Life Lessons from James T.---Part 2

          This second lesson I'm sharing is James' advice on buying a new vehicle.  Pam and I had actually bought one of his older cars shortly after our son, Aaron, was born.  Aaron was two months premature, born in a very hot month of June.  We didn't have air conditioning in our house, our car (an old VW), or our pickup.  We bought a car with air conditioning he had traded in so Aaron wouldn't die from the heat.  I still recall the joy of getting to a destination---school, church, etc.---without a soaked shirt, blown hair (I had some then), or one sunburned arm! 

          Years passed, our financial situation improved, and we started dreaming about traveling in more comfort and style in a new minivan.  Now, we still think twice about thinking twice before buying practically anything, so this dream seemed extravagant.  Pam and I started having conversations on just how the new van would improve our lives and, strangely, save us money in the long run without the need for costly repairs.  Of course, we would also rush back to the safety of doing nothing.  It was with a few weeks of these thoughts and conversations, I approached James for "advice" on our "dilemma."

          I explained all the angles, arguments, and possibilities we had been discussing, and very similar to my boot story, was hoping for his clear support for such a well laid out solution.  

         For those of you who never knew the James from back then, you might be surprised to learn how good a listener he was.  And unlike so many people I've known---including myself quite often---he really listened.  I can see him clearly right now leaning against his truck in our driveway letting me drone on without interruption.  When I finished, he gave me his advice that has stayed with me.

          "Rick, a man can never really justify buying a brand new car or truck.  It's always cheaper to buy a used one even if it needs some work.  It's not about what you need but rather what you want.  If you want a new car and can afford it, buy it without remorse or guilt.  Enjoy the whole process, but never kid yourself that it's about saving money."

          Well, we bought a van a few weeks after that conversation.  One of the best decisions we ever made.  We loved the size, the comfort, the much improved safety, the ease of use, and the look!  Just as the boot story had a much greater application than only for work clothes, so too did this advice on buying things.  We still think long and hard, studying reviews and reports before buying practically anything, but once we decide we don't look back.  We enjoy the new whatever!