Honestly, the numbers banks throw out can be kind of hilarious. I’ve seen people get “approved” for places that would have them living on instant noodles and tap water for years. The formulas they use don’t care if you want to take a vacation or, you know, buy a new pair of jeans once in a while. They’re just plugging in income and debt—lifestyle doesn’t even enter the equation.
I always tell folks, just because you *can* borrow that much doesn’t mean you *should*. There’s a difference between surviving and actually enjoying your life. I’ve had clients who were shocked at what the bank said they could afford, but when we sat down and mapped out their real expenses—gym memberships, pets, hobbies, whatever—it was a whole different story.
Tracking spending is a pain, but it’s eye-opening. The first time I did it, I realized how much I spent on coffee... not proud of that, but hey, caffeine keeps me going. The main thing is, banks aren’t your financial babysitter. You’ve got to look out for your own sanity and wallet.