It seems popular to constantly drive towards more and more things these days, to want more, and when it comes to acquiring those things people often resort to credit because they either don't want to wait to save the funds or don't have the ability. It doesn't make sense to me mostly, especially with items that will depreciate in value, and due to the fact that along with money gained through credit comes interest repayments meaning people will pay more than the item is worth and due to depreciation are left with an item worth far less than the initial price. Maybe not a problem for some things people buy, but in today's throw-away society it's a problem...a look around the economies of the world and people's financial positions will demonstrate that.
This makes me think about what people want and what people need, usually two completely different things, and recently while wandering around a large 4x4 show this was clearly demonstrated. There were so many things available from one end of the money scale to the other and I was left wondering how many people will ever ask themselves whether they need or want the items they buy prior to spending the money.
I came across this cool little campervan, based on the Toyota Hiace, for instance; sure, it's not going to fit a huge family, but for a single or couple who want to get on the road touring around it seems to be pretty legit.
It has a little kitchen with sink, fridge, solar panels, inverter and deep cycle batteries to power the fridge and appliances, a table/dining area that converts to two single beds or one double bed, an outdoor awning and portable outdoor kitchen and the vehicle itself is 4x4 so it is able to handle some of the less rugged off-road tracks Australia will present it with. There's other things but you get the idea; it has some stuff, the basics, that will permit a couple or single to get out and about.
The price...well, it's not so small at $112,000 Australian dollars (some $73,500 USD) but considering that it's the transport and accommodation in one that's not too bad. When you consider it against something like the EarthCruiser some of which run up into one million dollars (AUD) mark it's certainly quite cheap. Yes, they are different things altogether, but I think the people who use them will have a nice time either way. It'd be great to own this Earthcruiser Explorer but if one doesn't need all the features, I mean truly need them then why have it?
That's my point really, I guess I see it as prudent for a person to determine what they need and work around that rather than what they want and then run the risk of over-buying which, of course, will be a costly error.
For me, the little Hiace campervan is not quite enough for my needs and the Earthcruiser Explorer as linked above, while I fucken love it and want it, is far more than I need. For me I'm looking for just enough...no, actually that's a lie, I need to have a little more than I need because I like to be prepared for the unexpected, so I weigh and measure my purchases against needs rather than wants.
What about you? Do you buy enough, a little more or too much?
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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My father was the original minimalists. Other than very few clothes and a lot of books, he had zero possessions, and this is how I've always been. 'I'm going to separate the needy from the greedy' he'd say, if we requested something we needed and he'd give us 30 seconds to state our case for need over greed.
I'd recommend that approach to every parent:)
The more I hear about your dad the more I like him.
I think he was likely certifiably insane. The original Mr. Bonkers:)
Haha, OG bonkers!
Definitely a "Buy once, Cry once" type of guy here for those larger things. I've found through hard learned experience that if I don't research enough and get what I truly want, then I just end up buying again or adding on to get to where it needs to be to satisfy. I tend to take most of my larger purchases that way, choosing to wait until I can get what I really "want" so that I can get what I "need" to be happy with it.
I agree with that for myself also and yet so many people buy without the proper research usually out of impulse. I think a lot of people buy things just to have it, or just to have purchased, one can see many doing that on any given day at the shopping mall, and also if money comes easily (credit for instance, it seems more easily parted with.
That EarthCruiser looks to be quite stout...I could see you in that lol. Of course, the smaller van is no slouch either. The wants vs. needs battle has been going on since the dawn of man, I suppose. Little different now though, since wants are packaged up all nice and shiny and shoved in our faces from every direction lol.
The one thing I can't stand is buying consumables with credit. Food, liquor, cigarettes, vacations...that shit's gone in a week or two and you will still be paying on it, when you go to purchase more. I don't get it yet I see it all the time. It's okay if you pay the bill in it's entirety each month, but if not....circling the drain lol.
