I determined how much to pay for my latest truck on how much I had in cash with a good view to what I really wanted. When I was a much younger working man I drove what I could afford. In my opinion this is how it should be. You hope to have enough money to be comfortable when you retire, when your money works for you.
Editorial comment (caution: may be offensive):
I can't count the number of times I've told someone I'm going to Starbuck's, and they say "I can't justify spending $5 on a cup of coffee." Well, for one thing, it does not cost $5, and, seriously, if you're in your 70s and have to worry about $5, I feel for you. You apparently retired without enough money, or you simply can't let go of your life-long frugal ways. It seems to be a popular topic of conversation among the old: penny-pinching.
