The Problem with Assuming

assumeThe New Year brought a few changes in the Hoffmann house. Our two youngest celebrated birthdays. Both are of the age where they’re working toward a Driver’s License. All dad (me) seems to think about are additional vehicles, insurance, and upkeep.

Budget preparations have been underway in light of this reality. I recently sold my 2012 Toyota Tundra (which I really liked) with the intention of lowering my current monthly obligation. My reasoning is to make fiscal room for an additional vehicle and operational costs. Like most people, I have a budget and allocate only so many dollars toward transportation. I know of many parents who’ve made similar moves over the years as they’ve put teenagers behind the wheel.

Here’s where the story get’s interesting. In pursuit of more economical transportation, I ran across a sweet vehicle that’s seven years old and has approximately 100,000 miles. It’s been serviced regularly and well maintained with no accidents. The car cost me a fraction of what my Tundra cost and operationally should be more economical. My goal of reducing overhead and operating expense was achieved.

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Now, you’re probably wondering what I found at such a great deal. You’ll never believe it but it’s a Mercedes Benz. And here’s where the whole assumption argument comes into play. When you look at the car you might wonder about the price tag. I’m sure it did cost a bit for the original owner of which I’m now the third.  Had I not said anything, you might have heard someone question about how much the preacher gets paid or I can’t believe he drives such an expensive automobile. The facts of the matter are that it’s a seven-year old car with 100,000 miles that’s mechanically and physically in good condition and an inexpensive purchase. Hopefully it has another 100,000 to 150,000 miles to go.

Why say something about it? I don’t want people to assume stuff that’s not true.  When we assume, we can get it wrong. I’ve done it many a times. I’ve judged a book by its cover. I’ve made rash decisions based upon appearances. I’ve even formulated opinions without the facts. We all need to be careful about assumptions. Sometimes the facts can bring such clarity.

2 thoughts on “The Problem with Assuming

    1. Brad Hoffmann Post author

      Absolutely. Not that I go around talking about specific transactions, but think it deserves an explanation so as to not create any assumptions. 🙂

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