Page 27 - Workbook3E

Plan Your Quality of Life
Smart Car Buying
Right Car for Your Needs—Don’t always go with your first impulse. If a car’s appearance doesn’t measure up to your dreams, remember an impressive looking sports car may not fit your needs, or be appropriate for your family. Consider
the gas mileage, reliability, and your various driving conditions. Test-drive it and see how comfortably it fits your family, before making your decision. Consumer Reports provides a great breakdown and comparison of most automobiles and their reliability.
Consider the Cost—Evaluate your resources and decide in advance what you can afford. Be firm on your cost limit as well as the monthly payments you can afford. Research the approximate operating costs, gas mileage, and insurance and registration costs for the car. Make sure it’s in line with your spending plan. Never purchase a brand new car unless you pay cash and plan on keeping it for at least five years. Let someone else pay the initial depreciation on your new car, saving you thousands of dollars.
Shop Around for Financing—Compare interest rates the dealer offers with rates you can get from your credit union. Try not to finance more than 36 months. If you can’t afford the payments, consider a less expensive car. Don’t be tempted by marketing gimmicks, paying off your credit cards, or getting a “free vacation” with purchase—all come at a price. Don’t let yourself be pressured; there will always be another sale.
“It seems that our modern cars won’t
start until the seat belt is fastened—and the pocketbook is emptied.”
~ Anonymous
D PLAN YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE
Now what? The Secret to changing your future—is wanting to. Review your responses to the questions in this Workbook; you’ll be able to tell
if you’re not entirely satisfied with your lifestyle. If traveling down the road you’re on won’t make you happy, then now’s the time to reset your course. The choice is yours; changing things requires an act of your will.
Every journey begins with a single step. You can start with one of the areas you’ve just reviewed to improve your quality of life. Then work on your world view just as you did your financial philosophy in Workbook 1. Write down your one-month and one-year goals.
Remember: An unwritten goal is only a dream. When you write down your goals and pursue them, your design for improving your quality of life becomes a source of great power and satisfaction, propelling you successfully toward tomorrow. Ask yourself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”
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