Decision Time

[JudyJB]

I also love credit unions, Sue. Mine has been terrific with rates and never selling mortgage notes. The other advantage is you can use your ATM all over the country without fees.

I drove a Saturn for 10 years and literally scooped up a big buck deer because the front end was so low. The doe made it across the road, but the buck was slower. After scrambling around on my hood, he slid off and ran into the woods. I hope he wasn't too badly hurt, but the shock of finding a huge animal with enormous antlers right next to your windshield is startling. Only damage to my car was a turn signal lens, so I was very lucky. I can't imagine what an elk can do.

I agree that there isn't much sense in leaving your trailer sitting around for two years. Sounds like it would just get damp inside and get invaded by woodsy critters. If you had the time and money to use it more, that would be different.

[mtngal]

Hey Sue! I like Credit Unions too; and like others said 'careful' of those dealers! Nothing else to add, except that I hope whatever you decide you won't abandon idea of traveling; so many beautiful places to visit in your area until you hit that magical retirement in two short years!

[AlmostThere]

Sue, lots of people in Alaska drive little cars and hitting a moose is always a threat, especially in the dark winter where moose use the plowed roads to conserve energy. I drove a Subaru and loved it! Subarus are popular up there as are other front wheel drive brands. Great on icy roads. I have made it up icy hills when 18 wheelers couldn't.

[Echo]

Sue, I've thought of a motorhome for myself sometime down the road too. If at some point I do, do that? I would like a small 4cly, 4x4 pickup as a toad. Small, economical on gas and 4x4 to go off roading or winter and snow. Might be an idea for you too. Also the pickup would give you a little more height and act as a "deer/elk" pusher instead of a "scoop/slide" to the windshield!!!

GF in Maine has a small pickup. She hit a Moose on her way to work. Troopers said that the one good thing that was in her favor was that she was driving a truck. She had thought about using her hubby's car that day but it was already snowing and the prediction was for up to 8", so she took the truck. She ended up really bruised from the seat belt but that's a whole lot better than what might have happened had she driven the car!!!

[cpatinjones]

Wishing you the best in your decision. It is a tough one.

[Colliemom]

Well, the latest in the saga, is that yesterday I went up to the Ford dealer and drove both a used 2011 Ford Escape and 2010 Flex. The Escape is nice, but I think a bit too small. The Flex kind of caught my fancy. Big but not too big. sure it's bit boxy, but once you lay those seats down flat, you can really carry a load and plenty of room for two dogs. It's got plenty of power. Very perky. Handles so smooth, rides quiet. This was an AWD as I do not want just a Front Wheel Drive, the All Wheel Drive is better for snowy climates. And it's mileage is around 24 on the highway. Nice all around vehicle. I am however not buying either one of those at the moment. I still want to test drive a a Chevy Traverse one of these days.

I have a lady who seems to be interested in my TT. She emailed me for pictures yesterday, I sent some back, she said she "LOVES IT". Asked what my lowest price would be and I gave it to her. Now it's in her ballpark. Shall see if she comes back on it. Last fall, I put it out on Craigslist just on a lark and a lady responded back. She was a school teacher with a very busy schedule etc., and lived about 60 miles or so south of here. Neve was able to get up here to have a looksee. I'm not too sure this isn't the same person as the name she gave me looks familiar. Guess time will tell.

Did some more figuring and came up with the fact, that if I trade this truck, pay off the lease and than have to refinance, it will keep me in the game financially wise since the money being used to pay the loan is coming from the account I use to pay my house expenses (utilities, taxes, medical bills etc.) I only get so much a month, so don't want to take any out to pay for gas. I also need to have my drive resealed this summer and should get a new hot water tank. One must leave money for unexpected expenses too.
The gas money comes from my paychecks and unemployment checks I get during the winter months. These checks also pay my groceries and other things. I could save at leat $500 in disposable income during the 5 months I am working alone and more during the rest of the year when I am not. So I will definitely do something with this truck down the road here. Probably make a couple more payments between now and then as they are automatically taken from my account each month. It wuld be nice to have a bit of extra cash around.

Oh, by the way. I appreciate the comments about getting into smaller vehicles. Some of you have mentioned Subaru among other. There are no dealers other than the big three around up here without driving at least 75 miles to one of those other ones. And I am not about to have to do that everytime I need something fixed. Plus I'm partial (sorry ladies) to GM. But am not throwing Ford out either.

