Why does the thought of downgrading my car make me emotional?!

This is a new feeling for me. I have NEVER been materialistic. I always live within my means and I am grateful for what I have.

Two years ago I purchased my “dream car” which is in parentheses because it was nothing fancy. It was a 2018 Toyota Rav base model. I loved that it had so few miles on it and could last me the next 20 years. That’s what really made me grateful.

Well I lost my good paying job back during the beginning of the pandemic. Unemployment got me by, but not by much.

During this time I pursued opening a small business. I am one month in and I am already doing better than I had hoped... but I am also not making enough to pay myself. In fact, it may be a few more months before I can.

Well my student loans are kicking back in (they were on hold while I was unemployed) and I can no longer survive financially. Not to mention Christmas is a month away and I have kiddos and relatives to buy for.

I have decided to turn in my Toyota for a car that is 4K...... and this makes me so emotional. I hate that I am emotional about it. I have never been materialistic, but I think the thing I am afraid of is people commenting. “Where is your rav?”, “when did you get this?” ... or worse, the fake compliments “oh I like your new car”. I’m afraid I won’t know what to say. I don’t want to admit that I am selling my SUV to help fund Christmas and my bills 😞

Im struggling. But I also know it’s the right choice