Happy New Year from Texas!

Big monthly disposable income increase in 2016!
Six more payments and I own it. Yippie-Kye-Yay!

@stevador

Are you suggesting that you got a real raise in your "income," or are you instead saying that your income rises because you've paid off the thing that's out there depreciating in the driveway?

If you think that paying off the "thing" is the equal of getting a raise, I can't help you.

If you have received an actual "pay raise" you are very fortunate--most American workers have not had a real raise since the last time there was a Republican in the White House.

In today's news we see that the stock market had its worst year since 2008. In a half page story on the topic the word Obama did not even appear once.

Things have changed in ten years.

Back in 2005, there was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico that flooded New Orleans and the news media still insists on saying it was George Bush's fault.

There's little happy about this new year. One more year of comrade barry's regime, then we can celebrate. Unless the low information bunch puts hillary in our house. Oh the humanity. Btw, there's nothing exciting about a new ridgeline

@Jim,
Stop lecturing people. I don't like your tone.

I hope that 2016 will bring good tidings!

Just start every day looking for positive. There is always something good out there, just have to find it. For me, it makes life much better.

Well, I hope everyone stays healthy and can keep a roof over their heads and fed with a pickup in the driveway.

Good luck to all in the New Year.

Can't wait to see the specs on the second gen ecoboost going in the raptor. Hopefully they are released at the next auto show. Such a great looking truck. New duramax in the hd market will be exciting as well to see if they raised the bar and get us close to a 1000 ft/lbs in the xd/hd segment.

Will be a good year for gm and ford!!!!

when will the 2017 gm HD trucks debut want show will they dubut at

@Jeff S

My tone offended you. I'll fix it.

Yes Sir, Jeff.

I'll straighten right up Sir. So sorry Jeff. I mean Sir! I'll just call you sir from now on if that's ok. really sorry!

I'll work on that. Yes sir! Sure will Starting right now.

@Papa Jim

I am by no means a Obama fan but what was the stock market at when he took office? People control their own destiny, I work for myself as a general contractor and doing just fine. This year was a new record for the number of cars /light trucks sold so how do people afford them? If you think you don't make enough money go find another job, like I said you control your own destiny no matter who's in that big White House. I came to this country 15 years ago with $200 in my pocket, never took one dime from the government everything I got I worked hard for. You can make it in this country if you'really willing!

@papa jim--That was not me. I agree that most are not getting a pay raise and the economy is far from total recovery. Anyway, Happy New Year!

@papa jim--That was not me. I agree with you in that most are not getting a pay raise and the economy is not as good as the media portrays. Anyway, Happy New Year to all!

@papa jim--My comments have been blocked for no apparent reason. I just wanted to say that the Jeff S you are responding back to is not me and that I agree that most of us are not fortunate enough to get a pay raise. The economy has yet to see a total recovery. Happy New Year to all and hope for a better year!

@Woodpud,
Australia is the same an unlike the US you can become Chief CEO( Arnold Swarzzeneger's biggest regret in the US, which he mentions on his frequent visits here)Many hard working migrants, have made a huge difference to this Country

@papa jim--What he was saying was that he didn't like your tone. He may agree with your comment but doesn't like how rude you are to people. Happy New Year to all and hope for a more friendly PUTC in 2016!

@papa jim--Again this is not my comment. Maybe I don't agree with everything you say but I am not offended. Happy New Year!

Robert Ryan,
I do believe that Australia and the US do offer the best opportunities to anyone in the world to advance.

Just proportioning blame on the government for your misfortunes is sort of a meaningless excuse.

People just can't expect the government to make all and be all. You must take account for many of the financial decisions you make and/or type of work and your preparedness to work.

It comes down to lifestyle choice. If you want something you must set realistic goals. Many don't succeed because the goals they set themselves is unrealistic or they don't have the discipline to achieve.

If you want something, earn it. When you start to earn you will make many mistakes. This is how you learn. Learning goes on forever.

I wonder what happened to my original comment.

Robert Ryan,
I do believe that Australia and the US do offer the best opportunities to anyone in the world to advance.

Just proportioning blame on the government for your misfortunes is sort of a meaningless excuse.

People just can't expect the government to make all and be all. You must take account for many of the financial decisions you make and/or type of work and your preparedness to work. Government and the instruments at it's disposal can make it easier or harder, but generally in a well oiled and run democracy the effects are marginal.

It comes down to lifestyle choice. If you want something you must set realistic goals. Many don't succeed because the goals they set themselves is unrealistic or they don't have the discipline to achieve.

If you want something, earn it. When you start to earn you will make many mistakes. This is how you learn. Learning goes on forever.

I wonder what happened to my original comment.

Robert Ryan,
I do believe that Australia and the US do offer the best opportunities to anyone in the world to advance.

Just proportioning blame on the government for your misfortunes is sort of a meaningless excuse.

People just can't expect the government to make all and be all. You must take account for many of the financial decisions you make and/or type of work and your preparedness to work. Government and the instruments at it's disposal can make it easier or harder, but generally in a well oiled and run democracy the effects are marginal.

It seems the people who blame the government are also the ones who don't like taxation. Well, if the government is going to do what you expect, it costs.

It comes down to lifestyle choice. If you want something you must set realistic goals. Many don't succeed because the goals they set themselves is unrealistic or they don't have the discipline to achieve.

If you want something, earn it. When you start to earn you will make many mistakes. This is how you learn. Learning goes on forever.

@papa jim--This is my comment. I don't always agree with your offensive remarks but I agree with you on the economy and Barack Obama being very bad. 2016 will be the last year of Obama. Happy New Year to all!

@papa jim--This is my comment. I don't always agree with your offensive remarks but I agree with you on the economy and Obama being very bad. 2016 will be the last year of Obama. Happy New Year to all!

@papa jim--This is my comment. I don't always agree with your offensive remarks but I agree with you on the economy Obaaamma being very bad. 2016 will be the last year of Houseine. Happy New Year to all!

Jeff S, or Jeff, or Jeff S Smith,
Having a shocker today ........... aren't we;) We do realise.

Jeff S, or Jeff, or Jeff S Smith,
Having a shocker today ........... aren't we;) We do realise.

Jeff S, or Jeff, or Jeff S Smith,
Having a shocker today ........... aren't we;) We do realise.

Jeff S, or Jeff, or Jeff S Smith,
Having a shocker today ........... aren't we;) We do realise.

Jeff S, or Jeff, or Jeff S Smith,
Having a shocker today ........... aren't we;) We do realise.

Tuesday will be interesting.... Sales for December comes out. I predict at least the top 4 selling pickups to see a decrease vs December 2014

@Big Al--I am Jeff S not Jeff S Smith. I have been on this site for at least 7 years.

I am loving my new Prospector.

So, RAM has nothing on the list to look forward to in the next 12 months??.......sad! I'm a RAM fan, but the next generation truck, primarily the 1500, can't come soon enough. After all, the current model has been around since model year-2009. Exterior and some interior styling are the main areas that needs an upgrade.

Jeff S,
I know.

I hope you have a great News Years Day.

Here in Australia New Years is a public holiday.

I had 2 weeks off for my Christmas break and had to only use 3 day of my annual accrued leave. That I do like!

I'm looking forward to Decembers pickup numbers. I wonder if the Colorado is still down with the holding back of the diesels and GMC found some customers.

I couldn't find out the reason for the dip in GMC November numbers.

The economy is going to crash in 2016.
It's a good move to buy a new pickup with no money down and a $700 payment cause once the banks crash that truck loan is going to disappear
Also take all your savings out of the bank and keep cash at home, cash in your 401K cause it will all disappear if you don't.
Stock up on emergency food supplies and beer, lots of beer cause you can use beer as currency.
Quit your job and get a job in food processing and manufacturing cause no matter how bad the economy gets people still have to eat and if you already have a job as a non-producer you're going to lose that job.

@Lou_BC--I hope things don't get as bad as you state but I am concerned about the future and question that things are as good as the spin masters say they are. The media is more focused on stories about Caitlyn Jenner, the Affluenza kid, gay marriage, and other such distractions and less about what effects the average American. Better to keep us all distracted

@Jeff S I think you were responding to the faux Lou (DC) not BC.

@Woopud

Any figures you read about home sales and auto sales come from sources that deserve to be double checked for accuracy. Ditto the employment numbers.

We have record numbers of American workers out of a job. America has a great work force, both union and non union and the last 7 years have not been friendly to them.

Congratulations on the success you've had in your career. You worked for it. It's the American way, right?

@Hemroidv8, is your Prospector 1/24 or 1/18 scale??

