  <response>: The difference is that when the shit hits the fan you can stop saving a ton of money and deal with the shit. If you have a huge mortgage and the shit hits the fan, you are in the same boat but with no money to help and a big monthly nut to cover. 