Comments on: Would Your Rather Have a BMW or Two Years of Your Life?

By: ElleX

ElleX — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:59:06 +0000

I would rather have the two years of my life! I have never purchased a brand new car. I learned from my father to buy good used cars. I presently own a used car that I paid $2,100 for. It has 152K on it. And I still ride the bus or walk when needed. I am in the market for a bike or Vespa and eventually an RV. Once I get the RV, I want to sell the house cause I am tired of working for it. LOL

By: jim@Contract Hire

jim@Contract Hire — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:48:21 +0000

Though it looks that secretary is paying more in financial terms,but what about the psychological returns she is getting in terms of peer admiration,constant ego massage and sense of belonging to executive class. On the other hand ,you don’t have any such pressures so you are living your simple cash rich life ,which is good for you.So i guess,you both are right in your own domain .

By: harvestwages

harvestwages — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:15:22 +0000

hi Ryan,
I agree with the “Financial Samurai’s” 1/10 rule. Most successful millionaire practice such. Yet, i would like to know if frugal living is all about pursuing dreams and financial stability, not happiness. What if she is aware of the consequences of spending more on a BMW. But yet she gets more satisfied having that BMW, being in debts, and starving to survive?
harvestwages´s last blog ..5 traps that seducess great minds

By: Wednesday Wisdom | Big Red Tomato Company

Wednesday Wisdom | Big Red Tomato Company — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:04:30 +0000

[...] up is Ryan from Planting Dollars who has written a post on whether driving a BMW is worth 2 years of your life (based on a secretary [...]

By: Optimistic J

Optimistic J — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:05:50 +0000

Great post!

I agree, the secretary is most definitely enslaved to her car. I agree that, implementing the rule of thumb of spending no more than 1/10 of your income is a wise decision to take. Most don’t understand this! I drive a dodge stratus, it’s no BMW (of course) but it gets me around. I think you are smart for riding your bike and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It may be challenging on a rainy day but for the most part, it saves you money and that’s commendable.

By: Search Engine Viking

Search Engine Viking — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:39:18 +0000

I drive a BMW… of course it’s not exactly the high-priced roadster your secretary bought. Mine is circa 1790 (you can tell by the roof liner that’s falling down – that was an expensive factory option back then).
Search Engine Viking´s last blog ..What Is SEO?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:32:56 +0000

I’ll quote Dave Ramsey “The paid off mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice”. Love that quote!!!!

By: Meg

Meg — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:25:26 +0000

IF I got that M3, I’ll take the BMW. In fact, I plan on having an M3 and, eventually, an M5 for myself…. Something about standing next to those cars just is intoxicating. The factory ITB set-up has always intrigued me, too. So much they can do, yet they’re so refined. And I can’t get an Audi RS4 in the States, so….

For me, cars ARE my priority. And no, I don’t care about social status, and it’s really damn annoying having people think we’re “rich” with three sports cars. They’re for us to enjoy, because we enjoy them. (I mean, I don’t question anyone’s decision to have kids, those are fiscally irresponsible, right? Not trying to be mean or whatever, just drawing a comparison.) I can only imagine what we’ll have to put up with when the first 911 comes home.

Now, though, if this lady’s trying to talk it up, she’s dumb… An M3 is not the be-all-end-all, let alone a stock one. And probably an auto too? Ugh, let alone that it sounds like she’s trying too hard to afford it. Color’s nice, though, I dig it. Car’s not to blame for her owner’s stupidity…

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:42:19 +0000

I don’t really blame her for her choice, it’s just not what I would do and I wanted feedback from others. The issue isn’t really with BMW, the issue is with how much of your income should go to a car. I’m sure BMW’s are fine cars.
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:40:29 +0000

What was the issue with the used car in the past? The sweet spot for used cars is usually 2 old when leasebacks are brought in… Did you have the car checked out before purchasing?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki