He had $5,000 saved. For the SUV, that wasn't even 10%.
Two years later, Leo pulled up to a trailhead in his silver sedan. His friend pulled up next to him in a flashy truck—the kind Leo almost bought. His friend looked exhausted, complaining about working overtime just to cover the "beast's" insurance. buying a car based on income
(who sounded suspiciously like his frugal Uncle Pete) countered, "Leo, you make $55,000 a year. After taxes and rent, that $700 is half your 'fun money.' One flat tire and you're cooked." He had $5,000 saved
Between the payment, insurance, and gas, the SUV would eat 25% of his take-home pay. His friend pulled up next to him in
whispered, "You earned this. Everyone will see you pull up in this and know you’ve made it. It’s only $700 a month. You can eat ramen for a year."
Leo grabbed his gear, locked his car, and headed up the mountain. He realized then that "making it" wasn't about what you drove to the trail; it was having the freedom to actually be there.