College Years & 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier:

Ugh. Car problems are the absolute worst! They always happen at the most inopportune times.  My wife and I usually buy cash cars in effort to keep costs low. However, cash cars aren’t usually in the best shape.

My car issues began while in college, from 2004-2010 including graduate school.  At the time, I owned a 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier.  As shown to the left, is an actual picture a college buddy took of it.  I remember him telling me my car was cool lol.  Thanks for those kind words man, I never forgot them.

My wife who was my girlfriend then, owned a 1990 Honda Accord. To say the least, we both drove cars no one would be caught dead in.

Driving a car as old as me during my formative years definitely repelled the ladies lol. However, my car did attract the girl who didn’t mind being seen with me in it. I call that old Chevrolet Cavalier my “Wifey Magnet” haha.

Getting an Upgrade:

Anyways, I traded the Cavalier in for a 2002 Ford Explorer Sport in 2010. We then bought a 2003 Honda Accord in 2015. We were happy giving our “new” cars extra tender loving care. Despite our best efforts in keeping our cars maintained, both cars decided to give up the ghost the same day in September.

The Ford became impossible to turn due to problems with ball joints and steering rod. My poor wife knew of the issues a few days before, but decided it best to wait on telling me. At the time, we were battling incessant oil leaks with the Honda caused by a shady mechanic. In the end, the Honda’s engine started to make grinding noises due to lack of engine oil.

Enough is Enough:

Finally, I had enough with our car problems. We went to a car dealership and pulled the trigger to finance cars. The intent was to find cars: 1) manufactured in this decade and 2) low mileage.

I honestly feared financing a car, but truth be told, my monthly payment is about the same as I paid to maintain the Ford and Honda. It’s funny how my car loan’s interest rate is lower than my student loan interest rates of 3.03%-6.8%. Anywhoo…

Still Pushing Forward:

Although student loans have been the bane of my existence, they have enforced discipline in the areas of budgeting and saving. Besides car issues, it has been another great year for student loan repayment. I am thankful for the progress made in tackling this $85,308.06 monster.

Below is a running total of loan amounts. How are you guys doing? What goals have you made progress on this year? Until next time everyone, stay focused.