At 24, Leo had just landed his first "real" paycheck. His brain was doing a frantic dance between two versions of himself.
Between the payment, insurance, and gas, the SUV would eat 25% of his take-home pay. buying a car based on income
He looked at the SUV. It was gorgeous, but it was a cage. He pictured himself sitting in traffic, massaging seats on, while stressing about whether he could afford the gas to get home. At 24, Leo had just landed his first "real" paycheck
The payment was $300. He could do a four-year loan. He could still afford weekend trips, concert tickets, and his savings account wouldn't stay at zero. He looked at the SUV
(who sounded suspiciously like his frugal Uncle Pete) countered, "Leo, you make $55,000 a year. After taxes and rent, that $700 is half your 'fun money.' One flat tire and you're cooked."