Distinct Possibility I've been a pratt!!

[KatieMac]

OK here goes - I'm a childminder and have just agreed to buy a very expensive People carrier. It's a Fiat Ulysse (it's not brand new - just 7.5 times the cost of my current car)and although I know I can afford the repayments and everything should be OK - I just have this feeling in the pit of my tummy that it could all go wrong. I could 'loose' all my children, get ill, wreck it ....It could turn out to be cr*p
(It is the only credit other than Mortgage that I've got - no CC even)

So what does everyone think??

So basically I just need reassurance as my Mum & Dad disapprove

Don't panic Katiemac! I live in between two childminders (I know, I know, I am blessed!) and both of them bought people carriers a short time ago and both of them panicked about it too. But they are both really glad they got them now so I am sure you will be too.
Never mind what your mum and dad think, its your career and you are making sure you have the right equipment for the job - which you have now. I am sure the mothers of the children you mind will agree

Thanks - but my tummy will probably keep churning for a while yet!!

But having a newer car will look more professional as well as being significantly safer. I think i'll look it up on which to see how it looks on safety

True! Incidentally, I was nearly sick when I bought my new car Mind you, so was DH

If you had just bought an audiTT it would make sense to be worried. It sounds like a wise move. Do your parents disapprove because they don't like your career choice?

I can't see you losing your children, childminders are like gold-dust. I'm sure they all want you to carry on - I'd hate to change childcare.

Your new car sounds COOL! You will attract children in droves and be able to fit them all safely in your car. Fab fab fab. Down with your fuddy duddy oldsters. Tell them to hush their wheesht or forfeit their places in the people carrier for eternity.

My Mum and Dad would be the same - they believe you should save up and buy things rather than get credit (yeah in an ideal world where I earn £60000 a year maybe!!)
Stop worrying - these things have a way of working out. Even if God forbid you 'loose' all the children (wont happen), like everybody has said childminders are like golddust - you would easily get more children.
It is only natural that you feel nervous, but you sound sensible and like you thought it through - so trust your judgement and ENJOY!! I would LOVE a Fiat Ulysse and am very jealous!

Actually, p'raps that's a bit harsh. But your car does sound fab, so don't worry.

Thanks for the reassurance - I think they worry that they will have to pay for it if I can't
Which won't happen as I have a flexible loan so I am only committed to the payments that i was making on old car.

I'm becoming more used to the idea and have worked out that I could even have paid for it in 2 years - which is perfectly normal lenght of time for a car loan.

Is it tax deductable because it is a tool of the job? ....I don't know, just posing the question.

If you can afford the repayments I don't think you've been rash at all.

handlemecarefully, That must be true, it would be tax deductable. If you are self employed (which I guess you would be) make sure you sort out the tax deductions on the car. I would ghave thought that with a people carrier you could probably have an extra child too - which actually means it would pay for itself!!

I hope so - I was hoping to claim 25% this side of April and 25% (of remainder) after April
No room for anymore children though - I'm full Termtime (have a few vacancies in Hols! )