Yesterday I bought the most expensive vehicle I’ve ever had in my life.

(Let me clarify: it’s not that it’s that extravagant, I’ve just had pretty crappy vehicles.)

Yes, I made that huge purchase in the middle of an economic collapse.

Some friends thought I was crazy.  But many of them were proud of me, even if behind my back they thought I was crazy.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that there were a few times during my deliberation over the past few days where I asked myself if this was the best time or best decision for me and my money.  Most people would be holding their cash close to the chest during a recession, to protect what they have and plan for the worst.

Those people aren’t necessarily wrong to do so.

I just had a list of reasons (of which I had to verbally remind myself) of why this was the best decision for my family and me during this time.

Even though it was a big purchase, at a dark time emotionally and economically, I had made this decision consciously.  I’d weighed all my options.

I spent the past six months researching every body style and trim level of Toyota 4Runners.

I knew what the appropriate costs were and I knew exactly what features I needed and exactly what features I really wanted.  I knew what mileage I didn’t want it to exceed. And I knew what budget I refused to go over (even though I was tempted countless times).  

I test drove several in the area and had over 100 different email conversations.

So when I found the ideal one for my family’s situation two days ago, I had done all the legwork I could do.  But I still felt that fear. 

Here was my thought process leading up to the purchase that allowed me to finally feel secure with my decision.

  1. I wanted to get the best possible car I could afford and not go over what I knew that number was.
  2. I wanted to get the newest car I could afford, with features that would stand the test of time, because I would keep it as long as I could (plan is 10 years) for maximum value.
  3. I wanted a vehicle that could carry my equipment when I was on shoots and could pull my trailers when I was hauling trash or pulling my boat (couldn’t do that for the past three years with my little Volvo!).
  4. I wanted a vehicle that was reliable (Toyotas are widely known for their reliability and resale value) and safe (airbags everywhere!). 
  5. I knew that this vehicle had all of the things I needed and most of the things I wanted.
  6. I knew that this vehicle not only was listed at a fair price, but that it was $4000 less than a fair price for its age, mileage, and condition, plus there was not a single 4Runner in 100 miles that came close to its price range for its quality.
  7. Lastly, I was about to pull the trigger on almost virtually the same car the week before, but it was 2 years older and had 20,000 more miles on it, for only a $500 difference.

After I reviewed all those items in my head, there were no emotional reactions that needed to be considered.

I’d done my research, I found what I needed, and I made the right decision.

So often we worry about things like  “What if I paid too much?” or “What if I find a better deal tomorrow?” or any combination of fear-based questions.

But if we calm down and focus on responding to the fear with conscious decision making instead of reacting to the fear, we can be at peace with our choices.

Making tough decisions in a time of crisis and economic collapse is exponentially more difficult.

But as entrepreneur Evan Carmichael says, “Big decisions with the heart, little decisions with the head.”

If you want to buy that car, or start that new business, or invest in the stock market when we’re in this downturn, follow your heart.  

Just be sure that you’ve done all the proper research with your head.

 

Rain Bennett is a two-time Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, and competitive storyteller with over a decade of experience producing documentary films that focus on health and wellness. His mission is simple: to make the world happier and healthier by sharing stories of change.

You can read the rest of “Right as Rain” here, and check back every Wednesday on Chapelboro for a new column! 

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