Grrrr....
11-01-2007 | 10:07 PM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: 01-20-2006
Posts: 1,707
From: Centralia, Missouri
Then you missed my point. I can afford it. I choose not to. I would rather save the $$$ to spend the time with the people that I love. My car doesn't love me back, but they sure do.
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
Very well said.
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's tough to keep in mind what is important to us, and our family.
11-01-2007 | 10:07 PM
#22
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Then you missed my point. I can afford it. I choose not to. I would rather save the $$$ to spend the time with the people that I love. My car doesn't love me back, but they sure do.
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
YOU MISSED MY POINT........whatever makes YOU happy....even if it's an HHR, your children, the extended family, etc.
And, if you need to stretch a budget (as you stated) then it is NOT what YOU can afford.
For instance, in my case, I can afford just about anything. I have no bills (much like kingfrog). I pay cash for almost everything, from a very healthy retirement and investment portfolio. I bought the HHr because I am very "bullheaded" (again like kingfrog) and will NOT pay retail, or anything close to retail, for any purchase. The Pontiac people, at the time of the HHR purchase would not allow a discount on the Solstice, which was my primary choice, so I have the HHR. I'm thankful it turned out to be a great economy vehicle FOR MY UTILITY. But I also have 3 other "everyday" vehicles....2 of which I am currently selling. I intend to purchase another vehcile to replace the 2 being sold.....and at this point I have it narrowed down to a choice of one in four.....2 foreign, 2 domestic (some members had inquired, privately, at what I was doing...so they know), and all are in the performance catagory, and have been discussed here (except one....new next year) and will be paid "in full" at time of delivery.
Now, I'm NOT bragging at this. It's just to solidifying my point....if you can afford it (really afford it) and it makes YOU happy, do what YOU want. To hell with what others believe.
But I do understand the position that playgames is in (been there, done that....many years ago).....maybe not to great accuracy....but he has a brother, and a mother, who probably likes to flaunt their achievements through materialistic possessions. He is not that way. So, "mom" "back off, the BMW or MB is not ME" is a statement he could probably use..
Oh....an answer to your last question.......I own my "stuff"....lock, stock, and barrel. It does not own me.
And, I DO AGREE with your philosophy, because I have been there and done that also.
11-01-2007 | 10:52 PM
#23
Banned
Joined: 08-25-2007
Posts: 488
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Many young people (and a few older folks) consider something affordable IF they can make the payments, LOL.
Never pay interest on a depreciating "asset." Never. If you have to you really cannot afford it nor is it yours in reality since you do not have the title. only a registration entitling you to use the car.
Drop your collision coverage if you doubt who owns the car.
IF the guy who owns the BMW and Mercedes has the titles I respect him and his success.IF he is living in a apartment and making $400-$700 a month car payments, Im sorry, he is aa approval seeking fool who will be bound by the "Golden Handcuffs" until the end of days.
11-01-2007 | 10:58 PM
#24
Banned
Joined: 08-25-2007
Posts: 488
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Then you missed my point. I can afford it. I choose not to. I would rather save the $$$ to spend the time with the people that I love. My car doesn't love me back, but they sure do.
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
I recently had to make a decision concerning my career. One option would have significantly increased my pay but also increased the time demands. The other offered slower income growth, but less of a time drain. I CHOSE less pay!
I'm not my job, and it isn't what makes me happy. It's not my stuff that makes me happy. It's the time that I spend with my family, and the time I spend doing the things I love that make me happy. So, why have less Happy and more Stress just so that I can afford to pay for expensive toys that add no enrichment to my life.
Or, why stretch my current budget for the same things? Makes no sense for me.
Ask your self this question. Do you own your stuff, or does your stuff own you?
11-01-2007 | 11:14 PM
#25
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
The problem is if you do not have ALL the money for something today you CANNOT "afford" it. You are paying someone else who CAN AFFORD it to let you borrow the car while they keep the title until you CAN AFFORD it.
Many young people (and a few older folks) consider something affordable IF they can make the payments, LOL.
Never pay interest on a depreciating "asset." Never. If you have to you really cannot afford it nor is it yours in reality since you do not have the title. only a registration entitling you to use the car.
Drop your collision coverage if you doubt who owns the car.
IF the guy who owns the BMW and Mercedes has the titles I respect him and his success.IF he is living in a apartment and making $400-$700 a month car payments, Im sorry, he is aa approval seeking fool who will be bound by the "Golden Handcuffs" until the end of days.
Many young people (and a few older folks) consider something affordable IF they can make the payments, LOL.
Never pay interest on a depreciating "asset." Never. If you have to you really cannot afford it nor is it yours in reality since you do not have the title. only a registration entitling you to use the car.
Drop your collision coverage if you doubt who owns the car.
IF the guy who owns the BMW and Mercedes has the titles I respect him and his success.IF he is living in a apartment and making $400-$700 a month car payments, Im sorry, he is aa approval seeking fool who will be bound by the "Golden Handcuffs" until the end of days.
I believe I had this (your) same argument with someone else, about a year ago. Unfortuneately, many people will only look at what the monthly payment will cost them. Then refinance (wrap) when it is time for another vehicle, then refinance for another vehicle.....you know the drill.
I "wired" together many vehicles through the years, just to buy the first new one , "free and clear". Had it presold, at the time of my purchase, and have purchased new almost every year (sometimes twice a year)for the past 25 and had most presold at the time of my original purchase (the GM employee discount really helped).
11-01-2007 | 11:29 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: 09-21-2006
Posts: 862
From: Fairbury, NE
Totally Agree
I was at my parents' house a few days ago. My mom is really impressed by the whole lifestyles of the rich and famous thing, and my brother has more money than God himself. Therefore, she pretty much hangs on every word he says and is in awe of everything he owns, his house, etc.
Anyway, while she does seem to like my HHR, she made a BIG point the other day to point out that my brother "likes his BMW that he has now soooo much more than his Mercedes" that he used to have, as if I was supposed to be impressed or jealous or something. Blah blah blah about this new, horrendously expensive BMW.
I'm not generaly impressed by new cars, and especially not luxury cars. I see them as a needless waste of money that can be totalled just as easily as a $10,000 car, so why drive around in something that costs as much as some people's houses? I also see them as someone trying to impress the little people and trying to compensate for other issues, frankly.
Even if I had the bank account to buy a BMW or Mercedes or some other car like that, I honestly don't think I would. I would probably still have an HHR as my "new" car...because it looks old fashioned. The last cars made that make me go "ooooh" were the last few American muscle cars from the 1970s. Everything since then, who cares? If I had tons of money to sink into cars, I'd have an HHR like I do now, and get restored Mustangs, Cougars, Camaros, or 1930s-1940s American cars, personally. They wouldn't be luxurious in the same sense as a BMW or Mercedes, but have so much more character and style in a classic sense, that for me there is no comparison or question at all.
Anyway...just a little rant since I feel like the HHR got "dissed" a little the other day. I figured you guys would act as a support group, perhaps, as I work through this trying issue!
Anyway, while she does seem to like my HHR, she made a BIG point the other day to point out that my brother "likes his BMW that he has now soooo much more than his Mercedes" that he used to have, as if I was supposed to be impressed or jealous or something. Blah blah blah about this new, horrendously expensive BMW.
I'm not generaly impressed by new cars, and especially not luxury cars. I see them as a needless waste of money that can be totalled just as easily as a $10,000 car, so why drive around in something that costs as much as some people's houses? I also see them as someone trying to impress the little people and trying to compensate for other issues, frankly.
Even if I had the bank account to buy a BMW or Mercedes or some other car like that, I honestly don't think I would. I would probably still have an HHR as my "new" car...because it looks old fashioned. The last cars made that make me go "ooooh" were the last few American muscle cars from the 1970s. Everything since then, who cares? If I had tons of money to sink into cars, I'd have an HHR like I do now, and get restored Mustangs, Cougars, Camaros, or 1930s-1940s American cars, personally. They wouldn't be luxurious in the same sense as a BMW or Mercedes, but have so much more character and style in a classic sense, that for me there is no comparison or question at all.
Anyway...just a little rant since I feel like the HHR got "dissed" a little the other day. I figured you guys would act as a support group, perhaps, as I work through this trying issue!
Like you said, why own a car that cost more than your house. And if I hit the big lottery, I would do the same, get a couple of the old muscle cars that I grew up to know from my time.
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