[This is a rant/stream of consciousness post. Please skip this, especially if you’re in a good mood.]
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I think I should finally admit something. Aloud.
Okay, maybe not aloud. In print. (Because you can’t put anything on the internet that isn’t true, right?)
The thing is: I’m a freak. I got my driver’s license when I was 21. I’m buying my first car at the ripe old age of 22.
But you know what they don’t teach you in high school or undergrad?
HOW THE HELL YOU GO ABOUT BUYING A CAR.
No one teaches these things, you’re supposed to just figure it out.
YES, I realize people write articles about these things.
YES, I realize that usually your parents buy your first car for you (or at least, they teach you how and go with you.)
But sometimes people forget that sometimes there are 22-year-old young women who sometimes don’t get their licenses until they are 21 and sometimes they have no idea how to purchase a car even though sometimes they get a tax return back that might sometimes be enough to finally afford a vehicle. But not often. Sometimes.
Today was car #2 that was a no-go. I spent $100 to have a mechanic tell me to keep looking. Then again, $100 is cheap for peace of mind, so that was a positive.
Now I’ve got cars #3-5 lined up, but I’m not letting myself fall in love with anything. “I’ve just been hurt too many times!” as they say on reality TV.
But really, our education system here in America is lacking. Significantly. <—- I realize that people say this all the time, for a myriad of reasons and/or complaints, but here’s mine:
Why don’t we have courses in high school that teach you how to function in America as an adult? With the number of kids without parents, with useless parents (for whatever reason), with drug-addicted parents, or the like…it’s a shame we don’t provide more opportunities for them to learn things like budgeting, filing taxes, buying a car, dealing with insurance, etc.
I’m lucky–I have a squad of people trying to help me navigate the used car world.
I’ve got my Matt, his fantastic parents, and my ever-wonderful Grandma. They’re all scoping out the used car lots; taking me to see loan officers, insurance handlers, and mechanics; and giving me plenty of advice and feedback. Because I have questions. Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of questions.
More to come.
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