The US requiring credit cards is part of the problem why people have money troubles. It’s a lot less transparent than just using bankcards (or cash). The whole credit system mostly benefits older people and richer people than starters. It should be that if you don’t have debt your need to pay monthly on you should be able to take a mortgage for the max amount.
In the end if I can spend 1000$ a month for a mortgage and I have zero other monthly loan payments I should be able to get a loan which requires a payment of 1000$.
Edit: budgeting using a free tool like Actual Budget can help you give some more headspace
The US requiring credit cards is part of the problem why people have money troubles. It’s a lot less transparent than just using bankcards (or cash). The whole credit system mostly benefits older people and richer people than starters. It should be that if you don’t have debt your need to pay monthly on you should be able to take a mortgage for the max amount. In the end if I can spend 1000$ a month for a mortgage and I have zero other monthly loan payments I should be able to get a loan which requires a payment of 1000$.
Edit: budgeting using a free tool like Actual Budget can help you give some more headspace