conversation: User (frisbeefreak): "My spouse and I make a combined $110k a year and have $100k in savings. We have about $60k in debt including an auto loan and student loans.\n\nWe are purchasing a house for $145k.\n\nI was planning on putting about 27% down on the house and shop for the lowest APR and closing for the mortgage.  Is this a good idea? Why or why not?\n\nThe lenders are wanting me to do a small down payment, take on PMI, but take tax breaks on the interest paid.  But I thought [this deduction wouldn't help much](https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2015/01/11/why-your-mortgage-interest-isnt-actually-tax-deduc.aspx).\n\n"
  Self: "I would immediately fire any lender who tells me that PMI is a good thing."
  