Yeah, I'd love that Earthcruiser but would have to sell half my house to get it! I remember looking at them probably 20 years ago thinking how cool they would be but at 250-300K I was like, nah, no way I'd pay that but now they're unobtainable, for me at least so I have to admire them from afar. I hate a mate who has one and it's totally legit, but then again he has a helicopter as well so he can obviously afford what he wants.
It's incredible what people will be happy to pay credit for, every day items like you mentioned included. With credit card interest at 22% or whatever it is now, it just makes no sense and consumer items of credit? Makes me think how those people expect that to last considering the fact there's interest payments and...oh yeah, I get it, those people don't give a shit. Idiots.
Buy what makes you happy as long as your pocket allows it. In my case I don't like to be in debt. I never have them, not even with my parents.
And here in Cuba credit does not work, nor does it exist, because... I wonder, for example, how a worker who earns less than 15 usd a month is going to ask for a credit of 1000 dollars? My neighbour made her tile roof yesterday and that's what it cost between supplies and labour. Of course she received money from her relatives abroad to do that.
I still have half of my house to do. I have been building it since 2009.
Greetings, G.
It's often interesting to see the differences between countries and how the people work around them; each place has its challenges I guess and from the outside perceptions can be misleading. You make an interesting point about credit not working in Cuba which is something I'd not previously thought about, makes sense it doesn't work though due to the economic climate and I think it's not actually a bad thing because here credit debt is crippling people and ruining lives...but people just can't seem to stop getting it...or wanting what they don't need.
I know.
It all depends on the individual. Consumerism becomes a disease.
But well, that's the way the world is. And I am out of the world. Even so I don't think I would be a person tied to loans and credits if I lived ‘in the world’.
Yep, credit debt is a heavy burden and a slippery slope and I'm glad I don't have any either. That's not by chance though, it happens through discipline.
Shopping is a bit weird with me. Sometimes I buy less (for example, luggage with an airline ticket for a short stay, when I buy less, then I pack the necessary wardrobe in a minimalist way), sometimes more (when friends come to hang out at home), while for my daily needs I buy just as much as I need.
My purchase plan depends on how long a period I plan for. The longer the period, the bigger the reserve I plan. So, for example, when we moved into the apartment, I built a built-in closet, which we thought was too big and that we will never fill it, while today we know that it is too small😀
The good thing is that you have a plan, so many simply don't.
Hi Galen, I can say that as a young man I have lived in smaller places. The price seems more than right to me, although I don't really need it, so I won't buy one.
I think I'm a pretty frugal person, and the crazy thing about the world we live in is that if a lot of people didn't buy things they didn't need, the world's economy would probably collapse right now. So, in a way, I'm grateful for people who ruin their lives with debt.... It's sad.
It's pretty sad people feel the need to prop up their feelings of self-worth and relevance through consumer items but that's how it is right now and so people end up in (often) crippling credit debt. Not me though, I know better, and I think you do too.
It is very interesting what you point out about fragility, it can be called lack of self-esteem, and what you don't say.
I hope you are enjoying a great end of Sunday, and I wish you a great week.
Racking weekend here mate, Sunday night, just relaxing now after a pretty legit day of stuff I don't want to mention on the internet.
I hope everything went well. Best regards.
Yeah mate, all goodm I hope you have a good Sunday and week ahead.
😊👋
I need to buy less sweets because I already weight over 90kg. But other than that I rarely buy things. Most of my clothes are old. And the last time I spent a lot of money(not including buying HBD) was when I bought all 14 volumes of Berserk. This was last year I think. Or maybe during last 2 years because I didn't buy them all at once.
Oh yeah, buying and eating too many sweets is always a problem if a person doesn't back it up with the activity; not great for the teeth either. At least you're able to address it should you wish to.
That Hiace would be plenty for me to live in long-term at this point, assuming I could persuade myself to leave most of my library behind. A laptop for communication and a living room as big as wherever I park in the wilderness would be luxury aplenty.
