Affordability

 By Jonathan Greeson, CFP®

We know politicians use buzz words to blame their opponents for causing problems, especially with their campaign ads. Apparently, affordability is the recent buzz word, so let’s talk about it. 

A sad truth is that when an issue involves our wallet, we pay closer attention. Another fact is that politicians have less impact on affordability than they want us to believe. 

Through patience and discipline, Americans can do more to solve the affordability crisis than a politician ever will. In the December 30, 2025, edition of the Economist there was an article on affordability, which I believe describes our situation. 

Naturally, we want what is best for ourselves. This part of humanity becomes more obvious when money is involved. After calling affordability a “fuzzy term that can mean whatever feels true,” the writer explained how voters have virtually impossible demands. 

The article showed how we desire low prices when shopping, but higher wages at work. For many of us, our home is our largest financial asset. Obviously, we want it to be priced as high as possible when selling. Then when we, or our children, are buying, we want lowest possible price. Our parents were right; we can’t have it both ways! 

Finance is hard because every decision we make has an impact and can, sometimes, create a snowball of expenses. We can’t have everything we want in this world, so we have to say no occasionally. By slowing our personal spending, we CAN solve the affordability crisis. Email me! 

Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning is located in Pikeville. For more information, visit www.jonathangreeson.com. Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Jonathan Greeson Financial Planning are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents.