I made some poor financial decisions in my early 20s, specifically with cars. Constant buying and selling. It led up to me leasing a car for the last 3 years. Yesterday I sold the leased car (that I owed $18k on) and paid cash for a used '07 Toyota Corolla. It's totally paid off and I no longer have any car payments. The first time in ever that I don't have car payments. That feels great. And my insurance is even cheaper now.
The problem is that I find the car boring. I bought it because it's practical and should last me a long time. But it's such a big step down from the fancy car I sold. I'm trying to remind myself that a car is a tool not a toy. Needs to get me from a to b. Which this one does just fine. But I find myself feeling like a loser. Like I sold my house to move into a crumby apartment. Like I suddenly became too poor to afford what I want. Which is illogical. That's not the case. My financial situation improves by driving this.
I know it's petty and materialistic. I just like driving fancy cars. I'm trying to reframe the situation. A car doesn't need to be a status symbol. I'm saving money. Which is good. That was the goal. I can spend that money on travel.
I guess I'm feeling weird about it. It's hard to describe. I feel like I'm admitting I was living outside my means. Just looking for some kind of confirmation that I made the right decision. Sorry if it's a little childish.
April 02, 2019 at 02:38AM
