Old Apr 2, 2004 | 09:25 AM
  #3 (permalink)  
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Rob M
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 862
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From: Maryland
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from a conservative perspective:

first you need to get rid of the obstacles: credit card debt, student loans, your family, and the motgage/rent. i know that sounds really stupid (the part about getting rid of the family and the rent) but that is possibly what might happen if you set yourself up for financial ruin. you are starting a new job - one in which there will be significant fluctuations in what you may be able to earn year to year. why not work on eliminating your credit card debt first? then pay off the student loan. then, if the job is working out well and the family wants you to get a crossfire, do it.

sometimes it is better to wait for nice things. the crossfire is a really neat car. but after all, it is only a car. it will depreciate. it uses expensive premium fuel, the cost of which seems to be rising every week. if you finance one now, do you want to take on the additional risk of owing more on the car than it can be resold for? leasing, as can be an option - but only makes sense if you drive a predictable number of miles each year that closely approaches the limit for the lease.
 
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