My husband wants to buy a $60K truck — but we’re $30K in debt and saving for a house. How do we get on the same page?

Core Insights - The couple, Cassie and Andrew, earn a combined annual income of $120,000 but are living paycheck to paycheck due to financial obligations and debt [1][2] - They are currently $30,000 in debt, which includes $22,000 in student loans and $8,000 in credit card debt, alongside a monthly rent of $2,500 [2] - Andrew's desire to purchase a new $60,000 truck raises concerns about their financial priorities, especially given their existing debt and plans to buy a home [4] Financial Situation - Cassie expresses concern that the monthly payment of $850 for the new truck would hinder their ability to save for a house or pay down debt [3][4] - The couple's current financial obligations include significant debt and high rent, which complicates their ability to make large purchases [2][4] Alternative Solutions - A suggestion is made for Cassie to discuss purchasing a less expensive car with monthly payments of $425, which would allow them to save or pay down debt more effectively [5] - By opting for a less expensive vehicle, they could potentially save $5,100 in a year, totaling $30,600 over six years, which aligns with the payment period for the truck [5] Cost Considerations - The overall cost of owning and insuring the new truck would be significantly higher than that of a smaller car, impacting their financial situation further [6] - Andrew's perception of the truck payment as affordable may change once additional costs are factored in, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive financial assessment [6]