How many go to the dark side?

[Atomic77]

Sadly, it has become almost "un-American" to not to go into debt for material things.

Same situation here. Carrie and I decided early in our relationship that we would maintain a pay as you go attitude for everything but the house and acreage. In fact, the Astroliner is still missing a few things in order to be finished, such as the dinette cushions and a few doors/drawers. Which require more money for materials. But, we enjoyed a good camping season and those few details didn't keep us from enjoying our build and having a good time. One thing is for sure... We love our camper, and I don't think we would feel the same about a "store bought" trailer. There's a sense of pride and satisfaction that goes with a build that you won't get any other way. You look around at the details and you say, "I did that." If you do it right, it's even better than store bought. Pay as you go makes it even more satisfying.

[friz]

Sadly, it has become almost "un-American" to not to go into debt for material things.

Same situation here. Carrie and I decided early in our relationship that we would maintain a pay as you go attitude for everything but the house and acreage. In fact, the Astroliner is still missing a few things in order to be finished, such as the dinette cushions and a few doors/drawers. Which require more money for materials. But, we enjoyed a good camping season and those few details didn't keep us from enjoying our build and having a good time. One thing is for sure... We love our camper, and I don't think we would feel the same about a "store bought" trailer. There's a sense of pride and satisfaction that goes with a build that you won't get any other way. You look around at the details and you say, "I did that." If you do it right, it's even better than store bought. Pay as you go makes it even more satisfying.

My wife and I have been in the black since 2000. It is amazing how fast money can accumulate when you live beneath your means. The weird side effect has been that we now consider investing another hobby. We are even a bit competitive about it.
As far as being un-American by not being in debt, there is probably some truth to that. Our current economy relies on us spending money we have yet to earn to keep the economy rolling. The fed is trying, against huge political pressure, to move us away from this by raising the prime rate. Lowering the prime rate to move the economy is just a band aid. The underlying problems will have to be delt with eventually.
As an investor, I would really like to be in a position to double my money every 10yrs safely rather then roll the dice in the markets to achieve the same.

BTW. Try to go into a car dealership these days and buy a new car without a loan. It can get interesting.

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[friz]

Sorry to stray off topic.

No dark side for me. The RV industry has done it's best to defraud its customers and prove itself unreliable. Homebuilts only for this guy!

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[Aguyfromohio]

...BTW. Try to go into a car dealership these days and buy a new car without a loan. It can get interesting...

Too true. A few years ago I walked into a Ford dealership to pay cash for a new Ranger pickup truck.
After a few minutes talking with the sales manager we shook hands, signed papers, and I wrote a check for the full amount.
He came back from the finance manager's office saying they would not do the deal unless I took a loan. Further they would not offer me the low interest rate painted on the front window.
He gave me back my check and let me walk out. Poor junior salesman who lost his commission was very confused and upset...
I bought a similar truck for cash at the next dealership down the road.

[friz]

...BTW. Try to go into a car dealership these days and buy a new car without a loan. It can get interesting...

Too true. A few years ago I walked into a Ford dealership to pay cash for a new Ranger pickup truck.
After a few minutes talking with the sales manager we shook hands, signed papers, and I wrote a check for the full amount.
He came back from the finance manager's office saying they would not do the deal unless I took a loan. Further they would not offer me the low interest rate painted on the front window.
He gave me back my check and let me walk out. Poor junior salesman who lost his commission was very confused and upset...
I bought a similar truck for cash at the next dealership down the road.

I went ahead and took a loan to get a $1000 rebate then paid it off the minute I had an account number for the loan. It cost $50 to get a $1000. The process took all day. I didn't even negotiate the advertised price. The meeting with the finance specialist was a total s@#t show. First he threw a tantrum when I told him that I didn't want an extended warranty. Then he refused to tell me what the minimum amount was I could finance and get the rebate. I ended up writing a check for X and told him to finance X. That he could take it or give it back and I walk. He took it.
That is the last time I will deal with a new car dealership.

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