The Genie, the Garage, and the Budget

The genie grants you a wish. What is it?
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This is probably a very predictable response to this prompt, but here goes: if I had one wish from a genie, it would be that I don’t have to worry about money anymore.

I’m not asking to be filthy rich or anything. I just want enough money that I don’t have to really worry about purchasing stuff or paying bills any longer. It’d be nice to have enough money to actually give it away to people just for no reason, making their lives better as well. I’ve always thought I’d be like Bruce Wayne if I could. If I had that kind of wealth, my favorite thing to do would be walking into a big-box retailer or a grocery store around the holidays when everyone is out Christmas shopping. I’d walk up to five or six people deep in line, hand them a gift card loaded down with cash, and just watch them head up to the register and swipe it to pay for their food and essentials. I don’t need to be a TV star or get anything in return; just seeing someone legitimately grateful because I had the power to make their day a little easier would feel truly amazing.

I’ve never really been a very materialistic person. I just want the essentials in life. I don’t need luxuries per se. But it would be nice to know that if I wanted to buy another car, a boat, or a bigger house, it really wouldn’t be an issue. I don’t need to be a gazillionaire or anything like that.

Meanwhile…

As I said, I know this is a very cliché answer, but it’s kind of weighing heavily on my mind right now, especially after my recent car accident. It looks like I’m finally getting matters settled with the insurance company, so I should be getting my payout from them shortly. However, that also brings me to the challenge of having to go car shopping.

Yes, I know that’s a first-world problem. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I had such a good, dependable deal on my mom’s old van, and I know I won’t be able to find anything nearly as reliable for what I was paying monthly. Part of the anxiety is taking a risk on a new vehicle when the old setup just worked. Back when I first got that van, I was content playing the role of the suburban soccer dad—driving a practical rig while my ex had a van too.

Now, things are a little different. I’m thinking about looking into a pickup truck or an SUV—not necessarily anything massive, but something that feels a bit like an upgrade. Spending time driving Lynn’s truck has definitely shifted my perspective a bit.

This will really be the first time in a long time that I’ve actually been in a position where I could actively car shop. My most recent vehicles have either been trade-ins, swaps with family, or hand-me-downs. It’s been ages since I’ve gone to a dealership, picked out a car, and said, “Yeah, I’m buying that.” While there’s a real sense of autonomy and liberation to that choice, I also don’t even quite know what vehicle speaks to me yet. I guess I’ll find out when I start looking this weekend.

I know, these are first-world problems. But between the search and the loan, I’m going to have to get very serious about reworking my budget sooner rather than later.

Rebuilding a life takes grit, consistency, and a lot of ‘Option C’ thinking. Having crossed the 1,000-day milestone, I’m now charting the territory beyond. The mission remains the same: No glitz. Just the work. New to the blog? Start your journey here to see the blueprint and the ‘Tricorder’ perspective behind the rebuild.

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The article “The Genie, the Garage, and the Budget” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.

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