Comment on Even households earning $150,000 a year are struggling with credit card and car payments
PetteriPano@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Struggling with car payments, you say.
Our EU household doesn’t make $150k/y even if you’d consider the hidden supergross taxes.
I’ve never had a car loan in my life, nor anything beyond the most basic insurance.
If you can’t afford to buy a car, then you can’t afford to wreck it.
It’s better to send that extra money into my savings account or stock portfo rather than waste it on interest and extra insurance. Then I’ll at least get too see that money again some day.
return2ozma@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Welcome to America where a car is a necessity and public transit is near zero. Average car payment is $700 now and auto insurance is $200
Gearheart@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Yes but as a Texan. Majority of cars people drive are status symbols. I see trucks as large as military vehicles driving around like no one’s business.
So yeah… Insurance is going to be higher because of these drivers and payments are going to be high.
My 2007 Honda Accord does not have anything close to a 200$ a month insurance payment, nor I have a car payment to worry about.
BombOmOm@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
You don’t need to spend $700/mo to get a car. Spending that much is a choice you are free to make, but still a choice in the end.
return2ozma@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
www.nerdwallet.com/…/average-monthly-car-payment
BombOmOm@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Correct, and half of people pay below the average. You do not need to pay $700/mo for a car, many are available for much, much cheaper. If your finances can only swing a $400/mo, buy a $400/mo or a $300/mo car.
NewNewAugustEast@lemmy.zip 3 weeks ago
Maybe, but the average car payment for people who don’t take out loans to buy cars is… Zero.
ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 3 weeks ago
Used Buicks from the 2000’s can be had for around 3 grand and are very reliable if they have the 3.8l engine. Insurance is often less then 400 a year.
PetteriPano@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
I, too, need a car. But I choose not to go down this route.
I bought my current one five years ago for $4k and spent another $2k to get it reliable. Minimum liability insurance is like $20/mo.
I’m looking to trade up in a bit for something twice as pricy, and I’ll skip the loan part then, too.
NewNewAugustEast@lemmy.zip 3 weeks ago
Auto insurance in the us is nuts.
But having to have a car and having to have car payments are two different things. Boggles my mind what people are willing to take loans for. Save the money and buy it, or don’t buy it at all.