Boy has this thread gone downhill. I was hoping for this thread to be a source of information, a collection of stories for future or current Ferrari hopefuls. I thought OP was intellectually curious on the opinions, the histories, the problems that people faced, in order to be where they are today. Boy, was I wrong. What a let down. Why the hell do you care about how your friend spent his money, let alone what others think of how your friend has spent his money? Here's a fun fact: You know what I did when I first hit the 'jackpot'? I travelled around the world with 2 friends (my only friends) and their families -- all expenses paid by me. I was definitely not conservative. So, now knowing this, what's your opinion? Cause now I'm curious. I'm curious to know what I'll gain from learning how you think of me. Hm, maybe I should've interrogated the guy who spat on my car last week, instead of decking him and seeing him stare at me terrified. And should you save or should you forget: Well I personally would pay into my retirement before I put in every change I have into a Ferrari, but to each his own. Another short story, since I'm in the mood: I never really worked throughout college (I did once, as a bicycle mechanic, but after that job, I realized that I would never work for someone again). I mainly studied, played sports, taught myself a variety of things -- ranging from how to draw, how to play the piano, finance, physiology, programming (indeed, diversity is the spice of life). I did not party, I did not drink, nor did I smoke. I didn't want the minimum wage job, which was the only option back then. So, I tried to better myself in any way, shape or form. So, personally, like someone said, collecting coupons is not the most optimal way to get a Ferrari. But if you're at a point where you're kind of stuck in a rut, you can either quit and join a new industry, or continue the show, and hope you don't give up between now and the finish line. Because that is usually what happens to those who save every cent they have for something like a really, really, expensive car.
Reminds me of when I had very little money, drove a Volkswagen Camper from Belgium to Burma, traded cigarettes for petrol, had boots made for $3 in Afghanastan and sold them for $100 in Moscow etc. Would not trade those memories for all the money in the world. When I began making money, my rule was, save a little, spend more. As I got older time is more valuable (to me) than money, so do not spend the time looking for the bargains, just buy when the urge hits me. We all have our stories and that is what makes life interesting and hopefully inspiring for others. Best
It is inspiring buddy, more then you know. When your working from the bottom, stories like yours keep me going. Thanks.
Quite clearly you didn't read my post with any detail. I never made any judgement on moral questionability, I only wondered if it could be considered FINANCIALLY conservative. Like before - I don't judge whether someone is insane to save up for a Ferrari, neither do I judge what people do spending their money. I'll leave the judging up to other people (you being one of them, by the sounds of it). Onno
Yes. Some can afford it after they have saved for many years, some can afford it just because they were born in the right place. Duh. And what entitlement does this bit of non-relevant information give you, I pray? Nah, please don't tell me. I know already. Yes, this thread has gone downhill. Just a bunch of judgemental people failing to let other people live their lives they way that they want to. Over and out. Onno
Thank you. Life is a long haul. "Getting" too much too soon literally spoils the fun. When young we look forward to the future and when older conjur up memories form the past. Both bring pleasure in their own way. Trust me when I tell you, no matter what your chronological age, the "child" lives on and experiences joy. A " car guy" remains a car guy. Personally, I often feel like placing my hands under my imaginary suspenders and saying "yeah baby". I remember wondering how the other half lived. As I became more successful, I was "introduced" to new "levels" of life, and relaized what I thought was the end zone, was not even the 10 yard line. Keep in mind a well built house does not start with the roof. Best
Your past two posts are exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks for helping in steering this thread back to a better path. Just like my math tutor said in college: "Math is very much like life, it's a very 'tall' subject. All faults and careless mistakes can be attributed to a weak foundation." Thanks to him for putting up with me for countless hours, for many months, it was only then did I finally 'get it'. Not to mention not charging me a single cent.
You are welcome. All too often , whether it be a marriage, business partnership, politics, or even this forum, too many attack the person, instead of the problem. Best
I will spend almost as much money on my car as I did on my house....I have more money in my garage than what my house cost....some see that as a stupid decision and I see it as the way I live.....below my means....single and 40 with a girlfriend doesn't require me to have a big glamerous house....1800 sq ft finished nicely does the job...I've worked hard over the years just as many on here have....started out with a C6 convertible and worked my way up by paying cars off and trading up....the most I finance at a given time on my cars is $100K...this time around the money costs 2.5%...I could pay cash but have serious mental probelms about writing a big check....I just can't get myself to do it....I pay the loan off within a year....I bust my but every day and deserve it.....
I call you and raise you one (lol) "Welcome is a powerful word. Advice, when most needed, is least heeded. Best
It usually takes allot of work, which means allot of time, to get to a place that allows you to work less. I would hate for someone really trying to get something from this thread to think we all figured out ways to beat the system. An attorney works long hours for a firm, makes money per hour, moves up, shares bonuses, moves up within and becomes a partner or moves out and starts own firm. In the latter two cases, instead of making money per hour, he makes money off of everyone elses labor. A mechanic gets so good he has his own following within the place he works. He leaves, opens his own shop and if he can reproduce the quality and reliability he evidenced on his own, opens more shops. Important to know it often requires long hours, and years, before "working less for more". Best
Agreed. Reality is that you have to work many years and hours to have $300k to spend on a car...unless you win or inherit $$$.
Now, what if the car costs you $880k ? That´s the price for the 458 in brazil, also you have a $35k tax every year The insurance would be about $80k a year, and the maintance cost around $60k a year... Anyway, I still believe I will own one Fcar one day, even if I´m making only $55k (raw) a year now =)
A few years back, a friend had her vehicle stolen at gunpoint in Sao Paulo while parking outside her apartment building. That was an opel. I see why insurance would be so expensive. I don't see why anyone without the means to hire bodyguards would want to own such a car down there.
If you want that F car so badly. I suggest it might be easier to relocate to a country where you can get one for $300k.
You can have anything you can imagine. Do not every quit and your dreams will be reality. Work hard, believe and help others....its the law of the land you have to succeed.