God is amazing! As of June 12, 2020, I officially own my car! It took a long time to get here, but I am so thankful that God helped me pay off my car early while I work on my new book and still apply for jobs.

When I first purchased “Storm,” I was living in another state, and I had some financial challenges at the time. I didn’t have any money to put down on a car so instead I leased the vehicle (I wouldn’t do that again, but you live and learn). I drove my car so much that I exceeded the allowable mileage for the lease; therefore, I decided to purchase my car. Financing my car added an extra 2.5 years of payments. It was my first car, and without much guidance, I did what I felt was necessary to be independent. However, here is what I learned:

1. If you can pay cash for your car, please do!
2. I wouldn’t recommend buying a new car because it depreciates significantly when you drive off the lot.
3. If you have to finance your car, don’t finance beyond three years because you will pay way more than the value of your car.
4. Keep up with your car maintenance (change your oil!). My car is in great condition because I maintain her.

If you have other tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments.