It's absurd, and there is no way around it. On the low end, we were looking at $1500/month, but that particular daycare started later in the morning and ended earlier in the day, which doesn't work when we each work 7:30-5p. Plus that was assuming we made it off the wait list.
I went into the wrong line of work, for sure.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Wife and I already had to nail down daycare for Baby Boy 28FF because of the wait lists here in the Seattle area - some places told us that we should have been on waiting lists a year before we were expecting. Apparently a requirement for getting reasonable childcare in Seattle is being a psychic.
In any case, we got "lucky" and snagged a spot at a well regarded place not too far from our offices. Once he starts, it'll be just under $2100/month for infant care.
Is that $2100 a large percentage of your wife's salary? At least child care is tax deductible. My wife has the camp tuition taken out of her check pre tax every month. Then in December, we submit the forms & get a nice check. Plus camp tuition is through our JCC & is tax deductible. But I've still got to shell the money out. Then there is religious school tuition and temple dues as well. I know these are problems that many would kill for. I realize how fortunate we are, just venting.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Is that $2100 a large percentage of your wife's salary? At least child care is tax deductible. My wife has the camp tuition taken out of her check pre tax every month. Then in December, we submit the forms & get a nice check. Plus camp tuition is through our JCC & is tax deductible. But I've still got to shell the money out. Then there is religious school tuition and temple dues as well. I know these are problems that many would kill for. I realize how fortunate we are, just venting.
Not quite so fast. The feds only allow $3k total per year per child to be deducted. It is a joke compared to the actual cost.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We can contribute to a dependent care FSA up to $5000 a year to help pay towards childcare, but that is really about it. The child care credit wouldn't work for us because of our income level, so we would use the dependent care FSA.
Agree - we are very fortunate that we can afford it. It is not a majority portion of my wife's salary, but it is a significant chunk of change.
Don't get me started on Synagogue dues and tuition.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
The childcare deduction is independent of income. The FSA takes place of the deduction, however. So when filling out taxes, you get the $3k per child as a deduction (max of $6k), but then you fill in that FSA portion and it pulls $5k right back out.
Edit: just read the tax publication. It is not independent of income, but it never drops to zero.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My wife and I were extremely blessed in that both our parents set p college funds for our son- which we dumped into a 529. That said, we told our son that if he wants to go to law school at South Carolina he will have to establish residency there- otherwise he will be going to an in-state school. We are about tapped out on out of state tuition...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
It will be impossible by the time my kids start (oldest is 10), so I'm kind of not bothering. Pretty sure he isn't college material anyway. And, from what I can see, it just isn't worth it unless you are getting scholarships or unless you are going for something that REQUIRES college, such as a doctor or lawyer or some such thing. I cringe when I hear a niece or nephew is attending an expensive school to major in theatre or global studies or whatever other made-up thing.
@nycarguy I feel your pain. When my 2 were in Goddard at the same time, it was $2400/mo at the high point. Went down a little as the baby got older, but never below $1800/mo until the older one moved on to public school in 1st grade. Summer day camp is just as bad. August cost me $2200.
Geez-Louise.....!!!!!!!
I sent my son to a Jesuit High School in Cincinnati.....$10K/year tuition 10 years ago (plus the requisite fees, donations, etc they expected).
College came around, and I made a pact with my son, I'll pay for 4 years it takes to get a degree, but that's where the money train ends. That cost me about $120K, and he worked part time to buy books, sundries, gas and insurance for the car (he commuted). I was still about $20K short as I had put aside $100K. Plus, it took him 5 years to graduate, so he had to come up with that last year's college tuition.
He graduated with a Computer Science degree about 6 years ago. He's pretty frugal. He did get a college loan for his last year (about $20K) which he paid off within 24 months. He's since followed my footsteps and bought the GTI but put $10K down, and I think he'll have it paid off sometime next year.
I thought what I was paying was outrageous. What you guys are paying is crazy.
I paid for my own college tuition, which I could do with a summer job and by bartending during the school year. That's nowhere near possible now.
I prefer the FSA when available only because you can get it back each month rather than waiting the full year. The amount you get will be the same, you just have access to it sooner with the FSA.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I paid for my own college tuition, which I could do with a summer job and by bartending during the school year. That's nowhere near possible now.
