Ted and Bob. I am saddened by your remarks but have learned over the last few years that some people, when they feel threatened and have no positive things to say, resort to putting others down to make themselves look and feel better. Its ok I get it. Picking on my friends and implying they defaulted on loans, and being irresponsible is uncalled for and just plain offensive.
So these will be my last comments on this post.

My CT friends saved for the first 8 years of their marraige, bought a house and then fixed it up in California, before moving back to their home state of CT. Once in Ct., they bought and entirely paid for a two acre piece of land, nearby their parent's house. After two years they were able to build their own home, using many energy enovative ideas, including a heat exchanger. Their power needs are less than their neighbors, because time was put into their home design. They built the house on their own with other family members help. As a result they have a home that is mostly paid for, and live well even in these economic times. They now have a daughter who is quite bright and well manored. By adding a solar energy system to their house and locking into a fixed electrical bill, they not only help themselves, but the rest of the country as well, by using less energy off the grid, and giving energy back to the grid during peak production. I admire people like them. Rob and Renee are both teachers as well. It saddens me when people have to assume the worst in others. I'm not here to guilt either of you, and to be honest have debated whether to respond at all. Now again I open the door for more belittling comments, your safe here as I will not reply or play the game any more.