Why Is No One Talking About America’s Wealth Killer?

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There are currently 107.8 million auto loans in the US right now. Americans are losing their biggest wealth building tool (their income) to depreciating assets, and today we are going to talk about how we got here and what we can do about it.
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George Kamel is a personal finance expert and co-host of The Ramsey Show. Following Ramsey’s proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom.
This channel will simplify complex money topics, bust money myths with actual facts, and debunk the stupid financial advice you're seeing in your social media feed. All with a healthy dose of pop culture, humor, and snark. -
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[@davebennett4087]

The best advice my father ever gave me was to “defer gratification.” I’ve been able to retire before the age of 60 from a job that I never made more than $60,000 a year. I didn’t win the lottery and I did not inherit money. My million dollar home is completely paid off. My friends always made fun of the cars I drove. I currently drive a 12 year old car. I have not had a car payment since 1987 and that was a $3800 ]used Honda, which I paid off in 14 months. My advice when people ask is to “Own your stuff or else your stuff will own you.” I have never layed awake at night worrying about bills and that is WAY more valuable than a fancy car.

[@johnstirling6597]

I never owned a new car until my house was paid off. then waited till I could pay cash for a new Toyota. I see lots of my friends who drive very flashy cars (on tick) who are looking to retirement with big home loans still to pay off.

[@seanfrank4158]

Good advice to live by Dave. It's nice to see a 'workin man' able to retire even in these uncertain times. Well done.

[@TimKyoutube]

I have also seen so many people like this die at 65 and have 2-3 years of "retirement" to enjoy what they worked so hard for. The piece of mind is an advantage though.

[@lordfriezachrist6546]

🧢 you don't have a million dollar home on 60k salary

[@patrickmckeag3215]

Excellent advice. I retired at age 55 with more income now than ever in my life, because I did the same things you did. I always drove the cheapest cars I could buy and NEVER had a car loan. Always paid cash and drove them for many years.

[@romeonijsse2359]

I am from Amsterdam, NL and I just love the phenomenon of seeing old beater cars in the rich areas and new expensive cars in the poor areas. So baffling to me.

[@schlookie]

New Zealand can be like that too. Rich are = Toyotas, Nissans, Hondas in driveway. Poor area = BMW, Audi, and Merc in driveway.

[@thommysides4616]

lol

[@keithbellair9508]

Thats because the rich inherited their money or house and they are bums who dont work anyway… they are too cheap to buy a car then they mighy have to get a job.

[@AnnaKrueger809]

That is why I work with Samuel Peter Descovich, who introduced me to a better Financial community, a verified agency where I learned how money works and how to create it, as well as free books, courses, and daily lectures. You also get to meet new people, which was the best decision I ever made.

[@Ashleycorrie8494]

Thanks to the guidance of financial professional Samuel Peter Descovich, I've learned to concentrate my efforts and prepare for any financial struggles that come my way. The world of finance is full of opportunities, you just need to stay focused on the right path.

[@leecaptis5865]

I've been in the car biz for 49 years.. We joke out loud !!.. Its NOT a car , its a debt system !! Cars have financed my life all these years. Your advice is 100% right on.

[@arlenburgin2392]

Shame on you carpetbagging brood of vipers

[@Lon1001]

yep, most car dealerships, particularly used car lots are actually finance brokerages not really car dealers.

[@keithbellair9508]

Cars are chump change to what people blow on these mcmansions… the 30 year mortgage is the real scam. Mortgage literally means indebted til death. People need to get over this need to have a big house to show off so they can “entertain” Cars are needed to get to work. Nothing wrong with driving to work in style and comfort.

[@fgregerfeaxcwfeffece]

Can relate, every time someone tries to scare me with: "But what would you do if no one uses your service anymore?" I respond with: Presumably some wacky science fiction stuff.

[@PascualSmith]

And thats why Car Dealers bitch SO MUCH when people can pay the price up front. Even tho people don’t know any better and it is their choice, I would never feel comfortable scamming that way lol, same way I cannot work in insurance. Too good for this world I guess

[@keithpanco]

I sold cars in a first-tier dealership after I retired from the Army. They taught us that the consumer buys cars on impulse and feelings. We sold them based on the payment they wanted, and they never even knew the prices. They taught us that the entire industry was predicated on the fact that the average American buys and trades a car every 2-3 years. If people kept their cars for the actual lifetime of the car, the auto industry would fold. All modern cars are capable of lasting decades, and hundreds of thousands of miles.

[@InvestmentBankr]

Yeah, so dont own for 2-3, nothing this guy says matters if you just own a vehicle from NEW to DEAD at 10-15 years. Furthermore the most recent used price jump means anyone buying used right now is a moron when for 3-10 more you get new and factory warrenty. We have a problem with a shit ton of vehicles on the lots are just garbage in an objective sense and people cant stand them after a few years. 4k "burned" in lot depreciation for a car you will love for 15 years means NOTHING. Also, fuck this guys thinking anyone can afford a car for less than 72 months at pmt. 🙄 This dave ramsey no debt BS is straight boomerism - a 4-6k "solid" car in the current climate doesnt exist. That Camry DEFINITELY has shit wheel bearings, no brake pads, needs shocks, dead AC. And finally, he outs himself as an urban elitist shit with his "you only drive 2hr a week" miss me with that total crap. AVG US commute is an hr a day! and anyone is burbs, or rural states is far more.

[@Stillwaitingforthetoughguys]

Lmao You had me in the first half, up until you mentioned modern cars will go 300k+ miles. I dont believe anything made for consumers after 2018 will be lasting that long.

[@tenmil1]

Yeah I agree with the other guy you had me in the beginning. But let me tell you how wrong you are about modern cars. I’m an auto machinist. I fix broken engines and their parts. The majority of the commercial work (work for repair shops) we do is in very modern cars. I haven’t worked on anything current yet, but seen lots of 2021/2022 cars. The fuel mileage the epa is demanding manufacturers get out of these modern engines results in engines that do not last. The direct gasoline injection, the low tension ring packages, the super low weight oil, the extremely extended oil change intervals. None of these lead to longevity.

[@triparadox.c]

@@StillwaitingforthetoughguysFor select brands, yes. For most brands, especially American brands, I doubt it as well.

[@jakedover5301]

Chrysler 200’s can last a couple 100,000 miles? I’m not sure I believe that one…

[@jesrovalenzuela1346]

I’m a hvac contractor in Arizona. I deal with people all the time. Last weekend we had a service call from a client. His ac unit was 20 years old with a bad compressor and txv. We quoted him a new unit cheapest price we can do but the poor guy didn’t have the money he tried getting a loan but couldn’t. But he had the money for a brand new can am and a fast car. That’s when I realize people don’t have priorities.

[@davebennett4087]

If you’re gonna be stupid, you’d better be tough! Maybe he can sleep in his fast car…

[@cathrynm]

No air conditioning in Arizona is hard times.

[@theroamingsavage8813]

I have zero pity for this type of stupidity

[@thanosianthemadtitanic]

​​@@davebennett4087he can use the AC in his car or drive fast down the highway😂

[@davebennett4087]

@@thanosianthemadtitanic gonna have to haul ass to outrun that AZ heat! Faster! Faster!

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

My grandparents always told me that you never take out loans on depreciating assets like cars. Only take out loans on things that go up in value like real estate.

[@seriouscatisserious]

Well, your grandparents are half right. When rates are low you can really leverage borrowing cheap money. In 2019 I got a cheap loan for a car, but I had the cash. I put all that money in the market instead and ultimately I am being paid to borrow money.

[@krzysztofpoznan5226]

cheap money doesn't exist in general @@seriouscatisserious

[@Gizziiusa]

And let me chime in, when you purchase a vehicle, buy it "for the long game", as in you need to keep it at least 10 years (unless conditions make it good to sell it, trade it in, etc.) In the past, people were bound and determined to upgrade to a newer vehicle every 2 to 4 years.@@seriouscatisserious

[@smileyeagle1021]

@@seriouscatisserious I'm pretty much in the same situation. I've got a car loan on a car that I could (almost) have afforded to pay cash for, but the interest rate they were offering was so insanely low that it was worth it to take the loan and keep my cash in places where it was still gaining interest. I know that Dave Ramsey would have a stroke hearing that, but not all debt is bad debt, and yes, I keep a very close eye on all my investments, all the money that would have gone towards that car are kept in relatively safe investments, I didn't take that money and put it on the Wall St equivalent of betting it all on black, if and when the rate of return for those investments drops to less than the interest rate on those loans, I'll pull those investments and pay the loan off instead.

