+1. It really is about financing with an out. What got us (as a nation) into trouble were those that financed to their limit and beyond. I remember when purchasing my home that a kid making 60k a year financed a new home at over 300k in price. He happened to be talking numbers with another agent while we were talking with ours. He noted that he used an ARM to make it affordable. I couldn't help but think of some of the bad advice out there when it comes to financing things such as houses and such. When using finance, as long as you're smart about your rates and you put the money you save to work on other things (like retirement and investments), you come out ahead. I only have 6 years of work in my professional career, but I've made a sizable contribution to my 401 plan. My rate of return since 08' has been well above any financing rate I've financed anything through. If needed, I have the resources to purchase my truck cash out right, but I'd rather keep that money working and spend my weaker future dollars on my truck payment :). Just gotta make sure you leave yourself a good buffer and always have an out!
