Dear Liz: Is it better to buy a car with saved money or finance the $25,000 needed? In my case I will have to sell stocks. Maybe this is a good time to do that since things look like they are taking a turn in the stock market.
Answer: Borrowing money can make sense when the asset you’re buying is likely to increase in value. For example, a mortgage could allow you to purchase a home that will appreciate over time, and a student loan could help increase your earning power.
Borrowing money makes less sense when you’re buying something that’s all but guaranteed to lose value, such as a car. Many people don’t have enough cash to pay for a reliable vehicle, of course, so financing is their best option. If you do have a choice, however, cash is best.
Selling stocks can help you raise cash, of course, but probably will incur a tax bill. Also, stocks are meant to be a long-term investment, and you really can’t time the market. Yes, your shares may decline, but they could also rise, and historically they have done so over time.
If you don’t have cash savings but do have stocks that aren’t earmarked for another cause, such as retirement, then you might consider selling enough stocks to pay for the car and the tax bill. For your next car, though, consider saving up for the purchase in a high-yield savings account.
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