In March 2022, I purchased my current car, a 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premier (“Lightning’s Girl”). I most likely overpaid for some services from the dealership, but the car has stayed loyal and true to me for the past four years.
I entered into a six-year financing contract. But you know me. I can’t just pay the minimum and be done with it. That means I’m incurring finance charges and interest.
So every time I picked up a little extra cash … I put it on the principal of Lightning’s Girl’s debt.
Which brings me to here. I have a goal of April 4, 2026.
On April 4, 2026, Lightning’s Girl is scheduled for an inspection and an oil change at DeNooyer Chevrolet (under the watchful eye of the youngest master VOLTEC mechanic in New York).
And I’m less than $1,200 away from completely paying off my car – two years ahead of my original deadline.
This is a personal triumph. It’s a commitment to saving and investing and maintenance. Take care of your ride and your ride takes care of you.
Plus, with Chevrolet’s various recalls and warranties, Lightning’s Girl is actually covered by Chevrolet for most repairs and non-routine maintenance until I reach 150,000 miles or 15 years from the manufacture date. Which means I’m technically covered until the year 2032, if I don’t reach 150,000 miles first (checks odometer – 113,000 – we’re good).
I remember the last time I paid off my car ahead of schedule. That was my previous Chevrolet, a bright red Cruze that I nicknamed Dracourage.
Kinda wish there were programs or promotions that gave me a free giftie for paying off my car. An air freshener from Pep Boys. A keychain from NAPA. Free tire valve plugs from Mavis Discount Tire.
But right now I’m less than $1,200 away from full ownership of my car.
So close. I’m so close to the finish line, I can see the hot chick with the checkered flag waiving it at me.
And I’m ready to cross that line with my foot slammed on the accelerator.
I can – and will – do this. Stay motivated. Stay positive. Don’t give up now.
Chuck The Writer 
Yes, it’s nice to have that in the rear-view mirror.
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Let’s not forget Lightning’s Girl’s contribution to this; saving you so much on gasoline you clearly had a few extra dollars to drop on payments from that alone.
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