Today I’m joining Julia at Working Mom Wednesday. The topic? Money saving tips. Which brings me to the subject of my post today: Why I’m not getting a new car.
My car turned 10 years old this summer. It has a few dents. And sometimes I’m even embarrassed when I have to host clients or give my colleagues a ride to lunch.
So why am I keeping it? After all, I can afford a new car, can’t I?
The answer is twofold: 1) I have kids who tend to mess everything up; and 2) I'd rather spend money elsewhere.
My kids will mess it up.
Did I mention that my car has permanent magic marker all over the back seat? Compliments of my 4-year-old, Abby. On any given day it also has old food smashed in the carpet, a couple of rotten sippy cups under the seats, and a few toys lying on the floor.
I know, I should teach my kids to be cleaner in the car. We’re working on it. But we’re always in a hurry, and on the priority list of life, keeping my car “clean” from kid junk is almost dead last.
Maybe when my kids are all moved out and I’m an empty nester, I’ll get a fancy new car. But not now.
I’d rather spend money elsewhere.
At this stage of life, I really don’t care about a new car. Don’t get me wrong, I like to have nice things (and I don’t blame or judge those who decide a new car is worth the bang for the buck) but I would frankly rather have the freedom to put our money elsewhere, which includes a combination of spending, saving, and giving. (Did I mention that we have 3 kids to put through college in a few years?)
Believe me, my family will spend (and even waste) money on a host of things this year. But a new car won’t be one of them!
Let’s face it. We all make choices with our money.
How do you save money, and what have you decided to do without this year?
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20
