Minivan

We have two kids now. We want more. So we are going to need a minivan someday. And right now Dodge has a pretty good deal.

But we decided not to take advantage of it. There are two reasons.

1. Going into debt should always be a source of slow and careful consideration. Dealerships want you to make a rapid decision -- to be a little off-balance. We decided that a payment at this time in our lives would really strain our finances.
   
   
2. We don't absolutely need a minivan right now, the whole family can fit in what we have. It is tight, especially with all the cargo (stroller, pack n' play, etc.) that accompanies small children. We were not really even thinking about buying one until next winter. But the Dodge deal enticed us, and we went to the lot and looked.

And we realized how nice it would be to have space for everyone, no little kicks into my back, a radio/CD player that actually works, an engine and drive-train with less than 176000 miles (our lowest-mileage car, the other has 206000) and just the overall appeal of a new nice ride.

But we walked away from the lot, away from the allure of the thing, the song of the siren, and back into the land of cold, clear logic. This isn't a necessity. It is a want. We have been blessed with what we have.

We can make it work. And we will.  ¶ 9:25 AM