Thursday Thoughts - some all-hot half-shot was headin' for the hot spot snappin' his fingers clappin' his hands

1. One of my favorite working from home things is to be able to always have adult lunchables without having to package everything separately. 

2. I was in my office Monday to collaborate with people in person for the first time in 500 days. I could not figure out how to get the fuck out of the train station because only two exits are open in Suburban. Good start.

3. Tuesday I was at a grand opening during which I said no thanks to shaking hands and will say no thanks to shaking hands for eternity. I also almost ran out of gas coming home due to turnpike gas being shut down. I also got caught in rolling lane closures and dead stop traffic. All of these things in this and previous to say Real World Re-Entry is not smooth. 

And to use this photo, which is blurring because my camera is not focusing in when I zoom too quickly, Apple's way of urging me to its newest model (I was dead stopped with lane closures, do not fret), but the sign says REPENT Confess your sins GOD WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON and I saw this coming and going and I know many religions rely on spreading their beliefs to others but I wish more religious people relied on having love in their heart for all people. I'd rather a sign saying BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER than this tone. This pisses me off regardless of intent.

4. I'll be back in my office for a few hours tomorrow too to have something couriered out. Woof, this week. I've watched nothing, read very little of Elin Hilderbrand's latest (Golden Girl), not much else. Since I'll be in there anyway I might try to get an acupuncture appointment in.

5. I did get a new to me car dropped off. Is it wild that companies will just drop a car off at your house for you to own? What a world. We've leased a volvo for me for the past six or so years and decided to get out of that game and buy used. I got a little wagon and I love it. I never wanted a white car, still don't, but this had the interior I wanted and super low mileage and used cars are sort of scarce right now. Carvana. And our marriage survived. Sorry for the not great photo, I am not a big car person but am a big they dropped this right off for me at the curb convenience person. Thanks to MFD for getting this all done. I don't do the car things, I handed that over to him years ago after he drove off in my fully paid off car and came back in a new one.

6. We love a simple meal like grilled steak, fresh cauliflower cut up and steamed in water/butter/Penzey's fox point seasoning, and baby potatoes steamed then baked at a high temp.

7. Don't @ me. Covered Simone Biles and the consumption of other humans and bathing yesterday.

8. The friendly household serial killer of all things stuffed.

9. Reminder: 

10. Ecards: Until the mosquitoes and gnats are dealt with at least.

Happy birthday to Frank today! As always he'll be here tomorrow with his annual birthday blog.

What appears beyond the hyphen in Thursday Thoughts titles is what I'm listening to or most recently heard when I'm starting this - this week is Bruce's Blinded by the Light

5 things to consider when buying a new car

Happy Sunday friends. The lease on my car is up in February so we'll be in the market again. I love my car now, but it doesn't have the room I need to be taking laundry back and forth to the shore (no washer/dryer there). I am by no means an expert on this, and have done very little research, so here's Dan Cormac on the subject. Dan is a freelance financial journalist who is is passionate about personal finance. Whether you hope to escape the chains of debt, to save for a house, or to retire within a decade, Dan explores the most effective ways you can achieve your financial goals. 

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There are many considerations to make before investing in a car, as the finances you have available determine the car you choose. Of course, you want to buy a car that matches your lifestyle and bank balance. Here are 5 things to consider when buying a new car.

The Monthly Car Payment

It is important to have a firm grasp of your budget before you invest in a new or used vehicle. Review your income against your living expenses such as your mortgage or rent, groceries, utilities, debt payments, fuel and disposable income. Look at your bank statement to identify if you are overspending on a product or service, so you can use the surplus money towards the cost of a car.

Generally, transportation fees should not exceed 20% of your monthly income. For example, if you earn $2,000 per month, your vehicle’s total expenses should not cost more than $400 per month. If your desired car costs more than 20%, return to the drawing board to find a more affordable vehicle for your budget.

Interest

It’s not only the price of the car that can affect your finances, as you will pay interest on a car loan. You must therefore factor in interest rates into your monthly payment, as it can determine the affordability of your chosen vehicle. However, you may be subjected to higher interest rates if you have a low credit score. Consider the interest fees attached to a vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

An Affordable Vehicle

There are many vehicles designed with both quality and affordability in mind, which will allow you to experience a dependable vehicle for many years to come. Instead of spending a considerable amount of money on an over-priced vehicle, look for a car that has built up a strong reputation for providing luxurious, affordable makes and models, which you can find at Toyota Dunfermline.

Understand Your Trade-in Value

Are you trading an old car before you buy a new or used one? If so, you must understand the trade-in value of the vehicle before you trade in your used car. This will ensure you receive the best possible price for the car, which you can use towards your new set of wheels.

Consider Your Lifestyle

While a car’s style might sway your decision, you must select a vehicle based on your lifestyle. While that two-seater convertible might look great, it will prevent you from enjoying family days out or a road trip with friends. Don’t allow your heart to rule your head and select a car that is both functional and sleek.

Conclusion

There is nothing more exciting than buying a new car; however, you should never allow your emotions to stand in the way of your needs. You must therefore review your finances, understand the trade-in value of your current vehicle, consider interest rates and select a vehicle that suits your lifestyle.

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What's most important to you when car shopping?

Whatever today brings, I hope you enjoy it!