MONEY DECISION GUIDE

Can I Afford This Car?

Test the full cost against your cash flow instead of asking whether a lender approves you.

Approval is not affordability. Add the payment, insurance change, fuel, maintenance, taxes, registration, parking, and a repair allowance.

Run that total through your budget while still funding minimum payments, a cash reserve, and important goals.

If the purchase consumes the surplus that protects you from emergencies, the price or timing needs another look.