Exactly. My parents helped me a little and paid roughly $2k per year for my college, while, between scholarships, loans, and working, I covered the rest. I came out in the end with something like $25k in loans and had those paid off relatively quick. Well worth it for me and where I am at now, but if I had, let's say, $100k hanging over my head, I would not be anywhere near where I am now. Would not have been able to afford my first house, my first kid, and on and on.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
My son just graduated.. Made it out in four years, plus one summer. Thank goodness for 34 hours of AP credit! He went to a school across the state line that offers in-state tuition for the county where we live (same metro area). But, he went "away" to school. Dorm the first year, and apartments after that. I figure it ran about $80K, with me picking up the tab for everything.
Fortunate in one sense, that we were already mid-30s when he was born, and he is an only child. So, paying for it wasn't a big issue. Unfortunate that he wasn't a better student, and blew about $20K of academic scholarships (or, my cost would have been $60K).
So, he has a political science degree, and no student debt. Of course, he wants to go to law school. The Bank of DAD is officially closed to that prospect, though.
As someone who has near six-figure debt to his name thanks to Law School, I can tell you with 100% certainty, that the only reason to go to Law School is if you truly love the law and the idea of practicing, and not for the money. Approximately 20% of my graduating class 4 years ago is still unemployed and another substantial percentage above that are under-employed (doc review etc.).
It is too expensive to take the time to find yourself. I'd recommend he work for a while first in the field (law firm, corporate legal department etc.) to be sure it is what he really wants.
I've been lucky in that I don't practice, but have parlayed the background into a related field as a Consultant. My experience is the exception and not the norm.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Way back when, I had the inclination to become a lawyer. Freshman year of high school, we had career day where they arranged for people of various professions to come in and talk to those who were interested in that field. Most professionals were assigned a classroom and each student got a little card telling there where to report for their chosen profession. Well, if you checked the box for lawyer, the card you received was for the cafeteria. SO MANY kids checked that box that they couldn't fit in a classroom. I walked up to the cafeteria, opened the door, saw how many kids were packed in there, and immediately left. I put the lawyer idea out of my head right then and there.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I just don't think about what we pay. Just glad it is almost done.
I also made it clear that I help for 4 years, and they get some loans (at least the subsidized ones). After that, including grad school, on them.
worked fine for the boy, since he got an engineering degree. paid off his modest loans in 2 years, and now makes a nice salary, and is about to buy a much nicer car than mine, and will immediately taunt me with it.
Princess, so far doing fine, and has some internships/summer work already lined up for next year (and is working 1 day during the semester). I think she will be fine, and likely has job in hand by graduation.
I just want to be done. and I have a lot of old age care credits built up!
This is why my wife went into the field of child care (not daycare, pet peeve).
Free care for both her kids, though the prices were not nearly as bad as what I've read today.
Update on the Jetta - emailed the salesman last night, asked for $225/mo all in - with tax, including their share of costs on the Elantra, and, can you dealer swap for the blue one.
Sales manager emailed me back today - if they can get the blue one, they will, and they'll meet the $225/mo request.
Only issue is that the lease sales tax in my county is collected up front - so, in addition to the $225 first payment out of pocket, I'll also owe around $250-300 for the city taxes. State and county tax is part of the $225/mo.
Have forwarded the thread to my wife - no charges on the E-GT, it goes away and I get a new car for basically the same payment as what I'm making now. Figure $500 inception costs.
College tuition these days is scary. I remember my first year of university the tuition was around $600. That was in 1973 and did not include residence or mean plans. By the time I finished up with 2 degrees the annual tuition was about $1200. I got scholarships and bursaries that covered about half of all that. I have read a number of articles recently that are very critical of university administrations for bloated costs for admin staff, tenured faculty that do little to no teaching, campus empire-building for facilities, etc. It really is true from what I see at our local universities. Maybe a model-busting thing like Uber needs to occur for higher education.
It will be impossible by the time my kids start (oldest is 10), so I'm kind of not bothering. Pretty sure he isn't college material anyway. And, from what I can see, it just isn't worth it unless you are getting scholarships or unless you are going for something that REQUIRES college, such as a doctor or lawyer or some such thing. I cringe when I hear a niece or nephew is attending an expensive school to major in theatre or global studies or whatever other made-up thing.
@nycarguy I feel your pain. When my 2 were in Goddard at the same time, it was $2400/mo at the high point. Went down a little as the baby got older, but never below $1800/mo until the older one moved on to public school in 1st grade. Summer day camp is just as bad. August cost me $2200.
Geez-Louise.....!!!!!!!
I sent my son to a Jesuit High School in Cincinnati.....$10K/year tuition 10 years ago (plus the requisite fees, donations, etc they expected).