[@charlesprice7608]

@@smileyeagle1021the only new vehicle I ever bought was because I got 0% financing from Ford! Could have paid cash, never would have spent that much! It was the last of the 7.3 power strokes. Drove the truck 13years, 178,000 miles and sold it for $6,000 less than I paid for it!

[@erichansen2571]

Im 46 years old and have purchased exactly 1 new car in my life - and drove it for 232,000 miles. I was fortunate to grow up on a farm and learn to work on stuff. I do all my own maintenance and havent had a car payment in 20 years. Currently teaching my kids to do the same thing!

[@jasonleveck8546]

Good job, man!

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

Yep. With youtube a person can repair anything themselves these days. :)

[@jamiemcgill67]

@@mylifethaidiy7045 I know. It’s amazing! Someone has posted a video on how to replace every part on every car or truck by now.

[@codgamefreak602]

What did you buy brother?

[@erichansen2571]

@@codgamefreak602 it was a 2004 Infiniti G35 with a 6 speed manual and it was a great car! No major problems ever...

[@michaelv3340]

I worked for many years as a parts manager at a car dealership. The pay was okay, but the greatest thing was I got a vehicle to drive. I didn't have a car payment, or insurance, or even gas for most of my career. I was able to retire early.

[@TheRis81]

Congratulations

[@earlwimberley2396]

I took my youngest daughter to buy her first car a few years ago. She had five thousand dollars for a down payment and was hoping to find a good used car for under $15,000. The dealer literally would not sell her a car. Instead they insisted on leasing her a new car. Even when she insisted she was never going to lease a car they insisted. So we walked out. Three weeks later and we found her a car for $2000 that needed $3000 dollars worth of repairs. She just traded that in on a five year old car at a dealership in a different county. Buying a car is not what it used to be.

[@thepspman116]

Of course a dealer, Salesperson will tell you this they have to make commish!!

[@Hardin9]

Your daughter should use public transit.

[@lot2196]

Craigslist from now on.

[@heatherskettlecorn]

@@Hardin9not everywhere has public transit.

[@judge831]

@Hardin9 public transit as very dangerous for a young woman, especially if she is attractive.

[@TheRozylass]

Before I'd ever heard of Dave Ramsey I bought a new care in 1985, paid it off in 1990, and drove it for five more years, sold it in 1995. In those years I got married and had three children. We got our money's worth out of that car and it was one of the best I ever had. It is not wrong to buy a new car if you plan to keep it for a long time. If you like to change cars every two or three years, then yes, buy used.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

When I was single, I financed a new car. It was a 2001 and was paid off within months of my marrying. It was our commuter vehicle, and safe transportation for our son. I had that car for 16 or 17 years and most definitely got my money out of it. Would I finance another new car? Not a chance.

[@johnwilburn]

The guy who bought it 1995 is probably still driving it and a millionaire, LOL.

[@choreomaniac]

The problem with buying new is you get used to new, lifestyle creep. It’s hard for most people to have a 5 year old car when they are used to a new car. People start to think of any excuse to get a new one, like safety, reliability, etc. so you get in a cycle of buying a new car every 3 years.

[@rickbackous1041]

Kudos to you for being able to keep a car built in the 80's on the road for 10 years. I had trouble making those pieces of $hit last 2 years. Ohh the money I was forced to waste back then. I still managed to invest properly and got to retire early, no thanks to the automotive industry.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

I agree. We buy/bought new often over thirty years. But we research our vehicles thoroughly, for purposes we need, and keep them for 10 years. I do 98% of the maintenance myself, and we have great success, and savings. After our first decade we've always saved and paid cash, and always in drivers seat on price. I've bought two barely used, as new muscle cars, but again outright. Never have a lender/bank holding you hostage if at all possible. What yours is yours then, and drama/stress is minimal in life. Live within your means, not like the Jones'.

[@carolmorgan6734]

Great information. I drive a 22 year old car, in last 5 years I have put about 5,000 in mechanical fixes, 1,000 a year car payment, I ain't complaining. Young people have been taught to care more about what other people think of them, more than what they need.

[@r5t6y7u8]

People roll their eyes when I tell them I budget $1,000 every year for car repairs. Then I remind them that's $83 a month. Oh, and my 2003 PT Cruiser (190,000 miles) says hi. Bought it in 2011 for $6,000 cash.

[@carolmorgan6734]

@@r5t6y7u8 I am spending about 500.00 a year on up keep. That is one month car payment for a lot of people. If I have to make two car payments a year that's ok too. 2001 ford focus, less than 150,000. Most miles spent traveling back and forth from TN to SC for three years. Ran the hell out of it, can't complain. She looks a little ruff but hums.

[@fallu2]

Still have my first truck from hs, 97 3 door long bed f150, paid $400 for it, plus a couple grand in parts over a few years, didn't decide to park it until it hit 250k, currently have an 04 f150, paid $4k at 115k miles and it's now at 150k, also drive a a 2000 camry, paid $1400 for it, and about $1k in parts, the only payment I have for cars is the parts bill every few months - a year

[@carolmorgan6734]

@@fallu2 Kindred souls, most people like to brag how much they pay for something, I like to brag how little I paid, seems you too. My uncle a mechanic, lived by, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@spencersgarage]

Nice. I’m daily driving a 32 year old Honda Civic hatchback with a manual transmission. Works great, 38+ MPG, easy to drive. Paid $2500 for it and I’ve had it for over five years. Great car and no car payment!

[@samking3920]

I've been living this advice for the last 40 years. I've dumped all my free cash into a 401 k and now I'm retired at 59 and ALL , my friends wishing they could retire. Difference is I learned to turn wrenches and drove jalopies ( currently driving a 2002 trailblazer) and they chose to invest their futures with the bankers and stealerships

[@zachwrench]

That is one thing he does not mention maintenance and repairs they can add up most people can not do there own repairs or even basic maintenance.

[@Comm0ut]

@@zachwrench They could certainly choose to learn. I've trained many aircraft and other mechanics. All it takes is determination.

[@zachwrench]

@@Comm0ut True there is definitely a shortage of mechanics unfortunately not many schools promote learning a trade

[@infidel900rr]

When I used to live in an apartment complex, I was always amazed at the amount of new cars people drove. Rather then pay $500/mo for transportation, I always drove older vehicles, saved that money, and now I own a house.

[@dillonh321]

I live in a smallish agricultural town with a couple of apartment complexes. And these are not very nice apartments. One of the complexes has a brand new Range Rover parked and they both have new luxurious trucks parked in front of them.

[@ralphholiman7401]

You can drive through the lowest income neighborhood in your town, and see new luxury cars parked in front of trailers and Section 8 housing. I often think the car is their escape from their real life. When they are driving around in their financed to the hilt (or even upside down) luxury car, no one knows what their life is really like, and people see them, as they wish they could be seen all the time.

[@tommyjones1357]

While living in an apartment, it upset me how much we were paying in rent that could have been equity in a house. We now own a house and now have equity. Really needed a car as I got into my career. Once this dang thing is paid off, I am NEVER buying another one! Actually, I’ll save my money and buy an old Wrangler and fix it up myself. But back then, money was tight and options were few. No time to shop around when you need to grow up fast.

[@outhere8690]

​@@ralphholiman7401- that is a great explanation for it. However, it isn't just the people in low income housing who try to play "escape & pretend".

[@ralphholiman7401]

@@outhere8690 , for sure, it's just easy to tell when they do it in the projects or trailer parks. But, you're right.

[@x1928]

Pro tip, never mention a trade in. Always negotiate the absolute best price you can and, once you have that fixed price locked in you're happy with, you hit em with your trade in value. Cash is king when it comes to buying a car but, never mention you will be paying in cash either. Dealers make money off loans. Let them THINK you are getting a loan, they'll happily give you discounts thinking they have the upper hand.

[@earthring]

They make a lot of $$$ from financing. Sometimes even more than the car itself

[@donaldcodes]

Cuz they can stuff the extras that actually make them money in the monthly payment, and just extend your loan. We're talking nitrogen in tires (which is stupid), wheel insurance, hood insurance, etc.

[@jayc4715]

If they don't like the deal..they won't make the deal. Period

[@dougf9900]

Nothing is "locked in." When you spring a trade of declare you are paying cash, the dealer can change their offer. Makes no sense to be a sneak. Do your research in advance, so you know what numbers you'll accept before you walk in.

[@mrplayafication]

Dumb tip. Don't listen to this person. As someone who sold cars for a couple years I can tell you that your trade in is your best leverage for negotiating your payments/price. The used car department will use the trade-in to absorb the discount and maintain gross in the new vehicle.

[@dragonssynbyington1516]

We have not had a car payment in over 30 years ! I bought a new car once and will never do it again ! It’s not just the payment… IT’S THE CAR INSURANCE ALSO !

