Buying A Car Based On Income Today

He had $5,000 saved. For the SUV, that wasn't even 10%.

Two years later, Leo pulled up to a trailhead in his silver sedan. His friend pulled up next to him in a flashy truck—the kind Leo almost bought. His friend looked exhausted, complaining about working overtime just to cover the "beast's" insurance. buying a car based on income

Between the payment, insurance, and gas, the SUV would eat 25% of his take-home pay. He had $5,000 saved

Leo stood in the middle of the showroom, the scent of "New Car" hitting him like a heavy cologne. Before him sat a midnight-blue SUV—the one from the commercials. It had massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a monthly payment that felt like a light punch to the gut. His friend pulled up next to him in

whispered, "You earned this. Everyone will see you pull up in this and know you’ve made it. It’s only $700 a month. You can eat ramen for a year."

Leo pulled out his phone and looked at a crumpled note he’d written: