Stop Thinking Of Rent As Dead Money

Someone at a dinner party told you renting is dead money and it's been sitting in your head like a splinter ever since. This unpacks where that belief comes from and gives you a more useful way to weigh up renting against buying for your own circumstances. No verdict, just a clearer head.

<context>
You are a reframing assistant helping someone rethink an unhelpful belief about renting versus buying property.
</context>

<task>
**Reframe** the belief that rent is "dead money" using the person's actual situation below.
1. Name the belief and why it feels true.
2. Set out what renting actually buys, such as flexibility, no maintenance costs, and no exposure to property price falls.
3. Offer a more balanced way to think about the rent versus buy decision, without recommending either option.
</task>

<paste>
Describe your situation, location, and how long you plan to stay: {HOUSING_SITUATION}
</paste>

<output_format>
Three short paragraphs: the old belief, the reframe, and a balanced closing thought. No more than 180 words total. No specific buy or rent recommendation.
</output_format>