[Gentleladybear]

Glad to hear you have a bite on the TT. That is great. Now when you find that just right vehicle you will be set to prepare to get something else down the road. Just remember stay in here with us and let us know what you are doing. Just because you won't be actively camping doesn't mean you can share your adventures.

Nan

[Colliemom]

Actually I have two bites. But this guy who contacted me today, said he is in contact with a Rockwood dealer in Ohio who gave him a price for a brand new trailer with same floor plan as mine for a $100 more than what am asking for mine used. He asked me if I would be a little more flexible with my price. Yeah right. How do I know he is in contact with a dealer. He may just be saying that to bring me down. I consulted my dealer and put on a price that he said I could start with. I told the guy I wouldn't come down more than $500 and if he is getting such a great price considering I paid at least $3.000 more for mine, then go get it. I don't need to sell it.

[avalen]

I've been taught over the years that dealers really don't pay off your loan on a trade in, they actually add it into the new loan
in a very sneaky manner. Your better off to sell the vehicle outright instead of using it as a trade in.
Gotta love those Subaru's, had one and we used it to pull a little trailer like a scamp.

[Colliemom]

Dealer won't get too sneaky with me on a loan cause they aren't gonna do a loan with me. When the time comes, I am getting my out the door prce, heading to my credit union and going back to the dealer with check in hand and paying it off completely. End of dealer.

[Sandersmr]

Sue - at my credit union, I can pre-arrange the loan so that when the dealer and I finally settle on a price, I can just hand him the information for them to arrange a transfer while I'm sitting there. Don't have to leave the showroom to go get the check that way. Might be worth checking out on your part.

[Colliemom]

Vol. I, Chapter 2. The Saga Continues\\

Well, there's going to have to be some changes made again in the work plans. Had the taxes done yesterday and it gave me a chance to see just what I am getting in terms of yearly income. Ouch! Am getting a refund from Fed but will owe a bit to the state, nothing drastic. But now having all that info on hand, I sat down and got out the paper, pen and calculator and went over my summer income as oppposed to working at Burt and Otsego. I've got a loss of about $180 in monthly income right now due to the drop in interest rates. After mulling through the figures again (and all last night in bed instead of sleeping ), I've come up to the conclusion that I better go back to Otsego. The gas is going to be too much for my income to handle. Won't be anything left to do anythling except go to work, the store and home. No camping, no rides anyplace, no nothing. Otsego is a 6 mie a day drive and Burt is a 78. Big difference there. I could save at least $1600 in gas over the summer alone. Would be nice to have a little extra cash around.

So I guess on Monday I had better go over to Otsego and talk to the boss and tell him that I have to change my plans and will come back to work for him. I'm sure he will be fine with that. Unfortunately my supervisor/former lead ranger boss at Burt won't be happy, but she understands the situation too. I am not the only one who has had to do this. rats, I was really looking for a change, but I guess one has to do what one has to do.

So hang tight for the next chapter......

[Echo]

Awwwww Sue! That's a real bummer and I'm sorry.

Like you said tho, ya gotta do what ya gotta do to make it all work out for you,

[Colliemom]

Awww,Thanks Echo. I'm not a Happy Camper right now. Am still looking to see if I can make it work, but I don't think it's gonna happen.
But I guess you could say we are in the same boat as you have expressed fears about heading to TN without a job and maybe no money, and having to stay at the lodge one more summer despite health concerns. So i guess we can both get out the crying towwls. Well, maybe not quite yet

[Colliemom]

Okay, the first decision is written in stone. For this coming summer, I will be returning to Otsego Lake State Park. Boss was more than happy to have me come back. And it sounds like we might start work earlier this year than in past years cause there is so much to do. So maybe I will be in the paycheck a few weeks earlier. Would be nice.

Now I am working on the next plan. Sell truck and trailer and go into a Chevy Traverse. They get excellent mileage on the highway (24), are great in snow (AWD) and can pull up to 5200 lbs. With the manufactuers making lighter weight trailers all the time, I am sure that I can find one that this vehicle can tow around without effort. Am currently looking at possibly leasing for three years as I hav done that for years, but am also looking into buying outright. Still getting facts and figures from the dealers. I have sort of figurred out a plan to pay down the loan or put down a bigger payment on a new one by borrowing some money from a future trip fund and then replacing it when I sell the TT. Should still have some TT money left and will bank it till i find one and then just take out a small loan for the TT. Still mulling the ideas around. Where there's a will, there's a way.