College came around, and I made a pact with my son, I'll pay for 4 years it takes to get a degree, but that's where the money train ends. That cost me about $120K, and he worked part time to buy books, sundries, gas and insurance for the car (he commuted). I was still about $20K short as I had put aside $100K. Plus, it took him 5 years to graduate, so he had to come up with that last year's college tuition.
He graduated with a Computer Science degree about 6 years ago. He's pretty frugal. He did get a college loan for his last year (about $20K) which he paid off within 24 months. He's since followed my footsteps and bought the GTI but put $10K down, and I think he'll have it paid off sometime next year.
I thought what I was paying was outrageous. What you guys are paying is crazy.
I paid for my own college tuition, which I could do with a summer job and by bartending during the school year. That's nowhere near possible now.
My college tuition was $90. per semester back in the 1960's at a in-state Univ...and a scholarship paid for that. Not so lucky with my two boys, but not near what you guys are paying. Now one son has 2 boys in a private Catholic school, and a 3rd in a private Catholic Univ. I thought he was lying when he told me how much he was paying, but like you guys, he works hard and can afford it. Plus, he knows we will help if he needs it.
Michael, I likely will be right there with you next year. Will have 1 more tuition payment due (about a month after getting a car), then some time to clean up the carnage to my bank account and HELOC. So very possible that purchase will also be financially (cheap) driven, with the car being secondary to the deal (somewhat). Also a good reason to get something used. that way not locked into it for too long.
Hmmm, just got another brainstorm. I can get something that my daughter would like, then sell it to her (let her take over payments) 7 months later when she graduates and the Jetta goes back. That might work!
I must be missing something. Now that you have a job again, and a good job from the way it sounds, why aren't you getting the GTI if that'st what you really want?
We're not talking about anything outlandish here, like a MB or BMW or Porsche.
My wife and I were extremely blessed in that both our parents set p college funds for our son- which we dumped into a 529. That said, we told our son that if he wants to go to law school at South Carolina he will have to establish residency there- otherwise he will be going to an in-state school. We are about tapped out on out of state tuition...
I agree with 28ff on this. It's a different career than it used to be--very difficult starting out, and not many jobs to go around unless you can get into a very narrow specialty like patent law. The ABA has accredited too many schools and they have turned out too many graduates for decades now. I'm not sure it's fixable at this point. But, I'm biased, since I work in an office full of lawyers who are no longer in private practice.
Had I known then that, in exchange for three years of almost impossibly difficult schooling, I'd be making the income I make now, I'd have made a bonfire with my applications and my LSAT study books. It's a decent living, but it's less than a lot of my cohorts who didn't attend graduate school. I'm fortunate that I got an academic scholarship for undergrad and graduated with no debt (and some college savings leftover), and still had some "college savings" left when I finished law school. Many end up six figures in debt for degrees of dubious value.
I must be missing something. Now that you have a job again, and a good job from the way it sounds, why aren't you getting the GTI if that'st what you really want?
We're not talking about anything outlandish here, like a MB or BMW or Porsche.
Because I still have a monthly budget to fit the payment into. That budget won't allow the extra $100+ per month that a GTI lease would be.
Wife is slowly coming around .. not sure if I'm wearing her down or she's truly on board. She thinks I'm emotionally invested in this car. Told her that I'm not - that this deal rids us of the charges with the Elantra ($700-800 for miles, and about the same for the bumper damage), and keeps the payment the same.
Explained that the deals are stellar on the remaining 2016 inventory, but that inventory is starting to shrink. In 2 months, I may have to get a 2017.
I must be missing something. Now that you have a job again, and a good job from the way it sounds, why aren't you getting the GTI if that'st what you really want?
We're not talking about anything outlandish here, like a MB or BMW or Porsche.
Because I still have a monthly budget to fit the payment into. That budget won't allow the extra $100+ per month that a GTI lease would be.
Wife is slowly coming around .. not sure if I'm wearing her down or she's truly on board. She thinks I'm emotionally invested in this car. Told her that I'm not - that this deal rids us of the charges with the Elantra ($700-800 for miles, and about the same for the bumper damage), and keeps the payment the same.
Explained that the deals are stellar on the remaining 2016 inventory, but that inventory is starting to shrink. In 2 months, I may have to get a 2017.
As long as you like the car and will be happy with it for another 36 months, it seems like a no-brainer.
