I’m a word guy. When I receive financial statements, I try earnestly to read them and then after about 30 seconds, I think, “I’ll put this on the nightstand in case I have trouble sleeping some night.”
So, yes, my mind starts to wander when numbers and percentages get mentioned, unless it’s sports stats.
Yes, you’re correct. That’s sad. But I have to be honest.
So, anyway, I got to thinking this morning while awake in bed (I couldn’t find a bank statement), and I have a question for you fine folks out there who love to crunch numbers.
Follow me beyond the Kos Kris Kringle Kurlicue.
So, you’re about to plunk down $60,000 for that sweet sedan you’ve had your eye on. No fool you, you’re paying cash. You’re ready to sign the check, and then it hits you: I could spend $20,000 on a decent car and give the other $40,000 to a food bank.
Or perhaps you have this thought: I could spend $20,000 on a good-enough car and fund scholarships for needy students with the other $40,000.
That’s mighty good on you, of course, but here’s my question: What effect – good, bad, or neutral – would these actions have on our economy? The money’s still being pumped into the system, but it’s going in very different directions.
Now, a follow-up question: Have any of you ever spent that much – or more – for a vehicle?* May I ask you how you came to that decision and how you rationalized it? It’s none of my business, of course. I’m just curious. Keep in mind that in addition to not being a numbers guy, I’m also not a car guy. We have a 12-year-old Toyota in the driveway. It has more than 200,000 miles on it. It recently passed inspection, so we’re happy.
*Yes, that includes rock crushers.