[@darryljones215]

As an old man ,I can tell you that owning older cars will help you financially in the long haul. And if you are mechanical or have mechanical friends you can save a ton more money!

[@mikef2811]

I am with you. I buy cars that are 8-10 years old cars with 100K miles on them already. And then I drive them for another 100K miles. I mainly buy used Toyota or Lexus.

[@chrisdavis3055]

I love buying older cars and getting the most miles I can out of them. As a nerd, I track the purchase price, all repairs and maintenance, the sale price, and total miles driven. My goal is to get the total cost of ownership below 10 cents a mile. I've owned cars with a TCO/Mile as low as 3 cents.

[@ralphholiman7401]

My wife and I retired and went sailing for two years on our sailboat in our fifties. None of our friends, all driving $70,000 pickups and SUV's could understand how the two ten year old used cars we both drove at the time figured into being able to do that.

[@henryjohnson-ville3834]

Yep. My bought my used 2011 Camry in summer 2022 while my cousins and coworker have auto loans. My coworker I do not understand. He is a chill guy but bought himself a $50K Ford F150 (forgot the year) and it now making payments for whatever months. He never goes camping, boating, RVing, off-roading so why on Earth get a truck?! I hate having that big weight on my shoulders - no credit card debt, no student loan, no phone loan, no car payment. It is nice. 😊

[@BobbyM7847]

Sailboat is a depreciating asset

[@BobbyM7847]

​@@henryjohnson-ville3834you spend money on hooker's and cocaine but your friend can't buy a truck?

[@angelvelez139]

@@BobbyM7847someone’s jelly, I see

[@ralphholiman7401]

@@BobbyM7847 , yeah, but they sure take you to some fun places.

[@CP-so4hg]

My dad told me that the worst debt is a car loan payment. That's always stuck in my mind. All those potential car payments we instead put in my IRAs, 401k and dividend paying investments. I've turned what would have been debt into early retirement.

[@jamescurnutt1628]

401ks are a terrible money suck too.

[@jamiemcgill67]

Well many of us need a car or truck to work out of. Drive an old used car and you miss a lot of work while it’s having repairs.

[@jamescurnutt1628]

@@jamiemcgill67 I agree! My daughter was trying to finish college and her old Nissan Sentra needed $10,000+ in repairs for a new engine and transmission, and it was still going to a 14-year old car. The warranty Nissan was offering was just a year. She was lucky and got a new Kia for 1.9%. She had to have a reliable car to finish college and work. You buy someone else's used car, you are also buying their problems with it. No matter how you slice, cars are a terrible investment.

[@M5_Sonu]

You're leaving $$$ on the table if you throw money at 401K. Much better financial instruments to invest with higher gains.

[@astropythagorean]

I think the exception to this rule is when the loan interest is lower than your investment earnings. For example, if you can take out a loan at 0.9% but invest the cash at 3.5%. This is usually only possible with new cars. If you are going to pay cash, don't tell them this until after you've finalized a sale price. They make a lot of money on financing.

[@trevorkinzer7918]

You are 100% correct on everything. I have three cars and the newest one is a 2010. They are all fine. You just have to buy the right one. Also, I have never had a payment on any of them. My money goes into MY bank, not a huge corporation's bank. It seems like a better plan for me. Good video.

[@matteomallette]

Needs to be taught in schools and seen everywhere. That business ruins so many lives. Great video!!!

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I do remember seeing videos about car buying in high school. But that was during the dark ages

[@keithpanco]

This will never be taught in public school. The lobbyists are in bed with the government to keep the economic illiteracy alive.

[@mwaynem]

The hardest decision you will have to make to become financially secure is to say no to yourself.

[@jasonleveck8546]

That's facts!

[@BLACK_MikeHammer]

​@@underleft😂😂😂😂

[@Jumperman12mac]

​@@underleftdoubt it if you have money then

[@fnsshehrbvfgyssbvvsmmmdjjd4611]

@@underleftso be poor and live check to check, sounds good. Don’t leave a penny to those kids or anything!

[@michaelfarfan6186]

I can definitely say no to myself, to my kids is a different story😂😂

[@joeplem5329]

I paid cash for my 2016 chevy colorado (bought new) and felt physically ill for about a week after writing that check. Will be keeping it till the wheels fall off!!!

[@melaniem5971]

Your video reminded me of how the dealership acted after we told them we were paying cash for a used car- price had already be negotiated. The salesman actually looked sad! My advice for anyone buying a car-be vague when they ask you 1) how much you want to spend 2) how much you want to pay monthly/ or put down. There really is too much information online about ANY car/buying process for anyone to go purchasing blind!

[@r5t6y7u8]

"price had already be negotiated" - That's the key. At some places the price *assumes* financing, and they'll charge *more* if you pay cash. Solution? Leave.

[@RICHUNCLEPENNYBAGS77]

Finance is a major profit center they rely on since the internet made it easy to find information about what a good price is.

[@spencers4121]

A lot of places want even deal with you, unless they get your info and run financing before they talk price.

[@SL-pg4dh]

Yeah they make more in interest if you finance

[@gullrockgeorge9057]

My wife and I haven't had a car payment in 30+ years. We financed our first 2 cars we bought together, paid them off in 3 years and then ran those cars into the ground, all the while putting the car payment amounts in savings. When the time came for the next car, we paid cash, and had money left over. Been working that "system" for 30+ years. Everyone "can" do it that way. Most people "won't", offering up a variety of excuses, some legit, while most are just rationalizations.

[@Czechmate.z]

I have been doing the same thing .

[@fuffthebucks7266]

Well you don't have to pay cash if you get a good interest rate and put enough down.

[@Hardin9]

But why even own a personal vehicle at all, public transit is far more economical than owning a personal vehicle. That's why I'm very disappointed with the host of this channel, and can't take him serious, because not once did he mention public transit which is by far the MOST economical way of commuting. ANY motor vehicle or bicycle is a financial liability, ANY MOTOR VEHICLE, OR BICYCLE! Both motor vehicles and bicycles break down frequently, require frequent maintenance, frequent repairs, repairs on both are expensive, BOTH take up outrageous a mounts of land to park the stupid things but that's another topic, motor vehicles use outrageous amounts of fuel (EVs are better but more expensive to acquire), license plates, registration fees, liability insurance, etc. There is NOTHING economical about owning a motor vehicle or bicycle, NOTHING! With public transit you get a monthly pass every month, no financial burdens beyond that monthly pass, and none of the hassles of owning a motor vehicle or bicycle, take the train or bus to the closest stop to your destination, exit, and keep going.

[@zariaeda007]

​@@Hardin9A lot of places don't have public transportation. There is a good chunk of America that will have to have some sort of vehicle.

[@gullrockgeorge9057]

Public transit is a terrific solution when you have access to it. I live in a small city without public transit. In the U.S. a significant portion of the population lives in places without that option. That is reality.@@Hardin9

[@JosiahK555]

Finally a ramsey personality admits a price went up somewhere, the days of a $1,000 car are gone...

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

We explained that to our teenager. He is looking for a first job in the neighborhood so he can walk to work. 😉

[@brianasamuels]

not true. easy $1000 maybe but I still find them

[@johnlibonati7807]

Not true. I picked up a 2005 Lexus RX330 for $1,000 about 6 months ago. 325,000 miles but runs like a top. If you’re looking at dealers, you’ll never find one. You’ll pay top dollar and get ripped off.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

BS..buy from an individual and buy close to Christmas. They'll go down on the price.

[@johnlibonati7807]

@@BruceLee-xn3nn good advice. Got mine from a guy I know.

[@ingothitrust5248]

I still drive my Toyota from 2007 and haven't even broken 100k miles yet. Aesthetically it looks like I bought it off a sketchy dealer on Craigslist, but it runs just fine and gets me from point A to point B safely. Furthermore, I paid it off completely in 2010, and haven't made a payment since. It also has sentimental value to me, because it was the first and only car my father purchased for me as a graduation gift from college, shortly before he passed away. As much as I would love to own a luxury car, the debt is just not worth it.

[@myopiniongoodyouropinionbad]

If you maintain a Toyota you'll have a car for life

[@goldenalbatross9462]

Have a Hyundai from the same year

[@Dee7nine]

Your numbers say you only drive 6000 miles per year.

[@iforgotmyscreenname1]

I'm the manager of a company and I drive a cheap Hyundai Veloster. Some of the guys make fun of me because I don't drive a big truck, but I don't care. It's paid for and I'm saving money to pay off my house within the next 4 years.

[@jamessilvester4622]

As car/truck enthusiast, this has always been a struggle. There are plenty of ways to kill wealth Too many vacations drinking alcohol Not working to your full potential etc The list goes on.

[@danp7463]

I'm a car guy myself. I don't drink, smoke, gamble or use drugs. I rarely eat out since food at restaurants has gotten way out of hand. I won't finance a vehicle. It's cheaper to fix a car than spend $20K+. Another thing if you need to finance a vehicle longer than 5 year's IT'S OUT OF YOUR MEANS!!

[@denilemieux6157]

​@@danp7463im with you 100%. I own 3 cars and fix them myself. My fun car is a Mazda rx8 that I bought for 3k and tuned up for under 9k. My daily driver is a honda accord that I bought for 6k. Both paid in cash. The rest of my money goes to assets that appreciate. Financing anything that depreciates is just unsound.

[@OtisFlint]

Exactly. I love my depreciating assets, they're very good fun. What's the point of living if you don't have some fun? Die with a pile of cash? Why? I'm not saying be financially irresponsible but saving every penny is stupid too.

[@postmodgent1499]

A vehicle is one of the few purchases that costs you way more than the initial purchase price. A $50K vehicle can cost you $250K over say 10 years. If you earn $50K/year you spent half your earnings over 10 years on a vehicle. When you buy consumables your financial loss is basically limited to what you paid at the time of purchase.

[@Dr.Ticklebum69]

Agreed, I love cars and enjoy experiencing all different kinds of vehicles. Financed a car recently that I enjoy so much that just considering selling it hurts, but then so do the payments. So in the end I'll be selling the car back and taking a hit financially but less than if I pay it the next five or six years. There are many older cars you can buy outright and clean up/mod. I think I'll be sticking to that route instead.

[@lukescapee1234]

Car loans are actually insane. All my friends who have $400-700 / month loans on brand new cars have so many issues and recalls. I’ve never had an issue with my $5,000 Honda I got years ago!

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

A friend of mine finances new cars every few years. Her last Honda was a lemon that she was able to return under local lemon laws. She turned it in for a Hyndai. I never ask what she pays for her cars, we drove beaters growing up and she drives nearly 40 miles to work so she justifies the money she spends.

[@ensignmjs7058]

​@@user-mv9tt4st9k, maybe she wanted new for the warranty? Something dependable for the commute?

[@NCrdwlf]

Same I have a 2004 mazda . It's been incredible .

[@Travel_Photography_Dude]

Those monthly car payments are mind blowing. I can’t believe people agree to it. I haven’t had a car payment for a long time, when I did I thought $400per month was a lot.

[@KevinNordstrom]

I agree. I thought 600/month was alot for a mortgage. I have no clue how folks can take out a $1,500-$3,000 monthly loan.

[@Freelancer604]

Definitely a very baffling and frustrating part of modern society. I had colleagues at the same paygrade as me financing new acuras and audis that ate up more than 30%of their monthly income and had me scratching my head. For those struggling to “downgrade” its helpful to know that an entry level luxury car usually has way less features than a mid or top end economy car. Entry level “luxury” is the worst scam of a segment in the whole market.

[@peterwilson8039]

I’m too lazy to bother with learning all the new tech. I’d rather have a basic car with a manual.

[@griprep3506]

Entry level luxory is a 3000$ Lexus and they’re beautiful. Just don’t spend 20-30k on a Lexus when you make 25-40k a year

[@Vernonu9]

I've been done with car payments for the past few years. I then realized how much the payments were harming my wealth building ability. In fact, I rolled my car payment into my house payment and eventually paid my house off.

[@FIRED13]

I don't get what you are trying to say. So, you make one payment that includes a mortgage and two car payments? What's the difference between this and making three separate payments? Are you saying you consolidated the car payments in with your mortgage payment at a lower interest rate to save money?

[@PyroPandaDeitis]

​@@FIRED13he paid the extra money he was saving by not having a car payment against his house loan, paying down the principal til it was paid off.

[@sorensrk]

My '98 Honda Civic. '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee. "00 Toyota Tundra still running strong . And honestly more dependable than people's fancy new cars.

[@joed5419]

Boy which one do you use on date night? 😂

[@michaelfasher]

I'm surprised about the Jeep.

[@Gonecheenin]

If a girl won't date you cause your car isn't nice/new enough- she ain't worth your time/concern anyway.

[@Runeblade484]

I was talking to someone a year ago who complained they didn't have the money to buy a house. They were driving a Tesla. There I was with a house and a 10 year old car with no payments for 5 years.

[@valdivia1234567]

Same. I'm fortunate and could buy a new car without much problem. But, I drive a 2012 Outback and haven't had a car payment for 8 years.

[@stachowi]

Don’t forget they didn’t have to be making their student loan payments

[@jeretso]

It's not just Tesla people are trading in their cars for SUVs and Trucks. People are brainwashed into thinking super sizing is a must have now. Then the manufacturers and dealerships jack up the prices.

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

But 10 years ago you had car payments and were in the tesla peoples situation.

[@JayandSarah]

Exactly. People are stupid.

[@smallmj2886]

The other trap is the belief that everyone in the household needs at least one vehicle. Our family has always had just one car, and we've made it work. There are about 5 days a year when it becomes a moderate inconvenience, and that is not enough to justify spending thousands or tens of thousands an a second car, plus the extra insurance and maintenance.

[@spencers4121]

If everyone works and or goes to school, and no access to public transportation. Then yes in most cases everyone needs a car, now in some rare cases you might be able to make it work. But myself and anyone I know, would never be able to make it work. As we have 0 public transportation here. Now I do agree with him about buying used, or "clutches pearls" a scooter or motorcycle.

[@bryanshoemaker6120]

You're forgetting that the majority of America does not live in big cities. I have to commute 82 miles a day through blizzards and heat waves that can roast a armadillo alive.

[@GingerLess000]

In this situation just get a shit box that goes from A to B. Maybe one nice car on payment

[@JamieM470]

@@spencers4121 You're right. We live in a car-centric country. The way our cities and suburbs are laid out, and as bad as our public transportation sucks, cars are a necessity. I also agree with saving up to pay cash for a used car. I don't understand why so many people feel the need for (mostly giant & dangerous) vehicles that they cannot afford.

[@montyspearo]

The other interesting calculation to do is measure hours you spend in a car over a year and figure out how much its costing you an hour. Probably App for this.

[@ChesterMan-qd3xj]

This is good and seems to be something we really do need to talk about more. Been listening to Ramsey for a couple months and it’s like a broken record. Biggest debt downfalls are house, cars, and student loans. Do a pride check people: if you can’t pay cash for that $70,000 SUV, you shouldn’t be driving it.

[@illyasporysh9719]

Focus should be on increasing income when we live in a subscription-based economy, in order to afford those pleasures.

[@quesohusker]

I live in a upper middle class neighborhood in South Texas. Median home price is around $600K in my neighborhood. A lot of folks have cars and trucks that approach $100K, but the dirty secret is that many, if not most of them are partially or fully funded by their employer. If you're like me and have to pay for you own wheels...that's ludicrous. So I'm happy with my 2 2018 Hyundai SUVs.

[@junyaiwase]

@@quesohusker2018 is not too shabby either

[@johnwilburn]

Many years ago, I drove my 1989 Hyundai to a used car dealer to look at trucks on the lot. The salesman asked if he could help and I described what I was looking for. He said "Do you know what that costs?" in the most dreamkiller tone imaginable. After all, I didn't have a credit score. So I went to another dealer and paid cash. The first dealer took the sight of my 1989 Hyundai that I paid $50 for as a sign of being broke. Never having a car payment is exactly how I paid cash for every vehicle I've ever owned. Meanwhile, I have friends who enthusiastically give their retirements to car dealers... and wonder why they only make ends meet on $150,000/year. My 2002 Honda CR-V has 346,000 miles and is up to a total cost of around $8,000 including maintenance and repair since 2016. That's 186,000 miles of GREAT, reliable service over 7 years and 5 months for $90/mo. I'm so much happier being vehicle smart!

[@muzerhythm2242]

Great story! I feel the same and still drive my 98 Acura. My neighbors think I'm crazy, but I say "But I can sleep well at night not worrying about payments."

[@misterbanshee7992]

Yea I’m saving crap ton my 2012 Toyota Corolla paid off only got 130k miles still drives like new I’ll never buy another car as long as this one still works.

[@ramccall]

Traded in my 2015 Audi a7 that had nothing but problems in the two years I owned it. Got a 2008 toyota Land Cruiser that is in pristine condition and about 165k miles. The year since owning it has had zero issues and I smile every time I get into it!

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

i drive a 2002 honda that has 300k miles…..when I see someone with a brand new 🚙 i see nothing but debt 😂

[@misterbanshee7992]

@@deltapromasterlauj4848 those older Hondas don’t ever die I’ve seen them at 700k miles run like new lol

[@leoVatnik]

It is always good to have a financial plan. I work with a portfolio manager and fixed income planner in the USA. The fixed income portion of your portfolio won’t simply serve as a buffer to the volatility of the equity portion of your portfolio, but will provide legitimate income.

[@louisstapleton1889]

Very true, people downplay planners role, until burnt by their mistakes. I remember just after my layoff 3 years ago amidst covid outbreak. I needed to stay afloat, hence researched for licensed fiduciary advisors. Thankfully, I came across someone of practical knowledge and decades of experience. I liquidated 200k of my 340k from my 401(k) it has yielded nearly 1M usd after subsequent investments so far.

[@louisstapleton1889]

I’ve shuffled through a few financial experts in the past but settled with Mr. CHRIS RYAN STEWART.

[@louisstapleton1889]

His strategy is recession proof, more specifically profit-oriented and most likely you’ll find his basic information on the net. He’s a very well known advisor.

[@Stellamiron1]

I’m well inclined with Chris’s platform. I have turned over more than half a million working with him on a wide array of options and finally sticking to a few that have been favorable in the past 2 years.

[@demetriussullivan4088]

who is the Chris Ryan Stewart you speak of? Can I get a contact?

[@elgrynch2910]

Yup, I learned my lesson this year, I was able to get rid of my Ram after 3 years and just getting past the equity line, went from paying 700 a month between car and insurance to only paying 60 dollars for insurance after getting a clunker. Next time I'm saving up and just paying cash.

[@tylerhumpfer2493]

you can take that money you save up and keep it invested while getting a decent loan % from a factory/dealer incentive on the loan. we bought the wife's vehicle because of this, same as my previous truck I bought new and then traded on the wife's SUV (sold/traded my Ram bought new for the SUV).

[@me-myself-i787]

​@@tylerhumpfer2493You can't finance a used car very easily. And it's not worth it to spend the extra money on a new car just to get better financing options.

[@TogetherForeverOct09]

My husband is still driving a 1999 Lexus GS 300 with over 275k miles on it. Our Toyota went so we bought a 2012 Honda Odyssey cash. Still no car payments here and no ashamed. The cars get us were we need to go and are new to us haha

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

Every time I hear a coworker complain about car payments, my eyes just glaze over. I can't even comprehend how someone who makes almost the same as me can be financially crippled

[@missironmouse]

Anyone ever tell you that you look like Jeff Goldbloom!?

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

@@missironmouse Actually, I think I look a lot more like Lucas Hedges (wink wink)

[@C1K450]

A lot of people just buy cars now just to show off, no sense of financial literacy.

[@imowgrass]

Kids. Kids are the real wealth killer.

[@carbunkle9902]

@@imowgrass And death pledges.

[@Golfing422]

I pulled my 2019 paid off accord in to a spot yesterday surrounded by new massive pick up trucks , this is exactly what went through my head. I’ve always kept it simple and drove paid off cars all my life. I can’t imagine paying 1000.00 plus a month for a truck. It’s like an arms race or something.

[@jeretso]

My coworker bought a 800 hp pickup. Then other coworkers bought similar trucks. Now they block the handicap sidewalk with their long beds. Soon half the vehicles will be trucks and parking spaces will have to be redesigned.

[@Golfing422]

@@jeretso I went to Rome a few months back for a week and I was shocked at the size of the cars and just how practical Italians are compared to the gluttony here in America. Seems here they can never stop talking about emissions and climate change, yet nobody looks at themselves and just how wasteful it is to drive a massive truck that never hauls anything besides just one occupant. I’d prefer a smaller car world that’s for sure. I see why other countries see us as ugly Americans. We’re first to bitch about something like climate change, but nobody is willing to be practical. I’m not saying I believe that man can control the weather, but I do believe there is a limited supply of oil and between shipping everything from China and riding around in massive pick up trucks that only haul one individual, we are well on our way to exhaustion of the supply of oil. I’m 49 and this is the most wasteful version of this country I’ve ever seen.

[@jeretso]

@@Golfing422 I went to Puerto Rico and Philippines and noticed that personal trucks are selling like hotcakes. Even small islands with zero parking are getting swarmed.

[@dozerboyd8784]

I can't imagine spending a $1000 a month on an electric vehicle. Or anything on an economy car for that matter.

[@luisavila6567]

But they’re tax deductible

[@2passportsandpostcards]

I regret paying car notes in my 20s (though low). In my 30s, I’ve turned it all around and am SO HAPPY AND THANKFUL to have learned this!

[@armandoperezjr]

This is me exactly. I spent so much money on new cars in my 20’s. Now I drive a used 2007 frontier with 189k miles at 33 years old. I just fix it using KZbin videos. Hopefully it lasts many years.

[@one100billNEOONE]

It’s been 14 years since I’ve had a car payment. I reached financial freedom at the age of 40. I am eligible to retire at the age of 49. I am able to save and invest about 50% of my monthly income. The key to my success has been living below my means every single month. it is not difficult but does require discipline. Good luck, everyone.

[@christopherhendricks4369]

That's awesome. I wish I had learned how to save and invest when I was in high school. I finally learned in my late 30s. I'm nearly debt free now and trying to save and invest what I can.

[@one100billNEOONE]

@Joe-no7gs I actually don’t make a lot of money but am 100% debt free. Bought brand new condo outright. The secret you may ask? Live below your means and don’t buy into consumerism. Only purchase essentials and spend with intention. Only buy things that bring value.

[@PInk77W1]

I got married in 1980 My wife said her mom is a financial genius. I had no reason to doubt her. Then I noticed her family goes out to eat a lot. I figured not my business. Years go by and we got divorced. Now 43yrs later and I asked my daughter how is grandma doing. She said she is broke because of a second mortgage, so her monthly payment is $2500. I was shocked. So I did some math in my head. Going out to eat four times a week for 40yrs equals about $200k. Not counting the gains on investments. Also she leased a new car every four years for most of her life.

[@stachowi]

People doing mental gymnastics to YOLO, same goes with people eating like shit and not exercising

[@Chris_at_Home]

Eating out is expensive. I know people that do it all the time and they complain they never have money. We actually grow our own produce about 7 months a year, eat salmon we caught once a week.

[@Ody-up6kg]

I wonder if the Ex still thinks her mom is a financial genius?

[@PInk77W1]

@@Ody-up6kg LoL. I wonder if she even remembers telling me that. Her mom was a VP of a bank when we first met. So loans are her way of life. She’s 28y older than me and deep in debt. Me my home is paid off and I have no debt at all. Money in the bank and $4100. A month take home pension.

[@garzdiva]

Eh, everyone has a money pit. Obviously you shouldn't blow your money on everything like your ex MIL, but I find the "omg everything can be an investment so don't spend a dime" crowd a little too extreme. Pick your expensive activity/hobby and hunker down on the rest. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

[@haileyreign]

I put money down on a new car for my birthday in 2022 & paid it off completely this year. My first car was gifted to me & survived from 2001 until the end of 2021. I think 20 years is a good retirement age for a vehicle that survived 2 floods, multi-state drives, & many hand-me-downs later. 😂

[@Xerfing]

Look at this, bots talking to each other 😅

[@MrOiram46]

If you kept it for 5 more years, it would be considered a classic car

[@c7042]

Not me. I paid $3K cash for my 2009Nissan (used) 6 years ago and I still drive it. I don't even insure it. I just need some remote cliff to push it over or a remote lake to sink it when I'm done with it. I have $260K+ in the bank which increases by more than $20K/year, fully own my $150K house and have no debt at all. So there you go.

[@lutherepperhart4785]

This should be required watching for every college freshman

[@MikeIsCannonFodder]

After I paid off my first car years ago, I followed my dad's advice to keep paying the loan payment into a savings account for your next car. I also used that account for the car's costs like oil changes, brakes, but not gas. I had a problem with it turning a bit into a slush fund, but I kept enough allocated to future car that when I wanted to buy my current car it didn't take too long to save up.

[@joebarra5273]

The $700 a month stat is crazy. I can't imagine most budgets can handle that kind of hit every month

[@joseCalderon1976]

I know for sure that I couldn't afford that payment with my $71k base pay. That would be financial suicide for me personally. 😱

[@RyChOr2005]

Can't be overbudget if one doesn't budget

[@natersalad889]

They can't handle it, that's why most of America is broke.......

[@Calypso-rb9sf]

$700 is pretty standard nowadays thanks to the BS prices of cars. I know people with $900-1200/month payments. It's nuts.

[@joseCalderon1976]

@@Calypso-rb9sf For sure. My friend bought each of teenage daughters a vehicle. A Toyota corolla and a Honda civic. Each was $30k plus. 😱

[@DorathyJoy]

Building wealth from nothing involves consistent saving, disciplined spending, and strategic investments. Begin by creating a budget to track expenses and identify areas for savings. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and establishing an emergency fund. As you build a foundation, start investing in low-cost options like index funds, and focus on continuous learning and improving your skills for better income opportunities.

[@CraigLloyd-fz6ns]

Impressive insights! For beginners like me, managing and staying updated can be overwhelming. Are you an experienced investor or do you have a strategic approach for staying informed?

[@RaymondKeen.]

It's often true that people underestimate the importance of financial advisors until they feel the negative effects of emotional decision-making. I remember a few summers ago, after a tough divorce, when I needed a boost for my struggling business. I researched and found a licensed advisor who diligently helped grow my reserves despite inflation. Consequently, my reserves increased from $275k to around $750k.

[@SandraDave.]

this is definitely considerable! think you could suggest any professional/advisors i can get on the phone with? i'm in dire need of proper portfolio allocation

[@RaymondKeen.]

Certainly, there are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’Melissa Terri Swayne” for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive.She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@Hectorkante]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran a Google search on her name and came across her website… thank you for sharing.

[@Manny123-y3j]

The key is not necessarily to buy in cash but to buy something affordable. I was able to get a car loan with a 4% interest rate. My investments at the time were pulling in roughly 10% per year, so it was in my best interest to pay with a loan and continue investing rather than buy in cash. I bought a car that was a slightly used and very fuel efficient. Paid it off in 3 years and am still driving it 10 years later. Runs great and costs me next to nothing. Just be smart with the car you buy and you can save tens of thousands of dollars.

[@buffuniballer]

That was my approach on my 2012 Mazda3 that I purchased used in 2017. Think of the market from 2017 - 2022 and most years, the S&P500 was up 20% with 2022 being the lone exception IIRC. The car was $10k OTD, and I was able to get a USED car loan of less than 4% I'd be a fool to pay cash. Of course, if my circumstance changed and I needed to pay off the car, I had the money in the market. Today, I've had the car for 6 years and have put just over112k miles on it since Labor Day 2017. (Just ticked over 180k yesterday when I did the 6month/6k mile Oil Change and tire rotation.) I figure it's good for another 70k miles or about 3 years. My wife's 2017 RAV4 has 140k miles on it. We own that outright as well. But a new car is probably in the cards for us as we are both getting close to retirement and will not each be putting close to 20k/year on a car. Related issue. I use my car for my job and get $0.655/mile. My all in costs for my car are $0.21/mile and total spend over the past 6 years for everything but car insurance as that's variable for people is $23,504. That's purchase, fuel, maintenance / repairs, and taxes-title-tags. Since about 75% of my driving is work related, I've actually received more in reimbursements over the past 6 years than it costs me to drive the car. I figure on average about $500/month in mileage reimbursements. While my monthly costs are $320. So I COULD drive something "nicer" or just have an "extra" $500/month to put into my 401(k) or similar. (Or in the new car fund as we are currently doing. The expense reimbursements go into savings for a replacement car in the next couple of years.)

[@egonontheroad]

That’s the habit we all should have !

[@afterstars]

I got zero percent from my new Camry in 2019. Paid off in 2.5 years. No repair bills. Just regular maintenance. Payment free for 3 years now.

[@elitechampion]

Everyone needs to live within their means. So if you earn $500k/year then buying a $100k Porsche in cash is no big deal. However, if you earn $50k/year then you should be looking at a second hand car worth $10k and buy it in cash. Affordable is relative to your income.

[@davidrosenthal5795]

@@afterstarsso they just added the interest to the cost of the car. It’s just a trick.

[@proudpatriarch9341]

I haven’t had a car payment for five years and I love every second of not having to pay a car note.

[@jeretso]

15 years for me. Toyotas going strong.

[@coloradomark2159]

I agree. Not having a car payment is really nice. I had two really bad experiences with my previous two cars so 6 years ago I made a purchase on my 2017 Subaru Outback @ 0% financing. A smart purchase I think. Getting hosed on a used car totally sux.

[@itsallminor6133]

I guess you prolly don't want to pay mine then. It's $1800 a month

[@coloradomark2159]

@@itsallminor6133 Ouch!! $1800 mo.??

[@itsallminor6133]

@@coloradomark2159 3 year loan. I'm actually sending more i want this thing paid off asap. Sending more like $2500 a month. Edit: with interest rates being higher shorter term is a lower rate. I'm still in under 4% apr. Combined with the down payment, paying out taxes and fees out of pocket (not included in the loan) then add on principle only payments.. I should have it paid off with paying 2k or less in interest. Which in this market is about the best i can do short of outright cash for the vehicle. Hopefully in 2 years, probably less.

[@Road_Rash]

I've never owned a new vehicle of any kind in my entire life... I'm 54... I've never had a car payment, I've never had a car loan... I save & pay cash for good used vehicles... I paid $4K for my current truck, & $2,500 for the one before that...still nowhere near rich, wealthy, or even well off...but I don't have any debt either... I've always been of the opinion that if I couldn't pay for what I wanted outright, then I couldn't afford it, or just didn't need it...

[@kitatit]

I paid less than 2% of my annual income on a used car 10yrs ago. It’s now 23yo. It’s simple enough I can work on it myself. I’ve got basic third party insurance. I love it. I keep it well maintained and neat and tidy. Freedom is the real prize.

[@karynm3365]

I still have my 18 year old Prius that I paid cash for when it was 5 years old. I will never have a car payment! I just save every month for another one. This way, I'M the one earning the interest and not the bank.

[@MrOiram46]

If you keep it for at least 2 more years, it’ll be considered a classic car and you can apply it for classic car insurance, which have lower car insurance rates

[@rickbackous1041]

I love it when people say, "a car is your second biggest investment". It is not an investment, even if you do pay cash. Unfortunately it is a necessity because of the way the US is laid out. No rail, busses are an afterthought. But there is a way. My wife and I are retired now. Cut down to one car that doesn't move but a couple times a week and we ride our bikes a lot.

[@dreamer6508]

That’s why you live in a city with reliable public transportation

[@skimanfree1073]

Good move!

[@pmscalisi]

@@dreamer6508which usually have shit politics and societal structures

[@orion7873]

If I had to guess, you are not an American. I'm I right ?

[@johnmitchell8925]

🤣🤣😂@@orion7873

[@joshdunlap7766]

I'm still driving my 04 f150. Paid cash for it in 2011. I recently had to have the transmission rebuilt and the number of people that told me it was time to get a new one was insane. A $3,000 rebuild is much cheaper than a $50,000 truck

[@modarkthemauler]

It's insane how people justify buying a car for ten times the amount that would keep their old one on the road for the next 10 years.

[@jameselliott216]

🤔 3 < 50 🤨 YOU'RE FRIGGIN RIGHT! 🤯

[@TC-fx5zu]

You probably couldn’t get a new one for $50,000. Some of the sales ads I’ve seen for trucks are around $70,000. It’s ridiculous. I’ve got an older Toyota SUV that runs like a new one and I plan on driving it til the wheels fall off lol

[@petahe01]

I rather rebuild my engine too and buy new upholstery, with a new radio. I rather save $50k in a savings account with a decent apy.

[@pontiacw7]

The way i see it, if it's not wrecked or rusted, then its cheaper to fix than buy something else. The money I would use to make payments on a new truck, can get used on upgrades to the truck I've already paid for.

[@GMfwdSpence]

I was stuck in this never-ending car loan revolving door for 10 years. It felt soo good to pay off my current car and be done. It's a 2012 Fusion with almost 200k miles but I meticulously maintain it so it still runs/drives like new. Stop giving a shit what people think about you and drive an old car... nobody NEEDS a new car. I also felt the "mental shift" comment because it took a while, but I'm finally in the mindset that if I can't afford it, I'm not getting it. There are SO MANY avenues to take to find good, cheap, cars. Just a lot of people don't want to put in the effort.

[@GrzegorzDurda]

Agreed. I always drove 10 year old cars i bough used with low mileage and i do most all the work myself.

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

I just bought a 2010 Toyota corolla for my daughter. 67K miles, in good condition. She is moving into a dorm, so the car sits all week. That thing may last her 20 years or more. She probably doesn't drive 2,000 miles in a year.

[@GrzegorzDurda]

@@Duke_of_Prunes That thing will run forever. 👍

[@Duke_of_Prunes]

@@GrzegorzDurda Yes, Toyota builds a good motor!

[@handytbutler7380]

I’m a finance manager at a car dealership, and you are spot on. I see people making payments that are 40 or 50% of their paycheck just for status. I drive a Nissan kicks that I paid 20k for even though I can afford much more.

[@babblesp1367]

I always look at the total cost of the car. I decide how much I want my payment to be, and the terms. I also look at NADA to see what my trade in will be and to see what the value of the new car I’m buying is. I also go to Edmund’s and KBB. I will bring print outs with me to the dealership. I’m not afraid to walk away and I know cars well e😢to know exactly what I want and how much I can, and will, spend before I even get there.

[@Wok_Agenda]

20K is not cheap

[@mikemiller659]

U got Stung on the nissan

[@bradleyboyer9979]

​@@Wok_AgendaYou cannot currently buy a single new car on the market for under $20K. There is no model on the market for less than that.

[@geoffoutdoors]

Yep!! I Will never do that. I drive an old 12 year old pickup and i have a rule i will never pay more than $15,000 for a vehicle. I will fix it up til its last leg

[@thelegendarywizard]

My wife and I (19, just married) took out a 13k loan for our car at the beginning of this year. After fully commiting to getting debt free, we are pushing to pay it off by Christmas

[@simplybirdie6481]

Very reasonable!

[@chaselesser3191]

I’m not sure how your finances are. But you seem so be doing great. I will say, make sure you have your finances in order before the kids come. Take a vacation or a Cruise. Once they come your responsibilities increase dramatically. Also Animals. The bigger they are, the harder it is to move them or pawn them off on a friend or family. What I’m saying is, Enjoy your youth.

[@MGTOWmademeMillionaire777]

Is not your wife,.is property of the state. Naive What does a 19 yo married? Don't you ever listened to tom leykis?

[@philipgerry5228]

You need some credit when you start out married life young. You will be fine.

[@crashtestdummy1972]

Good! Get it paid off and start investing! Keep it up

[@crow-vz5lx]

I love your information. I'm glad you calmed down on the transitions of clips and move scenes after every sentence. It's good used sparingly.

[@infidel900rr]

I'm forty years old, have a graduate degree, and my wife and I have never financed a vehicle. At first I held back since I knew it would get in the way of my dreams, now I can afford it, but I just can't stomach the cost of new cars or the years of making payments. 💸💸💸 Every time we go to work parties, we have the oldest cars, but at least I own my car - it doesn't own me!

[@lberhold]

Pay off your car if you have a loan, then keep making the payment to a savings account till your current car breaks down. If you're lucky, then you can buy your next car with cash. Continue to always keep setting aside more money for a future car, all things wear out.

[@danielb1877]

I'm always amazed at the ministry food line not far from my house. Cars line up for free food because of, presumably, financial need. Yet most of these cars are quite nice, and most newer than mine. Out of about 80 vehicles, only about 5 were older than my 2011 truck. Yesterday I saw a King Ranch F150 (lifted with mud tires), VW Tourag, newer BMWs & Mercedes. Priorities are not correct. I love my old truck and could afford to buy a much newer one. It's paid for (I paid cash) and I love it.

[@JasonCarmichael]

I just bought a "Hoopty" for $2000. Yes, I know at the price it needs something, that something is $400 in brake parts and 5 hours of wrenching. A 2005 Ford Explorer. Amazingly it had the original sticker in the glovebox. $55,485! $55K in 2005 is $89K in 2023 for "inflation"! $55K invested in 2005 and earning 12%, WITH NO MORE ADDITIONAL MONEY ADDED is $427K in 2023.

[@darlenepaul2918]

You are very wise!!

[@tmi4507]

Bro that car had 355,000 miles on it and still cost $4,000. God help us.

[@donjohnson1416]

But "bro" I thought the saying goes "Toyotas last forever"? So. No I wouldnt pay $4k for a car with that many miles on it, there are cars for that money with less miles on them

[@lonefgc4508]

I’m glad someone mentioned this and I wish the Ramsey team would touch on this element more. In 2015 I bought a 2005 EX Civic for $6,000 out the door, It had 97,000 miles. Paying two grand less for a 1999 Camry with 255,000 miles more is ridiculous. What’s the cost analysis look like here? Toyotas are reliable but you’re definitely expecting maintenance and repairs on a higher mileage vehicle. At which point do they recommended junking it? When you need a transmission rebuild for $1,500-$2,000 for example? And what’s the future course of action, cycle in “cheap”(in context of modern markets) beaters if you experience colossal repair quotes? Imagine someone having a 100 mile round trip commute for work not counting side hustles. Spending $2,000-$4000 every year for a beater could be a likely scenario I guess but that seems counter productive if it’s this old end this high mileage.

[@westbccoast]

lol I saw that as well, you asking for a maintenance nightmare. When does it make sense to get another car when you drowning in maintenance costs.

[@pklemm1]

@@lonefgc4508355,000 miles

[@TheBrothersRise]

Lmao 🤣 facts he’s wild for showing that

[@lotsaspaghetticodejr.6488]

I have never heard of your channel before, but I am in love with your humorous candor and wit. *Subscribed*

[@pkerit308]

I knew this when I was starting out in 1973. I have never bought a new car. I learned how to make car repairs which doubled the amount of money I NEVER paid. Also I bought a cheap house and paid it off in 3 years. I have lived debt free most of the last 50 years. Good life.

[@ftvideosandclips]

Garage repairs past very, very basic maintenance are harder now than it was in 73', so that door is pretty much shut.

[@ericrusby807]

Glad you are putting the laundry out where people can see. Car loans, Credit card debt and Crazy Student loans. A person I know who owned several local car dealerships, told me that he had recently (back then) taking a road trip east. He said one of the things that he couldn't help but notice on his trip was that in so many of the poor areas he passed through he would see a dilapidated and run down home, But, parked in front, would be a Hugh, expensive new truck. When he mentioned that, I couldn't help but shake my head. There are many causes of poverty. At the top of the list: lack of education and critical thinking.

[@lexstacks6944]

Poor people make poor decisions..

[@CertifiedYapper-x8f]

Thank you for creating this valuable piece of content. This is the motivation I needed. I have always maintained, I will buy my car, piece of serviced land and my self built house cash. Until then I'll take a cab and keep grinding, can't give into corporate pressure. I am aware the odds are heavily against coming from a poor background. But I have to. The building stone to a free (somewhat free) legacy starts with me and my kind.

[@bradleygraves5915]

I absolutely LOVE my 2008 F-150. Bought used of course back in 2012.

[@kerrywanner6340]

You are so so right. I hope your audience listens. Right on!

[@wxdad6256]

This is why I still drive my 2006 truck along with my 2009 work car. I looked at a new truck and once I heard the payment I decided to fix up my current low mileage vehicles.

[@jeffleonard343]

C’mon Texas!! I know we love our trucks but $1,000 payment is cray cray!

[@woxyroxme]

And most of them are all hat no cattle people living in suburbs

[@tylerhumpfer2493]

I have 2 vehicle payments that add up to less than $1000, couldn't imagine paying that much for a single vehicle. Though if it's only a 2-3 year payment maybe.

[@TheRonnieaj]

@@tylerhumpfer2493They’re not. I’m a family law attorney so I deal with client budgets all day. $600 is the average I see, but $1000/month for a 7-year loan is not uncommon. ESPECIALLY with low credit.

[@TheDwightMamba]

I buy, fix and maintain Hondas. Currently driving an 05 Acura TSX I got for $300. All it needed was an ECM from a scrap yard, tires, brakes, headlights and oil/tranny flush. $1.2K into the build. The last one was a 1998 CRV. That build was $550. 30,000 miles before it got vandalized beyond repair. I buy a little bit of gold and bury it for my retirement. My income has been rising in the last 2 years, so I plan on getting a Roth next year. Hondas are incredible and quite easy to work on. I'm a carpenter that learned how to work on them by taking them apart in scrap yards. KZbin helped me put them back together. Haven't made a car payment since 2006.

[@johnnyringo2690]

Not just the payment but nowadays the maintenance costs are outrageous

[@frankfitz3421]

I've always done my own repairs, save tons!

[@lsswappedcessna]

An oil change on a 20-ish year old vehicle at a shop is around $60 and that's if you use full synthetic oil and a decent filter. Modern cars are easily double that for some reason, and it's not the oil. I work at a parts store, 0w20 is a bit more expensive but it ain't that much more expensive than 5w or 10w30. A basic Wix filter, not even an XP, for a 2004 vs a 2018 isn't that much higher either. I suppose it does add up, but I think labor is what gets you.

[@MMA-mh9uv]

labor, newer vehicles are harder to work on and many have a bunch of panels on the underside of the car for aerodynamic purposes. just takes more time@@lsswappedcessna

[@anthonymolina7416]

BMW headlights can cost up to 8 grand

[@mister_ray]

Even more amazing is the garage is full of junk so they can't even park the very expensive car inside.

[@bt2598]

I’ve been living in Atlanta for almost 5 years without a car. I tend to walk where I need to go, talk the Marta and Uber when required. I sometimes think about getting a car but the costs of the vehicle and then the monthly expenses would likely blow up my budget and savings goals

[@elijahmandeville8475]

I’ve been driving my 2008 Jetta for roughly 6 years now. I couldn’t care less about what I drive and what people think. I paid $5,000 for it, and have probably spent 5 ish grand on issues. The car is actually worth roughly $4,500 right now. My wife and I have never had a car payment, and it seriously feels incredible!

[@drevan1138]

Paying cash for the first time on a new car and it feels so much better. It also fits the criteria for not having too much tied up in cars, so that’s good. Anyway, this is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I like your style. Subscribed.

[@peace2all]

We kept our last new car for 17 years. Someone in our neighborhood has been driving it for the past 6 years and it still looks great. Also, worse is leasing where you absorb the most depreciation in 2-3 years, and then do it all over again. Peace - John

[@SlappMcSlappface]

It's not a good plan that is hard to figure out, it's the discipline to stick to it.

[@GrzegorzDurda]

Hello INSURANCE payments in addition to the car payment. Insurance can equal the monthly car payment.

[@bluntone2273]

I tend to take the middle ground on this subject. Going for a 4-5 yr old car (sometimes with higher mileage) gets me the best bang for the buck. I avoid the looming repairs of ten year old cars and the high payments of new ones.

[@gk85178]

Yes and amen! This was the biggest lesson I took away from FPU, when I was seriously considering trading in my paid off, fully-functional car because "it was time for an upgrade". So glad I didnt fall into that trap. I've had the same car now for 19 years. My wife and I took advantage of someone else eating the depreciation for our beautiful minivan -- it was five years old and right at about 45% of its original MSRP when we bought it used. Wouldn't change a thing.

[@phantom3827]

I purchased a new 2013 car in 2013 and it’s the worst financial decision I’ve ever made. I’ve loved that car but I wish I went for the several year older model for nearly half the cost of the new one. I had the cash for it, but it was most of my saved cash, and I even took the payment option so I didn’t lose all of it at once. In short, I couldn’t put as much on the down payment of my house because I had to pay off the car first to decrease my expenses.

[@snowwhite7677]

Yes, it's not Inflation, Taxes, & Interest Rates going up while you Never get a Raise, it's your truck!

[@TdrSld]

My friends have always laughed at me for going to dealers and looking at their "Needs work" stock before they ship them off to the auctions. My current truck is a 2010 4WD 5.7l Tundra that is two options away from being a limited. I got with 50k on it and for 16k, if I was a week earlier I could have got it for 11k. It was having "running hot" issues. Not over heating but getting close, they dumped a little over 5k into trying to fix it but it was still having issues, I took it for a test drive and had my scan tool on it. Watching the data I know exactly what was working and at that point I told them to get the paper work ready I'll wake it as is. That was in 2015, here we are in 2023 and almost 300k on the clock and the truck is still running like new. All it needed was a thermostat, a 25 dollar part, they put two rad's in it, flushed it 3 times, and then new water pump right before I bought it lol. If you know how to work on them you can get great deals.

[@gordonschiff3621]

No dealer is that incompetent.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

​@@gordonschiff3621I have seen worse 😂

[@TdrSld]

@@gordonschiff3621 As a former Dealer Tech I can 100% guarantee they can be. That was back in the 2000's and it has only gotten worst and most can't properly read live data on a scan to save their lives.

[@samuelotte1189]

Being a car lite family with one car who uses bikes has really helped us. We live in a pretty walkable area of Nebraska and it helps to keep our spending down.

[@Hardin9]

If you live in Omaha or Lincoln, you really can do without the expenses of one personal motor vehicle or bicycle, use public transit, Omaha and Lincoln have public transit like any other major city in America.

[@samuelotte1189]

Yeah, even growing up in a smaller town made it easy to get around and have freedom from a young age. It makes Nebraska a special place with how safe it is to get around as a kid. @@Hardin9

[@ExposeDarkness]

My teenage daughter saved up and bought a 2010 Toyota Camry with cash. She has a fully funded emergency fund and a Roth IRA. All on minimum wage while living at home. Excited for her future as she is starting her adult life financially free!

[@tigerslilly]

Easy to do when you don't have bills and a supportive family

[@keithcrandall1369]

I wouldn't call that "easy". Many people in her situation would not put money into an IRA, save money, buy a cheaper car, etc.@@tigerslilly

[@bilahn1198]

"Living at home" not everyone has that advantage.

[@tigerslilly]

@Joe-no7gs a lot of these types of things are just crap now. Even CD accounts aren't that great anymore

[@jacobstiller5648]

Good points, my car inventory, 93 Chevy S-10, 99 Dodge Durango, 08 Subaru Legacy, 13 Subaru XV Crosstrek, and 17 Yamaha FZ09 (motorcycle). All bought in cash, all vehicles below 165,000 miles. My monthly service on all vehicles is less than a one (1) new car payment!

[@punkbassandcovers]

Why is nobody talking about it? I wouldn't know, but I imagine it's quite an embarrassment to carry a $1000 or a $717 monthly car payment. Not something to brag about. "Hey baby check out the mulch in the back of my truck. That's right, $1000/month." Great pickup line 😂

[@highdesertdrew]

I've only ever bought one car from a dealer, that was when auto prices collapsed in 2008/2009, and got a great deal on a Truck I paid under 20K for it. Every other car I bought was from Craigslist, friends, forums, or FB market place. Being able to do basic repairs helps a lot. I can't imagine paying $700-1000/mo, that was more than I paid for rent!

[@joshdillon9637]

I've always had older cars from private sellers too. KZbin has been my best friend when it comes to keeping them running.

[@SpetsnazChaplain157]

Hopefully it was a tundra or a tacoma

[@highdesertdrew]

@@SpetsnazChaplain157 3/4 Ton GMC Sierra. It's a good truck, but far from a great truck. With gas prices being what they are, I mostly use it for moving cargo and towing, my 30 year old jeep gets better fuel economy.

[@BenjaminMcLeod815]

Our economy struggling with uncertainties, housing issues, foreclosures, global fluctuations, and pandemic aftermath, causing instability. Rising inflation, sluggish growth, and trade disruptions need urgent attention from all sectors to restore stability and stimulate growth.

[@Natalieneptune469]

Things are strange right now. The US dollar is becoming less valuable because of inflation, and other powerful nations waking up to trade in their own currencies. Good thing is, a lot of people still turn to the Dollar because of the safety is somehow assures. I'm worried about my retirement savings of about $420,000 losing value because of these factors and more. Where else can we keep our money?

[@PhilipMurray251]

Well, I suggest you make a diversification plan because it's been harder to build a good portfolio that stays afloat since COVID. Personally, I garner knowledge from a brokerage Adviser whom I work with, and I've actually made over $350K with their help since February. Very effective defensive strategies are used to protect my portfolio and make profits despite the ups and downs.

[@AliceHh_]

I find this intriguing. Could you please provide me with the means to get in touch with your Adviser? I am concerned about my dwindling portfolio.

[@PhilipMurray251]

My financial advisor is 'NICOLE DESIREE SIMON'. I found her on a CNBC interview where she was featured Afterwards I reached out to her on her webpage. she has since then provided me with entry and exit points in securities I focus on.

[@AliceHh_]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MrThejunkman]

Another great option is to buy a motorcycle. You can do your necessary grocery shopping with the right bike w/ some storage on the back and sides. Less people in cars also means less pedestrians being splattered on the road

[@rodeo626]

A lot of information I already know and really didn't need, but put in an effective and entertaining way that surely will resonate with those who need it most. Good job.

[@scottydiver5114]

You're spot-on! Too many people have "...bought into the LIE that you'll always have a car payment..." These are the people that blindly follow what society wants them to do and are not capable of independent thought.

[@tqlla]

​@Joe-no7gs But whats so nice about a new vehicle at these inflated prices? Oh you have carplay.... so does my 1994 3000GT with 315K miles.

[@scottydiver5114]

@Joe-no7gs no jealousy here brother, I'm a car collector

[@scharpmeister]

@Joe-no7gsironic

[@davidblumenthal1771]

Awesome video! I totally agree with everything you said. I was even writing my monthly car payment check while listening to your video. More people need to see this and wake up.

[@Joshua-sd1cb]

Saving this video for future me. I love the extra $510 a month we have after paying off my wife’s car. After we paid it off, the dealer sent us a letter with the 2024 model that is only $424 a month with the trade in. NO THANKS!!