OK fine, knowing this crowd, 18 months and then you can spend the next 18 months shopping for it's replacement.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Had I known then that, in exchange for three years of almost impossibly difficult schooling, I'd be making the income I make now, I'd have made a bonfire with my applications and my LSAT study books.
I had dreams of doing that. In fact, I still do.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I must be missing something. Now that you have a job again, and a good job from the way it sounds, why aren't you getting the GTI if that'st what you really want?
We're not talking about anything outlandish here, like a MB or BMW or Porsche.
Because I still have a monthly budget to fit the payment into. That budget won't allow the extra $100+ per month that a GTI lease would be.
Wife is slowly coming around .. not sure if I'm wearing her down or she's truly on board. She thinks I'm emotionally invested in this car. Told her that I'm not - that this deal rids us of the charges with the Elantra ($700-800 for miles, and about the same for the bumper damage), and keeps the payment the same.
Explained that the deals are stellar on the remaining 2016 inventory, but that inventory is starting to shrink. In 2 months, I may have to get a 2017.
As long as you like the car and will be happy with it for another 36 months, it seems like a no-brainer.
OK fine, knowing this crowd, 18 months and then you can spend the next 18 months shopping for it's replacement.
Happy? That may be a stretch.
At the moment, it's transportation. I'm not commuting with it, so it's mostly for errand running. But it would be nice to have some of the updated features (rear camera, push button start, better iPhone integration). Plus a couple extra MPG (27/37 on the Hyundai, 28/39 on the Jetta).
Thinking about it objectively, the only thing I'm losing with the Jetta is fog lights. And the hatch - though the trunk on the Jetta is quite large. Both have heated seats. Cruise. Power windows and mirrors. Satellite radio. Only 2HP difference. Even the tires are the same size on both cars (205/55-16). Here's hoping I don't go through 3 sets this time around.
For someone who loves cars as much as I do, I've certainly owned a bunch of pedestrian models.
My wife and I were extremely blessed in that both our parents set p college funds for our son- which we dumped into a 529. That said, we told our son that if he wants to go to law school at South Carolina he will have to establish residency there- otherwise he will be going to an in-state school. We are about tapped out on out of state tuition...
I agree with 28ff on this. It's a different career than it used to be--very difficult starting out, and not many jobs to go around unless you can get into a very narrow specialty like patent law. The ABA has accredited too many schools and they have turned out too many graduates for decades now. I'm not sure it's fixable at this point. But, I'm biased, since I work in an office full of lawyers who are no longer in private practice.
Had I known then that, in exchange for three years of almost impossibly difficult schooling, I'd be making the income I make now, I'd have made a bonfire with my applications and my LSAT study books. It's a decent living, but it's less than a lot of my cohorts who didn't attend graduate school. I'm fortunate that I got an academic scholarship for undergrad and graduated with no debt (and some college savings leftover), and still had some "college savings" left when I finished law school. Many end up six figures in debt for degrees of dubious value.
He wants to combine it with his Sports Management degree and work for a Pro franchise. He's not thinking of hanging out a shingle. I had a ball in law school for the most part, but today if anyone did the things my classmates and I used to do the PC [non-permissible content removed] would have them drawn and quartered.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I am torn. probably will end up with more basic transport, but that leaves the RDX as the travel car, and I want something with more modern goodies for that.
so, dilemma.
also why I may buy used, and basically defer the real move for a year (instead of 3). and set up the option of keeping the used car (if I like it enough) and trading the Acura for the new CUV my wife would like.
I should stick with something like the TT to go along with whatever SUV I get, but there ain't much wrong with a v8 sedan, either. I have seen some E550 examples I wouldn't kick out of the garage.
BTW, I have gotten several comments from the wife lately that I should replace the S70. But nobody is going to buy the thing, and it runs too good to junk. I have recently done rotos and pads and lowering springs all around, but I am still not driving it because the AC is nonfunctioning. I believe the schrader valve core is to blame and it is a PITA to locate. Ordered them on amazon and they are wrong; went to 2 parts stores today with no luck; and even failed at the Volvo dealer. Now waiting a week for them to arrive from another online place. Guess she is getting tired of it taking up a garage bay.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Glad kids are all finally out of school with two out of three working now. Middle girl passed the first part of her pharmacy boards, thank G-d, and I know will pass the law part. Then she needs a job to pay off her loans. Not worried about her doing that. Now, all the extra cash goes into our retirement accounts and we both figure on working until the end of 2017 or mid 2018. The wife being a CPA plans to keep her existing clients even after that which I think makes sense. Am banking all my work paychecks because when I stop this time, I ain't going back, no way...no how! That's why I plan to get something I really like right before then so it can last me a few years. Luckily my driving should be cut by 2/3's so it should last more years.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Is that $2100 a large percentage of your wife's salary? At least child care is tax deductible. My wife has the camp tuition taken out of her check pre tax every month. Then in December, we submit the forms & get a nice check. Plus camp tuition is through our JCC & is tax deductible. But I've still got to shell the money out. Then there is religious school tuition and temple dues as well. I know these are problems that many would kill for. I realize how fortunate we are, just venting.
Not quite so fast. The feds only allow $3k total per year per child to be deducted. It is a joke compared to the actual cost.
Better than nothing
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@Michaell - "or someone who loves cars as much as I do, I've certainly owned a bunch of pedestrian models" - this is what kills me about the Legacy. When I first told people I bought a Subaru, their first reaction was: Wow! I know you got the WRX!
Since you are going to wait (BOO!) and you seem to be in VW mode right now (too much TDI talk rubbin off on ya), see what kind of GTIs are still around. There are still a bunch out there with $5K plus off sticker plus a nice residual for 10K per year. You might be able to snag a GTI "S" if the timing is right.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@Michaell at the risk of sounding dense, if it's the same monthly and you're not going to go down to one car later, what's the difference if you get a VW now or a Hyundai later? Is she planning on letting you get something nicer?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I went into the wrong line of work, for sure.
For an extra $100, I promise not to let them have any of my beer.
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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Agree - we are very fortunate that we can afford it. It is not a majority portion of my wife's salary, but it is a significant chunk of change.
Don't get me started on Synagogue dues and tuition.
Edit: just read the tax publication. It is not independent of income, but it never drops to zero.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We are about tapped out on out of state tuition...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Quite an adventure I'm about to embark on!
I sent my son to a Jesuit High School in Cincinnati.....$10K/year tuition 10 years ago (plus the requisite fees, donations, etc they expected).
College came around, and I made a pact with my son, I'll pay for 4 years it takes to get a degree, but that's where the money train ends. That cost me about $120K, and he worked part time to buy books, sundries, gas and insurance for the car (he commuted). I was still about $20K short as I had put aside $100K. Plus, it took him 5 years to graduate, so he had to come up with that last year's college tuition.
He graduated with a Computer Science degree about 6 years ago. He's pretty frugal. He did get a college loan for his last year (about $20K) which he paid off within 24 months. He's since followed my footsteps and bought the GTI but put $10K down, and I think he'll have it paid off sometime next year.
I thought what I was paying was outrageous. What you guys are paying is crazy.
I paid for my own college tuition, which I could do with a summer job and by bartending during the school year. That's nowhere near possible now.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yes, Q the 3K deduction is a joke.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Fortunate in one sense, that we were already mid-30s when he was born, and he is an only child. So, paying for it wasn't a big issue. Unfortunate that he wasn't a better student, and blew about $20K of academic scholarships (or, my cost would have been $60K).
So, he has a political science degree, and no student debt. Of course, he wants to go to law school. The Bank of DAD is officially closed to that prospect, though.
He will figure it out, some day. Just not today.
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It is too expensive to take the time to find yourself. I'd recommend he work for a while first in the field (law firm, corporate legal department etc.) to be sure it is what he really wants.
I've been lucky in that I don't practice, but have parlayed the background into a related field as a Consultant. My experience is the exception and not the norm.
Of course, for a guaranteed career, go into auto mechanics.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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I also made it clear that I help for 4 years, and they get some loans (at least the subsidized ones). After that, including grad school, on them.
worked fine for the boy, since he got an engineering degree. paid off his modest loans in 2 years, and now makes a nice salary, and is about to buy a much nicer car than mine, and will immediately taunt me with it.
Princess, so far doing fine, and has some internships/summer work already lined up for next year (and is working 1 day during the semester). I think she will be fine, and likely has job in hand by graduation.
I just want to be done. and I have a lot of old age care credits built up!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Free care for both her kids, though the prices were not nearly as bad as what I've read today.
Update on the Jetta - emailed the salesman last night, asked for $225/mo all in - with tax, including their share of costs on the Elantra, and, can you dealer swap for the blue one.
Sales manager emailed me back today - if they can get the blue one, they will, and they'll meet the $225/mo request.
