Vehicle affordability
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Save enough cash to buy a reliable used car outright rather than financing a cheap, high-mileage vehicle that costs more in repairs.
Cars bought for less than this amount tend to be so beat up that repair costs exceed the savings.
one person who lived it
After paying off debts, save three months' worth of living expenses.
Knowing you are covered for three months can make you feel liberated.
one person who lived it
Call your employer immediately to explain a car breakdown and request remote work or time off.
It can buy you time to find a solution.
one person who lived it
Use local food banks to cover basic needs when finances are strained by unexpected expenses.
They exist to help you and there is no judgement.
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Seek a second assessment for costly vehicle fixes to confirm if the work is needed and what it should cost.
Expensive bills for aging vehicles might be inflated.
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Learn basic mechanical skills to perform 'swap-a-part' repairs yourself to save money.
Doing this work yourself can save thousands of dollars.
one person who lived it
Avoid long-term car financing over 60 months.
Anything over 60 months is described as insane.
one person who lived it
Attend your court date and ask the judge to refund tow costs and fees.
Judges may refund these costs in similar scenarios and can direct you to assistance resources.
one person who lived it
Check oil and fluids regularly and learn to read dipsticks to extend your car's life.
Fluids are cheap and maintaining the car helps it last longer.
one person who lived it
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If you were not at fault in a car accident, hire a lawyer who works on commission to get the most from your settlement.
Insurance companies try to settle before state involvement; lawyers can secure higher payouts for free upfront cost.
one person who lived it
Avoid scrapping small amounts of metal like appliance cords as a walk-in customer.
The time spent and travel costs often result in very low hourly earnings, and the behavior may be viewed negatively by scrapyard staff.
one person who lived it
Keep a battery bank in your car to charge your phone if the vehicle's electrical system dies.
One person recently experienced a dead electrical system and could not make a phone call without it.
one person who lived it
Keep an older, cheap vehicle that is easy to repair as a primary driver.
It provides reliable transportation despite not being in perfect condition.
one person who lived it
Sell valuable belongings or small items to raise emergency cash for immediate financial crises like rent.
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Seek employment that provides a company-owned vehicle for work.
The employer accounts for operating costs.
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Learn to shop by budgeting, stocking up on sales, buying bigger packages, cutting meat yourself, and choosing better value brands.
This strategy reduces spending despite rising prices and deeper discounts.
one person who lived it
If it takes a long time for your car's heat to work, diagnose and fix the likely coolant leak immediately to prevent engine overheating or head gasket failure.
Delayed heat function often indicates an unchecked coolant leak that can destroy the engine.
one person who lived it
Move out of a household where you are financially supporting multiple adults to stop subsidizing their inaction and regain control of your resources.
Continuing to provide support removes any incentive for others to change their behavior.
one person who lived it
Consider moving in with a family member, such as a brother, to share living expenses.
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Apply for general assistance or town welfare programs even if officers are intimidating.
Officers are obligated to help regardless of their demeanor.
- Welfare officers may be hostile or scary.
one person who lived it
Reach out to your local Community Action Program's street outreach team for necessities and shelter recommendations.
They can help with immediate needs and recommend shelters, including youth shelters which may have more availability.
one person who lived it
Use uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance if the at-fault driver lacks enough coverage.
It is designed for this exact situation.
one person who lived it
Contact the vehicle manufacturer directly to inquire about recalls or class action settlements.
Specific issues like engine failures may be covered under settlement terms.
one person who lived it
Refuse to pay partial amounts for a family member's repossessed vehicle unless they can cover the full outstanding balance, as partial payments are typically wasted.
Lenders usually require the full amount owed before returning a repossessed item.
one person who lived it
Buy an older used Toyota or Honda with insurance money and savings.
one person who lived it
Check if your university offers emergency grants to students to cover immediate financial crises.
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Factor vehicle maintenance and operating expenses into gig delivery earnings to determine true profitability.
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Check local government initiatives for low-income vehicle aid, including repair subsidies or down payment support.
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Contact your insurance company to verify if towing services are covered under your current policy before arranging transport.
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