Definitely.
I just don't allow myself to engage in relationships w/ people that take things for granted.
I could never invision myself taking advantage of my dh and spending uncontrollably without a stable financial future for my kids. In essence, it's my dh and his bff's relationship that counts and her and I just have our little cute meets for the sake of opportunity. She's very defiant in the convos we have about financial situations & scenarios and she's in a constant state of "know it all".
Good thing they're far away from here...for now at least.
If she calls me to address this situation w/ me I'm going to have to be honest and give it to her like she needs it.

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

They do it because they think they can afford it.

This MommySaver wouldn't say anything to the friend. If she calls to talk about the problem I'd mumble sympathetic nothings like, "Sounds rough." But that is all.

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"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

True that. My confrontational persona will just strike a pissy fighting match anyway
Plus, she won't even pay attention!

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

My husband has a good friend, he's been around longer than I have for my husband. And this friend has made some really dumb life choices and I've talked and talked and talked to him about attempting to change his ways. He's miserable and truthfully it wouldn't take that much work to change things for him. He never listens and I've finally just decided not to deal with his issues anymore. When he starts complaining about his life, I just pretty much say, "That's too bad," and change the subject.

Sometimes people have to figure out things for themselves -- I know I have!

That's exactly what my husband does and I admire him immensly for that.
I'm a bit more passional when it comes to issues I completely disagree with and seeing as though they ask for our input, it instantly becomes my problem. At the beginning I would chat on the phone with them forever, after a while it became downright annoying. I still have all the time in the world to hear them out, but her attitude towards myself is unbearable. That's one of the reasons why I completely decided to cut the ties alltogether.
Us too have learned from our mistakes along the way. Fortunately my parents have always been there to express their views and concerns regarding my behaviors and to give me a wake up call. We've learned through our experiences and their positive advice. My dh's bff's wife should realize our intentions are genuine and for their best.

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

I feel so blessed that we bought our house and got a great fixed rate when housing prices were just starting to go down. We got the house for about $30,000 less than a comparable hous ein this area, because it needed alot of labor intensive, low supply improvements. We just had a furnace installed today, which was covered under a home owners' warranty and ended up costing us only $380! If we can ride out this slump in the housing market and sell before our two year old is in kindergarten like we hope to do, we should be able to make a nice profit with a lot of sweat equity put in. I hate to see people ending up in situations like this family has. Ugh, we came very close to paying too much for too little, but as I said have been blessed immensely. Thanks for reminding me of this. I hate that this reminder comes at someone else's expense, but I needed it today, after writing that check to the furnace people and feeling very broke.

Wonderful things happen to people that adore their situation and strive for a better purpose.
I've learned better than to take things for granted, as well as I value the work and effort my dh does on a daily basis

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You must be the change you want to see in the world ~ Gandhi

Your 3 choices for this situation to help you would be either

1. Rent it out to a pre-screened qualified renter (have realtor run credit check and get 1-2 mths security deposit). This may help carry over paying most of your mortgage until the market picks back up in your area.

2. Discuss refinance with HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
It is the webpage for AZ HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency. I'm sure they would be able to give you great advice specific to that location.

3. Negotiate a short sale with bank. They do not really want a repossession/foreclosure because of the additional fees involved.

Hope all goes well with you. I wish you were in my area and I would just take care of everything for you myself. I'll keep you and your family in our prayers.

They are probably doing a short sale with their lender, it is better on their credit than a foreclosure.

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt