Money Issues, Positive Thoughts

Here it is, Saturday evening.  I had to go to the dealership today to get my things out of my car.  I think I got everything, but the old sheets in there ... didn't take them.  And forgot my license plate.  ugh.   After, I wandered the new and used car lot, and got really depressed.

I tried an app at my bank to see how much car loan I qualify for.  and a 14k loan, at 60 months would be a payment of $261.  More than I wanted to spend per month, and 14k won't get me much of a car.  If I go with a new car, I might be able to get 72 months, so the payment would be less, but the overall price would be more, so am I gaining?  How do other folks deal with this kind of thing?

Making it month by month is going to be difficult.  It'll be back to PBJ sammiches for lunch, and tuna casserole for dinners.  I always assumed that having my own house, I'd be in a better place when it comes to finances.  But here it is, back to paycheck-to-paycheck.

One positive:  the car would be paid off before I turn 65.  I got a kick out of my son; when I told him that he said "I thought you had 15-20 more years til then!"   awwwwww .... :)

Another positive for a new car would be warranty coverage for a while, no repairs.  Along with no tires needed for a couple years.

If I go with something smaller, more economical, I might save $ at the gas pump as well.

So here I sit, trying to conjure positive thoughts, buying a new car should feel exciting!
But at my age, a car isn't the same symbol of freedom it was at 18, it's just a convenience that gets me from point A to point B.

Ahh the joys of aging gracefully makes one too practical to enjoy frivolous things!