The "What's on your mind?" thread

[Derb]

Was thinking having a phone in school when I was growing up would make you very unpopular..

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

I just realized. That my birthday is in exactly 3 weeks.

So everyone think of what you're getting me.

[DanTheMan]

Originally Posted by Jennifer Lawrence Fan

I just realized. That my birthday is in exactly 3 weeks.

So everyone think of what you're getting me.

I got just the thing planned out....

[Show spoiler]PIZZA PARTY!!

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

Originally Posted by DanTheMan

I got just the thing planned out....

[Show spoiler]PIZZA PARTY!!

YAY!! Any special guests?

[Eternal Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Jennifer Lawrence Fan

I just realized. That my birthday is in exactly 3 weeks.

So everyone think of what you're getting me.

Well, is there anything you'd like? I'm being serious, by the way.

Also, pizza party sounds great! Eat some extra slices for me, guys.

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

Originally Posted by Eternal Dreamer

Well, is there anything you'd like? I'm being serious, by the way.

Also, pizza party sounds great! Eat some extra slices for me, guys.

I'll PM you.

And sure thing.

[Abby is Q]

Just discovering that this post is my 666th post...

I want to kill everyone. Satan is good, Satan is our pal. - YouTube

[Derb]

Originally Posted by Abby is Q

Just discovering that this post is my 666th post...

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Eternal Dreamer

Well, is there anything you'd like? I'm being serious, by the way.

Also, pizza party sounds great! Eat some extra slices for me, guys.

I don't want much, getting myself a car in April, that's gotta be one of the best birthday presents ever, granted 2 months late. Asking for a satellite receiver for my room, a micro SD card for my tablet and repairs to my best jacket.

[stvn1974]

I was thinking earlier about being 41 and not married and/or having kids. Then I realized all of the Disney and romantic comedy films I haven't had to sit through and all seems well in the world.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I was thinking earlier about being 41 and not married and/or having kids. Then I realized all of the Disney and romantic comedy films I haven't had to sit through and all seems well in the world.

I'm almost 36, I'm right there. At this point I probably won't meet the right woman until I'm in my 40s so I'll probably have to adopt. Would be easier to accept if I had a car and/or a better job.

[Abby is Q]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I was thinking earlier about being 41 and not married and/or having kids. Then I realized all of the Disney and romantic comedy films I haven't had to sit through and all seems well in the world.

Your loss.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by Batman1980

getting myself a car in April.

Nice. You thinking Porsche?

[LordoftheRings]

...UHD Blu-ray, FOX studios, Sony studios, Disney studios, Manitowoc County...

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Waboman

Nice. You thinking Porsche?

Glad to see you're okay. Nah I'm just a medical records clerk, thinking a used 2014 or 2015 Civic or Camry.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by Batman1980

Glad to see you're okay. Nah I'm just a medical records clerk, thinking a used 2014 or 2015 Civic or Camry.

Thanks. Yeah, those are good choices that will be on the road for years to come.

[Batman1980]

Originally Posted by Waboman

Thanks. Yeah, those are good choices that will be on the road for years to come.

I really want a 2015 but if there are none available in my $16000- price range I'll go with a 2014. Imagine there will be a lot of 2015s priced a lot lower than usual soon since 2015 just ended. Debt will be gone (yay) sometime in April so that's when I will start car shopping with more than just my PC.

[Jett Rink]

My job is making me so stressed out.

[Waboman]

Originally Posted by Batman1980

I really want a 2015 but if there are none available in my $16000- price range I'll go with a 2014. Imagine there will be a lot of 2015s priced a lot lower than usual soon since 2015 just ended. Debt will be gone (yay) sometime in April so that's when I will start car shopping with more than just my PC.

Being debt free is wonderful. I have kids and have no idea what that feels like.

[WhySoBlu?]

Originally Posted by Batman1980

I really want a 2015 but if there are none available in my $16000- price range I'll go with a 2014. Imagine there will be a lot of 2015s priced a lot lower than usual soon since 2015 just ended. Debt will be gone (yay) sometime in April so that's when I will start car shopping with more than just my PC.

I know you're not my biggest fan, but I'm going to offer a little advice anyway.

There are two ways to look at it. My grandpa (and my dad) will tell you all day long "a new car's a poor man's car." By that he means that a new car will have far fewer repairs and/or maintenance needed and will have a 3-5 year warranty, so less unexpected large expenses falling in your lap at the worst possible time. In his eyes, new car = peace of mind.

The other school of thought is to go used - like 3-5 years old. I'm in this camp. The advantage to buying a slightly older car is that you allow someone else to eat all of the depreciation that happens in the first couple of years of a car's life. You are also able to get more car for your money. For example, rather than getting a 2015 or 2016 Camry you might be able to get a 2011 or 2012 Avalon.

I bought a new car when I was sixteen and I've bought used ever since. But that's me - you should weigh all of the factors and figure out what makes the most sense to you. You'll be in a much better position if you can walk into the dealership with financing already secured rather than relying on their financing (which is another opportunity for them to screw you over.) Look into getting pre-approved for a loan from your insurance company or bank.

And don't let them negotiate "payments" if you do go with their financing. Make them be up front with how many years the loan is for, what the actual cost is for the car, and what the interest rate is. With a financial calculator you'll be able to figure out your own payments.

Good luck.