Making Ends Meet

[MasseyWV]

In these tough economic times, we all have to do whatever is necessary to make ends meet.

In my case, some recent financial setbacks caused me to change/postpone my tractor shopping, in favor of buying a new dump trailer. The only problem is that I am still a little short of cash which means that I will have to wait until I have saved the rest.

Being that I am from WV, buying cheap and selling for a profit, in addition to barter and trade, are simply a part of the local way of life. That said, today I bought an older model Chevy Cavalier from a family member for $300. It runs good and only has some minor problems which are easily fixed. In fact, I know the cars entire history since it was new so it's a very safe investment. After making some minor repairs, I am reasonably certain I can resell it for $1000-$2000 or potentially trade it for a truck that is worth a little more, thus making a considerable profit during the process.

Where there is a will, there is always a way.

 

[UpToNoGood]

I once heard of a guy that traded a paper clip for something of higher value. He continued to trade each item for a higher valued item until he got himself a house.

 

[MasseyWV]

When I was younger, I used to swap and trade all the time and if one is careful, a considerable profit can be made over time. I stopped doing it because it can be a headache, in addition to being risky, but I think I'm going to give it another go sooner than planned because saving money the old fashioned way is just too darned slow for my liking.

I can't say that I'm looking forward to the whole process, people trying to low-ball or cheat you, idiots, scammers, etc... but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

Fortunately, I know what I'm doing and have done this many times before.

 

[creekbend]

Have you thought about starting a local Flea Market and renting spaces out? You can sell items there also. I am not aware of your local ordinances. I am just tossing this suggestion in the pot as a possible alternative source. Just a thought?

 

[troutsqueezer]

I get what you are saying, just having trouble with the premise. For the vast majority, these times are pretty good. Media would have you believe otherwise.

 

[Tollster]

I perfer barter over currency.

 

[RoyJackson]

MasseyWV, what part of West Virginia are you located?

 

[Thomas]

Living thru tough times makes one stronger also grateful.

 

[MasseyWV]

I get what you are saying, just having trouble with the premise. For the vast majority, these times are pretty good. Media would have you believe otherwise.

I never give any credence to what the media wants me to believe and while I'm certain that many people are doing just fine, as evidenced by so many new "toy" purchases, the same can't be said for all of us.

Living thru tough times makes one stronger also grateful.

It does indeed.

 

[MoKelly]

Very good, but don't you worry a little about making profit when you deal with family? Wouldn't work very well in my situation.

MoKelly

 

[MasseyWV]

Very good, but don't you worry a little about making profit when you deal with family? Wouldn't work very well in my situation.

MoKelly

Normally I avoid doing business with family but in this case I'm not worried at all. The family member knows what I'm planning to do and was glad that I took the car off their hands so they wouldn't have to go to the trouble of selling it themselves.

 

[MoKelly]

Normally I avoid doing business with family but in this case I'm not worried at all. The family member knows what I'm planning to do and was glad that I took the car off their hands so they wouldn't have to go to the trouble of selling it themselves.

That's very good. In my case, the family member would (1) want me to fix the car, (2) sell it for them, and (3) give them the profit. You know what they say, you can't pick your Family.:laughing:

MoKelly

 

[RoyJackson]

I get what you are saying, just having trouble with the premise. For the vast majority, these times are pretty good. Media would have you believe otherwise.

I don't know if I'd agree with the "vast majority" comment...but the bad times do seem to be concentrated in certain industries and regions.

You're in California, per your profile. I'm sure your're doing great...but your state isn't.

 

[MasseyWV]

That's very good. In my case, the family member would (1) want me to fix the car, (2) sell it for them, and (3) give them the profit. You know what they say, you can't pick your Family.:laughing:

MoKelly

I have a few family members like that and know exactly what you mean.

The car is in reasonably good condition but it is 22 years old and does need some work, which most people, especially family, don't take into account. They would only see the difference between what I gave them for it and what I got for it. Knowing this, I'm still planning to downplay the profit aspect of it to reduce any chance that they might get upset.

I doubt they'll ask what I got for it because they know I "don't do that" but if they do ask me, my response will be something to the effect of "Oh, I barely broke even".

As we all know, family dynamics can get... complicated. :laughing:

 

[MasseyWV]

Thanks to the nice warm sunny day we are having, I was able to start cleaning the car and fully assess it's condition.

Aside from performing an oil and filter change and giving it a tuneup, I'll need to repair some peeling clear coat, repair or replace the drivers seat which is badly torn, replace a missing piece of metal trim, replace the headliner which is sagging badly, and replace the rear deck lid carpet which has badly deteriorated. The top of the dashboard is also badly cracked but I think I'll leave that as it is because repairing it could get expensive.

Fortunately, I know a guy who collects Cavaliers and sells parts from them so getting what I need should be cheap and easy. Repairing the peeling clearcoat will be a pain, but overall I think it should be easy to get it fixed up so I can sell it.

After being accustomed to seeing my F250 truck parked in my garage, this car looks absolutely tiny. :laughing:

 

[MasseyWV]

I had almost forgotten the joys associated with repairing an older car. And my next task is...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MmT72NDtTs]Repair Car Headliner - YouTube[/ame]

 

[ncnurseryman]

My 18 year old ranger's clear coat is also peeling badly. How do you fix that problem. I have had this truck from day one, it has over 200k miles and keeps on running. I hope I didn't just kind it.

 

[charlz]

I once heard of a guy that traded a paper clip for something of higher value. He continued to trade each item for a higher valued item until he got himself a house.

One red paperclip - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[firedog]

One red paperclip - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

That's almost as good as Robert Morse in "How to succeed in business without really trying"

 

[SPIKER]

My Ex Brother-N-Law was a heck of a Horse Trader He could trade half dozen times and turn a house into a paperclip claim he got a heck of a deal on every trade! 8)

sure had a nack for bragging about winning something only wouldnt mention blowing every bit of winnings and everything left in his wallet day after payday...

Mark