A few weeks ago, something quite important happened in my life, and yet I neglected to mention it on my blog. I was waiting for the right moment, you see, to reveal all about it, but that moment never really arrived. There's no time like the present, I say! Actually, usually I say “eh, maybe tomorrow...” but right now I say there's no time like the present.
In the most general sense, the important event was finally becoming completely and 100% financially independent, which is pretty neat while at the same time being absolutely terrifying. For one thing, it stands as irrefutable proof that I am an adult now, a fact I usually prefer to comfortably ignore. For another, I'm not sure I wish to place the responsibility of handling all my finances on to somebody so remarkably unsuited for the job. I'm still a bit hazy on how this whole “rent” thing works, so just forget about me understanding investments or loans or interest rates. Still, it was a step that had to be made, and as of this moment my parents no longer have any financial obligation towards me.
Frankly, its been almost that way for a long time. The only thing keeping it from happening totally was the fact that I was driving a car, and my parents were paying for it. It was very gracious of them, and we were all happy with the arrangement until just a few weeks ago. My parents suddenly had an urgent need to have the car back, and I realized I didn't fancy driving the blasted thing all the way to South Carolina. It doesn't have a tape/CD player or cruise control! Would you want to drive over two thousand miles without cruise control? Think of the muscle damage in your foot! I mean, hello, this is the 21st century!
So I bought a new car. Now, I haven't mentioned this on my blog because I didn't want to deal with all kinds of stupid questions like “Was that a bit rash?” or “Can you actually afford a car?” Silly questions! But since most people who read my blog (by last count, about five people) know about the car by now, I might as well reveal all.
Since I know absolutely nothing about cars, I did a lot of research before buying. Let me tell you something you already know, buying a car is a painful, tedious experience. If I had a choice between enduring a painful root canal or trying to buy a car by myself, I'd run to the dentist's office (I need to go the dentist actually, now that I think about it). It's exhausting! Fortunately for me, I had a friend who used to be a car salesman come along with me. More than anything, he made me feel comfortable that everything that was going on was normal and that I was getting a fair deal.
I eventually decided, after all my research, that the new 2007 Toyota Yaris was the car for me. Why? Look at it!
It looks like a monster! A hot, sexy monster! You're not sure if its going to eat you or make out with you. It also gets really good gas mileage for a non-hybrid, is fun to drive (its a manual), and has a remarkably spacious interior and trunk space for all my junk. It's distinctive and has a lot of personality, unlike the incredibly boring and dull Nissan Sentra I looked at, which had the personality equivalent of income tax worksheet.
These are all features that will be great benefits on my long, long eastward trek in a few months. So the car makes me happy, and it's been totally worth it. And since I haven't had to make a monthly payment yet, it still feels like a free car! (That will end really quick, let me tell you.)
Was this a wise decision? I think so, but, as the Bush administration is fond of telling us, only history can be the judge. For now, I'm going to enjoy living life in the fast and “in debt” lane. If you see me coming up behind you, better move over!
In the most general sense, the important event was finally becoming completely and 100% financially independent, which is pretty neat while at the same time being absolutely terrifying. For one thing, it stands as irrefutable proof that I am an adult now, a fact I usually prefer to comfortably ignore. For another, I'm not sure I wish to place the responsibility of handling all my finances on to somebody so remarkably unsuited for the job. I'm still a bit hazy on how this whole “rent” thing works, so just forget about me understanding investments or loans or interest rates. Still, it was a step that had to be made, and as of this moment my parents no longer have any financial obligation towards me.
Frankly, its been almost that way for a long time. The only thing keeping it from happening totally was the fact that I was driving a car, and my parents were paying for it. It was very gracious of them, and we were all happy with the arrangement until just a few weeks ago. My parents suddenly had an urgent need to have the car back, and I realized I didn't fancy driving the blasted thing all the way to South Carolina. It doesn't have a tape/CD player or cruise control! Would you want to drive over two thousand miles without cruise control? Think of the muscle damage in your foot! I mean, hello, this is the 21st century!
So I bought a new car. Now, I haven't mentioned this on my blog because I didn't want to deal with all kinds of stupid questions like “Was that a bit rash?” or “Can you actually afford a car?” Silly questions! But since most people who read my blog (by last count, about five people) know about the car by now, I might as well reveal all.
Since I know absolutely nothing about cars, I did a lot of research before buying. Let me tell you something you already know, buying a car is a painful, tedious experience. If I had a choice between enduring a painful root canal or trying to buy a car by myself, I'd run to the dentist's office (I need to go the dentist actually, now that I think about it). It's exhausting! Fortunately for me, I had a friend who used to be a car salesman come along with me. More than anything, he made me feel comfortable that everything that was going on was normal and that I was getting a fair deal.
I eventually decided, after all my research, that the new 2007 Toyota Yaris was the car for me. Why? Look at it!
It looks like a monster! A hot, sexy monster! You're not sure if its going to eat you or make out with you. It also gets really good gas mileage for a non-hybrid, is fun to drive (its a manual), and has a remarkably spacious interior and trunk space for all my junk. It's distinctive and has a lot of personality, unlike the incredibly boring and dull Nissan Sentra I looked at, which had the personality equivalent of income tax worksheet.
These are all features that will be great benefits on my long, long eastward trek in a few months. So the car makes me happy, and it's been totally worth it. And since I haven't had to make a monthly payment yet, it still feels like a free car! (That will end really quick, let me tell you.)
Was this a wise decision? I think so, but, as the Bush administration is fond of telling us, only history can be the judge. For now, I'm going to enjoy living life in the fast and “in debt” lane. If you see me coming up behind you, better move over!
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