STARS: How I Have Navigated The Car Buying Process

I am taking some time off from the Life And Times Of Debbie Lanier series to refocus on the STAR series as I am eyeing another promotion at work. My mom was always understanding and encouraging when I reached for the stars. 

I have purchased 5 automobiles in my life before this past week, 4 from dealerships. I have learned the process well and how to procure a reliable vehicle within budget. 

I research first from company and local dealership deals. I make a scorecard of what features, price, and even how much down I can apply, including an existing automobile. I come prepared to go to up to 4 dealerships and research in a fashion so my credit doesn't drop out of the 700s. I also ensure I don't have any outstanding debt I could pay off or consolidate. 

I then go to the dealership with the mindset of purchasing and taking home the car that day if not the following day. This time I set a goal of at least 3,000 down and monthly payments in the 300s/low 400s for a brand new or a good used vehicle with the other features I wanted. Having my current car paid for is a bonus even I cannot get much or anything within a trade. 

I am still working with the final numbers pending refinancing with my credit union (something I highly recommend) but I was able to get my vehicle for $455/month with insurance remaining the same, no oil change nor routine maintenance for 7,500 miles and getting all that I needed and most of what I wanted out of a brand new car. I expect this car to last at least the 84 months I financed it for unless I decide on a trade before the limited warranties expire. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Volume 33: Gardening

My mom had quite the green thumb and knew how to keep plants alive. 

I know folks that can't keep a cactus alive. Debbie had experience and skills you can't Google nor buy. She had life experience and a daddy that had 2 gardens.

I always remembered my mom having some sort of plant inside and out and always being able to keep them blooming and alive. She said she didn't have patience but yet could raise and care for children, pets and plants. I told her often had she received more encouragement her options could have been wider. 

I keep all of the plants I received following her passing alive and I even have pots to replace them all. 

My mom is proud of the skills and wisdom I gained from her that I still use daily. 

Debbie Lanier's Life and Times: Vol. 32- Babies

Debbie always loved babies and not just her own. She loved babies anywhere: holding then, caring for them, soaking up the youth and criticizing bad parenting. 

My mom coming from a big family was surrounded by babies her entire life. I look through her pictures from childhood well past her 60s and she's constantly and consistently holding a baby. I'm sure that's what she's doing above also, including her angel baby. 

Mom would do all the baby talk, could tell what babies cries mean and you didn't dare whoop a baby in front of her. Now once a baby reached toddler stage, she would still love them. She just wouldn't try to hold them as much. I've heard people say during the infant weeks and months the babies don't do much but puke, poop, etc. Debbie loved that stage as she could spoil a baby easier. 

There was quite the baby boom following her passing: at least 12 babies I know have been born since. Her and I went in on a baby shower gift just two weeks before she went to the hospital. I can see her looking out for those babies from afar and wanting to hold them tight.