TheBusyBrain via flickrAs winter season approaches (or is already here) and I make the morning commute on the train, I can’t help but think about buying a second car. I am definitely a frugal person, but I just can’t help thinking about the luxury of driving to work when it is 20 degrees outside. In fact, as I was walking to work while it was 28 degrees outside, I could see people in their warm cars, some even sipping hot coffee. Little did they know I was secretly wishing they would give me a ride (as I am sure many of them also work at my employer). We already have one reliable car and it’s not everyday that you can find great deals for new cars, so it is always a struggle when I think about buying a second one.

Why I am Tempted to Buy a New Car

My wife and I currently function with one car. It isn’t that hard to get around in the northeast without a second car. There are plenty of options with public transportation where I live and we don’t like driving that much anyway because of all the traffic. I also work close enough to the train, so it is manageable.

Having all of this available doesn’t make it easy, by any means. My work is close enough to the train station, but it is still 3/4 of a mile walk after I get off the train. People in the northeast (from my experience) typically walk more than others and I can easily manage this walk in the winter with the proper clothing, but it doesn’t mean that I want to. There is a huge difference between getting by and enjoying it.

Why I Probably Won’t Buy a Second Car

While it is tempting to look for a second car, the financial benefits of not having a car outweigh the luxury for me. I absolutely love having financial freedom and don’t like the idea of committing too much money to items that depreciate.  I think it is also cool to  consider what this savings allows me to do. As my wife frequently reminds me, it allows us to travel. We love traveling! My wife currently has the travel bug and has begun to plan our yearly anniversary trip. I am almost to the point of giving her a budget to work with. By sacrificing the second car, we are able to enjoy a nice vacation without feeling like we spend too much money. Successfully managing your finances is all about setting your priorities. Then again, one day I will get a second car… just not yet.

Readers, where do you make sacrifices so that you splurge?