Why do people always say I just bought a house or a new car when they have

[blastoff]

a MORTGAGE or CAR PAYMENT?

Why do they act like it's not being financed? Is it to impress people?

Well, some might do it to impress people but only folks like you would do it or fall for it.

Other than that, look up the word equity and then noodle on it for a while. A lightbulb might go off, albeit a dim one in your case.