Wednesday - 14 November 2007 - Bad Choices
Often times, we find ourselves facing a major decision. And more and more often, we find the options to all be bad options. So we are left with picking from the lesser of several evils.
Recently, this was highlighted to me AGAIN.
About a year ago, Kathy and I made the decision to move to Jefferson City from Knoxville, Tennessee. NOW this was about the LAST decision we faced that was not between two or more bad options. But that decision did lead us to a few of the other choices we would have to later make.
First up was not that tough. Do we all move immediately, or do we have me go first and have Kathy and the boys follow after school finishes? It just made more sense for me to lead the way, learn about the area, give the boys a chance to say good-bye to friends and prepare our house to be sold. So this one was easy.
Another decision that we faced then, and have essentially delayed, has been regarding a motor vehicle for me. For three and a half years, I was driving a company car as the traffic reporter. We didn't have the money to put in to keeping my car, for lack of a better term, viable. Intended to do so, just didn't have the means of doing so. So, when I took this job we sunk about a thousand dollars into the car to get it up and running.
That was essentially throwing good money after bad. My car is a 1996 Ford Taurus with a 121k miles on it. The AC doesn't work, the power steering squeaks, as do the rear struts and the breaks. The transmission is JERKY as hell and that has cause me to replace motor mounts.
Now I have learned that my car is a lot like its owner, it ain't running on all cylinders. The number three cylinder has no compression.
So my decision is what kind of car to get....and that is completely wrapped around what I can afford. That problem is compounded by the fact that I have not earned as much this year as I had hoped. My base salary is decent, but the opportunities for extra money have been severely lacking. So, buying a car will be tough. Especially when I face the fact that my sons are getting bigger. And will continue to do so...they appear to have my build. A truck would be a better choice from THAT perspective, as well as from the other practical uses of a truck. But that will have to be worked out.
NOW, we face a decision that I am guessing 75 percent, or more, of you are also facing. It is open enrollment time for benefits here at work. AND health insurance costs have gone through the roof!! We have to decide if we are going to stay on my work plan or move to Kathy's work plan. Or a third plan...split us up between the two. We are still running the numbers, but the decision will have to be made within the next day or so.
AND NO, I am not one of those who thinks that my employer OWES me a great plan. I wish they did, but they do NOT owe it to me. Nor does the government.
And guess what...that health insurance decision will also play-in to the car/truck decision. It is all a money game. Got to figure out what I can afford.
By the way, did you like how I did not mention that other bad choices most of us will face soon?
Yeah, I AM referring to the Presidential Primaries!!! And don't worry, I am certain the choices you get come November 2008 will be as bad.
