A 2006? Way too much money there too. A 1999 civic with moderate to low miles and that is CHEAP is what you need. A new car will require a payment which you obviously can't afford.
People are frustrated because you don't take really good, helpful and well intended advise AFTER you ask for help. By looking at a 2006 car, it is clear you ignoring what people are saying here.
First off, a 1999 car is going to have over 100k miles. How smart is that? It's going to die before I pay it off. I'm not looking to be a total asshat. I think something a little more reliable is better.
It's very, very smart if you pick a good car. I drive a 1995 with 247k miles on it. I bought it in 2002 and it had 140k miles on it. I've driven the car for the past decade with no major issues and NO car payment. eta: not to mention the cheap insurance and registration.
First off, a 1999 car is going to have over 100k miles. How smart is that? It's going to die before I pay it off. I'm not looking to be a total asshat. I think something a little more reliable is better.
It's very, very smart if you pick a good car. I drive a 1995 with 247k miles on it. I bought it in 2002 and it had 140k miles on it. I've driven the car for the past decade with no major issues and NO car payment. eta: not to mention the cheap insurance and registration.
I know! I should probably let my car know that it was supposed to break down a good 50,000 miles ago! What is it THINKING being over 100K and still working and in good condition! AND it is a 2000! I mean, ANCIENT! I can't believe our cars have foresaken their duty!
It's very, very smart if you pick a good car. I drive a 1995 with 247k miles on it. I bought it in 2002 and it had 140k miles on it. I've driven the car for the past decade with no major issues and NO car payment. eta: not to mention the cheap insurance and registration.
I know! I should probably let my car know that it was supposed to break down a good 50,000 miles ago! What is it THINKING being over 100K and still working and in good condition! AND it is a 2000! I mean, ANCIENT! I can't believe our cars have foresaken their duty!
No shit. My car should have given it up 100k miles ago. Imagine all the money I could have spent on payments, insurance, etc.. to have a reliable car. Oh, wait, I didn't need to.
Okay- Liu, we are being snarky here but I hope it shows that there are things you can do if you WANT to, but you don't and that my interwebz friend is the problem.
So I make 5 times what you do and drive a 2005 paid off Nissan with about 98k miles on it. Its worth about 8k so if I were you, I'd look for something even older than a 2005.
I use coupons when I grocery shop, club cards and any other special deals I can get.
I follow groupon and living social and always look for ways to save on basics.
Liu, I totally totally understand the emotional attachment to your car. I had a car that I looooooved when I was married. I mean LOVED. I got it after I graduated from grad school and I planned for years to do this.
Guess what happened after I got divorced? I could no longer afford the almost $500 car payment. It was really hard and I was sad for a little while, but I had to get rid of it. I had to be a grown up. I had to take responsibility and live in my new reality.
The car I drive now just hit 200,000 miles and it runs great! I haven't had any problems with it (knock on wood). And I have no car payment! You bet your ass my ego was bruised and it sucked when people asked what happened to the car that everyone knew I loved so much, but I had to take the emotion out of it and do what was right financially.
I also had to cut back on other frivolous spending - Starbucks, shopping, manis and pedis, highlights, brand name everything, going out with friends all the time (HH or dinners). And it was and is hard. It is hard to change financial habits. But guess what, I know that I am setting myself up to have a better financial future.
Another amazing side effect of all this is that I have learned to no longer seek fulfillment and satisfaction from material items. I don't judge my self worth (or that of others) on things. I have been able to find validation and fulfillment internally, through relationships and accomplishments, not through what I own and what I have.
It is a car. It is not who you are. You can do this.
Have you tried shopping places like Big Lots/Odd Lots for groceries? I don't usually think to go there for groceries but whenever I do stop in one I'm always surprised at what they carry (not all of them) and the prices.
Also - check Target. I like Healthy Choice soups for lunch. Target carries them for $.80 less - each- than Kroger.
Okay here's the deal. I'm better with money now since I've been living with J. I don't have a huge cushion, but I've been trying to pay some debt.
Please bear with me and I will be patient with responses. I know my past has been shitty with money.
What do the ladies of SO say?
Right now, I pay cash for everything. I've been pretty good with not over spending, but I'd like to cut back a little more to get this going.
You live in PA right...I think you should seek out professional advice, this place is great AND it's free...make an appointment and ask for help with Budgeting:
Post by letyourselfgo on Dec 9, 2012 14:15:23 GMT -5
Warning: Don't get the cheapest car you can find.
I bought a 1989 Olds Cutlass Ciera last fall, with 119k miles on it for $700.00. I needed a car, badly....so I basically picked the first sound one that my mechanic and I liked under $1000....
After three months, that car cost me in repairs about three times what I'd paid for it over the next six. Whatever you buy, be careful.
Never again. I'm going with a newer Honda next time....maybe a 1998.
I bought a 1989 Olds Cutlass Ciera last fall, with 119k miles on it for $700.00. I needed a car, badly....so I basically picked the first sound one that my mechanic and I liked under $1000....
After three months, that car cost me in repairs about three times what I'd paid for it over the next six. Whatever you buy, be careful.
Never again. I'm going with a newer Honda next time....maybe a 1998.
No one is suggesting she buy a 1989, in fact, I think a 1999 Honda was what was thrown out. And it should be said that you should get the background check/inspection done on the vehicle. We were just saying a 2006 is not what she should be looking at.
You need to learn the difference between a need and a want. Fund needs, then debt and lastly wants. NEVER buy a car you cannot pay for within 3 years. EVER. Keep rent under 25% of your TAKEHOME pay. NO eating out and NO takeout. RETURN the Christmas gifts - make some carmel corn, cookies or holiday bread to give if you feel you must give a gift. TRACK ALL SPENDING do NOT BUY ANYTHING NEW FOR THE BABY! You can get everything you need used. COUNSELING, COUNSELING, COUNSELING - You need to stop being so self destructive and making poor decisions. It wiill not be just your life that will be impacted by them. It will also impact your child's future. Read TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER by Dave Ramsey