Only issue is that the lease sales tax in my county is collected up front - so, in addition to the $225 first payment out of pocket, I'll also owe around $250-300 for the city taxes. State and county tax is part of the $225/mo.
Have forwarded the thread to my wife - no charges on the E-GT, it goes away and I get a new car for basically the same payment as what I'm making now. Figure $500 inception costs.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I'm trying to deal with this as a business transaction - no emotion.
As noted, I like the car well enough - but, it's no GTI. Perhaps that will be next.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Hmmm, just got another brainstorm. I can get something that my daughter would like, then sell it to her (let her take over payments) 7 months later when she graduates and the Jetta goes back. That might work!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
We're not talking about anything outlandish here, like a MB or BMW or Porsche.
Had I known then that, in exchange for three years of almost impossibly difficult schooling, I'd be making the income I make now, I'd have made a bonfire with my applications and my LSAT study books. It's a decent living, but it's less than a lot of my cohorts who didn't attend graduate school. I'm fortunate that I got an academic scholarship for undergrad and graduated with no debt (and some college savings leftover), and still had some "college savings" left when I finished law school. Many end up six figures in debt for degrees of dubious value.
Wife is slowly coming around .. not sure if I'm wearing her down or she's truly on board. She thinks I'm emotionally invested in this car. Told her that I'm not - that this deal rids us of the charges with the Elantra ($700-800 for miles, and about the same for the bumper damage), and keeps the payment the same.
Explained that the deals are stellar on the remaining 2016 inventory, but that inventory is starting to shrink. In 2 months, I may have to get a 2017.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
OK fine, knowing this crowd, 18 months and then you can spend the next 18 months shopping for it's replacement.
At the moment, it's transportation. I'm not commuting with it, so it's mostly for errand running. But it would be nice to have some of the updated features (rear camera, push button start, better iPhone integration). Plus a couple extra MPG (27/37 on the Hyundai, 28/39 on the Jetta).
Thinking about it objectively, the only thing I'm losing with the Jetta is fog lights. And the hatch - though the trunk on the Jetta is quite large. Both have heated seats. Cruise. Power windows and mirrors. Satellite radio. Only 2HP difference. Even the tires are the same size on both cars (205/55-16). Here's hoping I don't go through 3 sets this time around.
For someone who loves cars as much as I do, I've certainly owned a bunch of pedestrian models.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Only 18 months? That would be short for many here.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
so, dilemma.
also why I may buy used, and basically defer the real move for a year (instead of 3). and set up the option of keeping the used car (if I like it enough) and trading the Acura for the new CUV my wife would like.
many moving parts. complicated stuff!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.bergeyschryslerjeepdodge.com/used/Chrysler/2005-Chrysler-300C-Souderton-5db429e00a0e0adf41c9e44a3de03af2.htm
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
though that is a nice looking one, and not bad miles.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
BTW, I have gotten several comments from the wife lately that I should replace the S70. But nobody is going to buy the thing, and it runs too good to junk. I have recently done rotos and pads and lowering springs all around, but I am still not driving it because the AC is nonfunctioning. I believe the schrader valve core is to blame and it is a PITA to locate. Ordered them on amazon and they are wrong; went to 2 parts stores today with no luck; and even failed at the Volvo dealer. Now waiting a week for them to arrive from another online place. Guess she is getting tired of it taking up a garage bay.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
heck, keep it another 14 months, get it all dialed in, and I will take it off your hands, for the right price.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2004-jeep-grand_cherokee-4dr_overland_4wd-used-15389998.html
and if you want a luxo barge, go all the way
http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2007-cadillac-dts-4dr_sedan_luxury_i-used-15386199.html
and if you really want to make a tough guy SUV statement, here you go.
http://www.royaleasing.com/detail-2007-toyota-fj_cruiser-4wd_4dr_automatic-used-15264902.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, it was more like a cross-examination.
The upshot is, I'm waiting until October or November to make a deal.
She wants to know why I just wouldn't get another Hyundai.
I've tried to explain, but it's falling on deaf ears.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Am banking all my work paychecks because when I stop this time, I ain't going back, no way...no how! That's why I plan to get something I really like right before then so it can last me a few years. Luckily my driving should be cut by 2/3's so it should last more years.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Since you are going to wait (BOO!) and you seem to be in VW mode right now (too much TDI talk rubbin off on ya), see what kind of GTIs are still around. There are still a bunch out there with $5K plus off sticker plus a nice residual for 10K per year. You might be able to snag a GTI "S" if the timing is right.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD