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Teaching Money Management

Today, the 15-year old I work with asked me why I didn't have a nicer car.  My car is a 2000 Corolla with a bad paint job.  It gets me where I'm going but it isn't pretty. 

Him: So, I don't mean to be rude or anything... I mean, your car is fine, and I'm just wondering... if you can afford a car, why don't you get a nicer one?

Me: Well, I could get a newer car, but I don't really want to make car payments when I own this one.  I don't want to have to pay every month for a new one.

Him: But you have a car so I know you can afford one.  Why don't you want a better one?

Me: This one works and I don't have the money to buy another car all at once, so I'd have to make payments.  That means for years, I'd be paying money each month for the car and if I don't have to, I'd rather not spend that money.  I still have some student loans I'm paying off so I don't want another payment.

Him: OH!  It would be like you were digging yourself in a hole and getting in more debt!

Me: Exactly. 

Him: So maybe after you paid off everything else, you can get a new car.

Me: Maybe.

Him: I'd get a BMW.


Four years ago: Counting Down

Five years ago: The End of an Era
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