I’m definitely an outlier on this thread.
When I downsized the house last year, pulled out all the equity I could and got a 30 yr fixed rate loan at 5%.
I see this as a replay of the Carter years.
Inflation rewards fixed rate borrowers.
I do believe energy costs will go up rapidly.
My new place is small and very well built.
I keep an old hi mpg Saturn around as a mpg hedge.
I must confess that I agree with you. That 5% fixed rate will be paid for with much cheaper dollars if inflation rises as some suggest. Credit card debt is definitely bad, as always. Cash in a jar in the yard is a terrible idea. Gold in a jar in the yard is slightly better.