How do people afford this stuff??

Now you’re thinking

 

I’d love to move to Montana. Or Wyoming.

 

Love Montana
Have everything registered there

Don’t like Wyoming as much

 

I probably make less $$ than most of the people on here. I have good credit and got a good rate on a cheaper taco, all my "mods" have been paid for with side job money and left over per diem that I save up.

I max out my 401k employer match (4% for my 5%), and the HSA match. Credit card for gas and rotating 5% cash back, no annual fee and I haven't paid a penny in interest in 5 years I've had it. Mostly use cash back to buy Amazon stuff.

Last truck purchase was TRD OR suspension take-offs, and it WILL be the last non maintenance purchase until it's paid off. Because offer on a house was just accepted

I estimate being able to put about 13% down, best I can tell PMI will be $25-$40 a month. I'd put more down but it needs the kitchen redone. A lot of money for me but then I see some of y'all's real estate prices and feel much better lol.

 

For people who have to get mortgage insurance, you should talk to your lender about a one time payment. That's what we did. It ended up having us some money in the long run.

 

I have heard this as well, in some instances too I think you can even roll that into the mortgage itself. That seems like financial witchcraft to me but hey if it works it works.

 

Our key was to shop around for different lenders and loan officers. Even in the same bank I talked with different people.

 

Stay grounded is right. Buy what you need for your truck, not accessories to impress people. I suppose the "trick" here is to recognize the difference...

 

Function before fashion

 

bingo

 

I am tied to a bank as a condition of the first home program I'm in, they do offer different loan options tho. It's $7500 in grant money, and I figure on refinancing for better terms when possible.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHe0bXAIuk0

For your edification

 

I dunno if what I make is considered decent or better than decent lol but to me it feels like decent.

Although I might have put close to 18k into my truck that was not all at once.
I paid for my suspension over a year pretty much. Saved a little ordered some parts. Saved some more ordered some more.

 

I’d be lying if I said mods weren’t a partial reason for getting a new job.

 

Remember that commercial a few years back with the guy riding around on his lawnmower thinking to himself “man I’ve got a great family, a great dog, a great house, a great car ...man I’m in debt up to my eyeballs”. That’s how it’s getting done. I’ve had this conversation with a friend who works at a reputable local off-road accessory shop (they have it all/do it all) and while yes there is always the guy that just has funds (which oddly he tells me of pro ball players that come in and while the coin is not an issue opt for fairly subtle mods) most are financing all the fluff they put on their rides.

 

Yup, that is the norm in this society

 

Are you saying you open promotional credit cards just to buy stuff?

I'd imagine the US is the same as Canada that would really hurt your credit rating.

 

Just cause you are responsible with your money doesn't mean everyone is. Sure, you and probably 70% of people here are paying for there shit no problem. Then some play the credit card flip game. Then others buy a less expensive older rig and use the extra money to mod to their hearts desire. I assure you however that many people are choking on debt to look cool and keep up with the Jones'

 

It’s taken me a year just to do the few mods on my 17 taco. LEDs headlights,fog light,taillights,swing boxes,camper shell for the dogs,Black toyota grill,and today the TRD cold air intake. Lots of saving just put things I want on my tacoma. And “my wife is all really your doing more to your truck.”