It's pretty legit and I think it'd be an awesome way to get around. I think a few on Hive have done some travelling with something like this and have had some great adventures. There's enough room for a book or two as well!
That's pretty crazy. I am a bit surprised it is that much. I think my trailer was maybe a third of that. Then I have my truck that I can use for other things too. I think I prefer it that way. These shows definitely bring out the top notch items to try and gain attention.
Yeah, it's pretty costly but that's how it is here; people who don't live here don't tend to understand the high cost of living and in general I guess, especially when it comes to imports.
It's a pretty interesting model. My partner and I have talked about buying one like this at some point, maybe to travel around Europe, maybe. For two people, it seems quite legit.
The other option is too much for us, especially considering the price.
Now, what would be a good option for your needs? (to keep learning) The closest thing to a 4x4 here are the Hilux 😅
A good option for my needs is what I've posted about recently, I think you might have missed that post considering your question. I have what I need and am content with it.
This little Hiace campervan would be great for travels around Europe (or Australia for that matter) for two people, I hope you make it happen one day.
... Worse , I forgot it, I take some time to reread your posts, and even reread my own comments ; it was a good exercise after all😅.I guess I’m getting old 🦕
For that price, I hope the "little" Hiace can handle the off-road conditions in Australia well
The Hiace isn't my thing but as I said, but it'll handle some of what Australia has to offer. We have some terribly difficult tracks such as:
These are just a few...sometimes they're impassible and even when they are they're hard...I'm not sure that little Hiace is up to places like this.
I googled the routes and I have no words to describe it 🤯, what a marvel! 🤩I was doing some maths and I need several visits to Australia to cover all the trails 😅 and you say that are just a few
The landscapes are insane, and doing it in a 4x4 would be an unforgettable experience.
My favorite was Climies Track because it's like a route we have in eastern Cuba, which runs very close to the coast as well
But I was really surprised by this photo (and the last sentence 😅) from OTT; it's incredible that the drivers and the 4x4s can manage that drop.
Another thing I loved is that many routes are historical, and you can even interact with the locals, which I really enjoyed. Conclusion: Australia is a must-visit; I keep moving it up my list!
I thought you might google them, some amazing tracks huh?
The OTT is extreme for sure and that image you have there, that's the gunshot and infamous entry point to the creek one must drive through. YouTube is full of videos of cars dropping into it.
Yesterday, I watched several YT videos, and when I say several, I mean a lot.
I’ll just say two things: "amazing" doesn’t even begin to cover it; they’re incredible 🤩.
And secondly, you Australians are a bit crazy! 😅 No, seriously, I loved the videos. Really need to have amazing skills to drive in those terrains 🤯
I have never liked going into debt to acquire any good or service. I prefer to save until I have the necessary amount to be able to buy it.
There are people who are willing to do without basic necessities in exchange for acquiring what is in fashion.
I am one of those who prefer to buy just enough. My wife nags me about it. Sometimes I agree with her, because in a country like ours, having reserves is important because you may not find what you are looking for after a while or you may find it at a price much higher than the initial price.
I think it just comes down to applying some common sense and responsibility really, the sad thing is that so many people are not willing to do so; it's good that you have the right idea.
Ohhh wow that inside truck sure looks likes home i can sleep in it all day if given the chance. The amount though is worth a fortune in some countries eg mine
Yeah, it's a good bit of kit, but not cheap.
Good things doesn't come cheap though
I think I buy enough, what I need, but I also think ahead and evaluate what could happen and what I would need in those circumstances.
That caravan wouldn't be bad for me, it's very nice! Also if it includes accommodation it's very good!
The campervan is a nice little thing, costly, but worth it for those looking for a combination of transport and accommodation.
It also has warmth, I liked it a lot!
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that looks solid, Galen. I always want to get myself one of these in retirement. Nothing too big and this one fits the bill both in terms of size and pocketbook.
Yeah it's pretty good, perfectly sized for one or two people and easy to drive around. There's quite a few of these things, or similar, getting around here although the larger ones and caravans are more popular.