How Much Car Can You Afford? (Ep. 41)

Buying a car can feel exciting, but the payment can quietly shape your financial future.

Are you thinking about what that monthly number means for your long-term plans?

In this episode, Nick Russell and Becky Wagoner share the real numbers behind their recent $40,000 car purchase. They break down when financing at 1.9% made more sense than paying cash, how a $3,000 Costco discount changed the deal, and why your car payment should never exceed what you save for retirement. 

They also explore interest rates, emergency reserves, and how to avoid rolling one car payment into the next for decades.

Key takeaways:

• How a Costco membership instantly reduced their purchase price by $3,000
• Why 1.9% financing can beat paying cash when money is earning elsewhere
• A practical benchmark tying your car payment to retirement savings
• The importance of cash reserves before taking on any new payment
• Why many drivers keep rolling payments instead of keeping cars longer
• And more!

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