A lot of people are feeling financially squeezed right now, and they’re blaming everything except their car.

Transportation is one of the top three household expenses. Between longer loans, higher interest rates, pricier insurance, and cars that lose value faster than ever, owning a car has gotten way more expensive in the last few years.

And yet most of us still treat the car note like it’s untouchable…like it just is what it is.

In this episode, we break down what’s really changed about car ownership, remind you that you’re not alone, and walk through what you can actually do if your car costs too much but you still need it to get to work tomorrow.

Need to hear this but don’t want to admit it? We get it. But this isn’t about shame…

Here’s what we cover:

• Why the average car payment is now $745 (new) and $521 (used)
• How the pandemic car bubble left so many people upside down on loans
• The real cost of owning a car: loan, gas, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation
• Signs your car is eating more than its share of your paycheck
• What to do if you’re stuck with a car that no longer fits your life
• A reminder that walking away from a car isn’t failure, it’s financial maturity

Connect with Julien and Kiersten on our website, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Join our email list to get updates from us, opportunities for discounts, freebies and a quick rundown on the relevant financial and career news impacting your life.

Get our book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away, named 2023 best overall book about investing by Business Insider and one of the best personal finance books by Forbes
If you would like to learn more about investing, check out our newest class, Making Money Grow