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When Does a $1000 Monthly Car Payment Make Sense? – 1.22.26
Thursday, 22 January, 2026
WHEN DOES A $1000 MONTHLY CAR PAYMENT MAKE SENSE? FROM BALTIMORE WASHINGTON FINANCIAL ADVISORS Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Car payments are getting larger, and higher interest rates are forcing many buyers to rethink their decisions. In this episode, members of the BWFA team discuss when a car payment may make sense and how to evaluate financing decisions within a broader financial plan. For more information, visit BWFA’s Financial Planning Services page. Read Full Description Car buying decisions have become more complicated as vehicle prices rise and interest rates remain elevated. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, BWFA advisors explore when a car payment makes financial sense and how borrowers should evaluate the true cost of financing a vehicle. The conversation begins with a look at recent data showing that a growing share of buyers are paying $1,000 or more per month for a car. While that number can be alarming, the advisors explain that whether a payment is reasonable depends on several factors, including interest rates, loan terms, cash flow, and overall financial priorities. They discuss the trade-off between borrowing at low interest rates versus paying cash, especially when investments may offer higher long-term returns. However, with auto loan rates now averaging in the mid-to-high six percent range, that math has changed for many buyers. The advisors also highlight common mistakes, such as selling long-term investments to pay off a car or borrowing from retirement accounts to fund a purchase. The discussion touches on newer tax rules that allow certain taxpayers to deduct a portion of auto loan interest. Ultimately, this episode reinforces that car decisions should not be made in isolation. Evaluating financing options as part of a comprehensive financial plan can help buyers make choices that support both their lifestyle and long-term financial security.
