What’s causing us to make these major financial decisions?
The dirt bag hippie in my heart is telling me to fight the system, we are the land of the free. But I have a mortgage to pay, a dog to take care of and a 401k attached to my thrilling 8-5 job. How can I step away from the path laid out for me?
My tough decision this week is overcoming the idea of purchasing a new vehicle.
| NEW VEHICLE PROS | NEW VEHICLE CONS |
| New Car Smell | Carbon Emissions |
| New Adventures with Adam | Global Warming |
| No More Constant Maintenance | Wars Fought Because of Oil |
| New Technology to Benefit the Planet | 72 Months of Car Payments |
| New Technology for Safety | Short Lifespan of A New Vehicle |
| Car Payments will Drive Up My Credit Score | New Cars are So Expensive |
The underlying personal issue is the realization that making these major purchases is what dictates our credibility, our credit.
America has marketed the idea you can live free and be happy but you need to follow these steps to get there. Step one is to buy a new car while you still have one arm left to drive after chopping the other off while paying student loans. Purchasing a new vehicle supports the economy, a means to develop infrastructure and jobs for the country, I get it.
My cons list is very environmental, I spend a good amount of time outside and I can see the negative effects from climate change. But just one person living in the mountains hanging onto her 18 year old 4-Runner is not going to make an impact. Car manufacturers are required to stock fuel efficient vehicles, CAFE standards, to offset the gas guzzlers. How can these requirements develop to further impact my new vehicle cons list?
My hippie days are dwindling, I am a true player of the system and a soon to be new gas guzzling truck owner. From fire mitigation, cleaning the chicken coop, loading the muddy dog and off road adventures, a truck is very practical. New doors will open in my life unlocking opportunities. Allowed within the 800 credit score bracket of course.
I would like to thank Adam for helping me get through this difficult decision making process, its been a journey. Not only on vehicle selection but giving me the confidence to pull the trigger and making me realize its ok to want something and go for it. Look out for an upcoming article comparing the Toyota Tacoma with the Chevy ZR2 Bison and how I made my decision!
