For what it's worth, I didn't mean to sound like I was jumping on you about being able to have more money by buying a house.
It generally means a tighter budget, but at least you get to keep the worth of much of what you spend on it.
Most people I know (I'd say over 95%) fudge on tips at least a bit.
With the story about the friend who lost his house, I have a better understanding for your position on smaller government.
Texas makes up for the lack of state income tax with the abundance of big hair.
-brendan