Recently, I met separately with two couples who called me to sell their properties and help them with the purchase of their next home.  One couple was 30 something and the other couple was 50 something.  It was amazing to me how much these two couples had in common even though they never met and there was such a difference in age. Both couples were living far below their means - i.e. in modest homes with very low mortgage payments not at all reflective on their sizable incomes of 100,000-200,000. Both were excited about moving but concerned about an increase in their monthly payment.  These couples had monthly mortgage payments of only $800/mo and $1500/mo practically unheard of in the communities where they live.  OBVIOUSLY...both couples paid a sizable amount of income tax due to their conservative life style with very little deduction in mortgage interest and property tax.  When I first ask both couples how much they had paid in income tax in 2007, neither knew even an estimate of what they had paid out but only that they were excited about getting a sizable refund from IRS in April. It has been my observation over the years that people work so hard to excel at their profession but dedicate little to no time on ways to protect (or keep) their increase in income they so well deserve.  My advice to both of these wonderful couples was to take inventory of what they were making, how much they paid in taxes and how they can best protect their well deserved income.  I suggested that they meet with an accountant that could show them how and why they could afford their new home by bringing home more money monthly, paying less tax and actually purchase a wonderful home reflective of their hard work.   Both couples were blown away that I took the time to discuss these options with them and cared enough to suggest a professional who could help them maximize the benefits of their income.  We have been well taught to live on what we bring home in our paycheck but have been given little guidance as to how to bring home more in that paycheck.  I am certain that both couples will benefit for years to come by taking this step toward maximizing their paychecks and ultimately purchasing a home of their dreams with little to no worry about making their payments.