Many housing experts use a 30% threshold to gauge when rent or mortgage payments become too burdensome for most households. In rural areas—sometimes referred to as the “outlands”—this rule-of-thumb is especially relevant, as job scarcity and regional challenges can heighten financial strains. Guest columnist Randy Stapilus offers insights into these pressures and the value of keeping housing costs in check.

With mortgage rates and credit card debt both on the rise, many Americans face mounting financial challenges. As housing grows more unaffordable, existing home sales are slowing, raising critical questions for investors evaluating S&P 500 stocks at or near record highs.