Good point. Super easy to get in the mindset of “upgrading” everything – esp. the big boys (ie houses and cars).

Adam,
I wrote up a post a while back on “How Much Does Your Car Payment Really Cost You?” that you might find interesting:
http://www.richmondsavers.com/how-much-does-your-car-payment-really-cost-you/
Admittedly this is a somewhat crude analysis, but I thin it’s interesting for people to see a real-world example of how much a car really does cost in the long-term.

It’s actually the same question as #1 but it just has a different meaning to them.

When people have no debt, it can be easy to get into the mentality of “well, I have the cash now, so I can buy this – at least I’m not adding any debt”.

However, it’s still crucial that they are saving for goals that are in the future. One big goal that most people have periodically is buying a new car. If they’re not planning properly for that purchase in the future, they’re going to find themselves in debt again. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the present and save for the future.

Being 100% in charge can definitely be tough, and stressful, as you point out. There are days that I miss working for someone *else’s* company vs. my own every month. You get all the risk and the reward when you’re on your own. But it’s good to know what you can take and what you can’t for sure :) It’s not for everyone.

HAH! Right next to your grocery receipt, right? ;)

It’s always a pleasure seeing you here on this blog too :)

And I’m glad you shared that :) It’s helpful to look at all sides (and opinions) of a decision as big as that. So thanks man.

Definitely share this with your audience!! It really does help everyone in some form or another :) And give the personality infusion a shot too – might help your readers connect with you more (or, worst case, not connect with you more! Haha…) At the end of the day we’re all humans on the other side of the computer, so my feeling is why not connect with each other that way vs. stripping it out?

What’s your favorite question to ask those rock star clients without any debt? :)

Woahhh $2,100 a mo??? Is that student loans or, even better, a mortgage payment by chance? :)