Papa - your assertion that ‘If you have received an actual "pay raise" you are very fortunate--most American workers have not had a real raise since the last time there was a Republican in the White House.’ that is false - you can argue that as a republican and as an angry old white male that you are not happy - that is good.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/chart.htm
However Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division, History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 - 2009 shows increase and if the Republican led Congress (with many of angry old white males - who cannot stomach to see colored folks advance economically and ascending the ladder of wealth) they yearn for the bygone days (which happens to be you are stuck ‘Republican in the White House’)

$15 minimum wage is a huge leap from last Republican President when the minimum wage was $6.55.

DC - ‘The economy is going to crash in 2016.
It's a good move to buy a new pickup with no money down and a $700 payment cause once the banks crash that truck loan is going to disappear
Also take all your savings out of the bank and keep cash at home, cash in your 401K cause it will all disappear if you don't.’
Mostly false assertions - The economy will not crash - President Obama ordered Federal Reserve to be alert and avert any finagling from Wall Street - Ms. Janet Yellen - she has raised the interest rates that were near-zero to keep markets calm and push economy upward and forward.

Debt ‘truck loan is going to disappear’ false - statute of limitations for debt collection in most states is less than seven years - the debt stays past the statute of limitation in your credit report.

401K - will not disappear - especially if you pick municipalities bonds - Empire State is not going under rather it will flourish - even Ralph Kramden advices: 1. Get rich quick schemes don’t work, 2. Never rely on an inheritance, 3. Never stop trying to improve yourself, 4. Live below your means, 5. The Joneses aren’t necessarily doing well as you think, 6. Don’t buy what you cant afford, 7. Never give up.

Way to rain on my parade Papa J.
Less $$ out is more in the pocket. That translates to more options.

The best advice my Dad gave me was "Be your own boss". I took it to heart and never looked back. What I earn depends on how busy I get. It can vary but I try not to complain because it could always be worse.

You sound like some CPA's I've known. If you are one, I advise you to become a Certified Fraud Examiner to increase income. That business is booming these days and shows no sign of letting up.

So 2016 is here and enough with the warm and fuzzy commentary. I just finished watching several Ike gauntlet test videos by flt and it's obvious that both the 3.5 eco and ford's own 6.2 are 20% thirstier when loaded than gm 6.2 with the 8 speed. I'm not surprised, however, let the Ford defense begin. LMAO!!!

@stevador

Income? Actually it's just common sense.

Income is wages, tips, rents, dividends and salary. Line 8 on your 1040 IRS form. The Gross.

If you have a corporate tax return, income is revenue after expenses. The Net.

How you FEEL about it is not going to cut it with an accountant or a judge, for that matter.

Credit versus Equity is a subject for my next lesson. Finishing off a five year truck loan may FEEL good, but from a credit standpoint it's a wash.

If you want your FICO score to FEEL better, go out and buy a new truck. Every credit reporting agency will give you a high-five. Ditto for buying a house.

I have no interest in being a CPA or any other kind of accountant (married to one). I'm retiring this year. See you at the golf course!

Mr Robertson asserts--as do all liberals--that the economy gets better when you raise the minimum wage. Why raise it to just 15 bucks. Why not pay everybody $100 per hour?

Good luck with that idea!

These are the same kind of folks who insist that the US has shifted from a manufacturing economy to a consumer economy (whatever the f**k that means).

Using that logic Zimbabwe and Uruguay should be the richest countries on earth. They produce nothing and they consume nothing.

Good luck with that one too.

Go to every country in the world where they followed the advice of these liberal goofballs and you'll find a wealthy elite class, no middle class, and hoards of the poorest of the poor. Kind of like Massachusetts and New York.

Good luck with that!

So 2016 is here and enough with the warm and fuzzy commentary. I just finished watching several Ike gauntlet test videos by flt and it's obvious that both the 3.5 eco and ford's own 6.2 are 20% thirstier when loaded than gm 6.2 with the 8 speed. I'm not surprised, however, let the Ford defense begin. LMAO!!!

Posted by: GMSRGREA | Jan 2, 2016 11:13:19 AM

And what is 20% of 4.0 mpg?????????

So 2016 is here and enough with the warm and fuzzy commentary. I just finished watching several Ike gauntlet test videos by flt and it's obvious that both the 3.5 eco and ford's own 6.2 are 20% thirstier when loaded than gm 6.2 with the 8 speed. I'm not surprised, however, let the Ford defense begin. LMAO!!!

Posted by: GMSRGREA | Jan 2, 2016 11:13:19 AM

You also fail to mention that the GM 6.2L is shifting all the time. It cannot find a gear and stay in it. It must Rev well above 4K and it still cannot maintain 60mph up hill. What you also fail to mention is the Ford 3.5L keeps lower RPMs, maintains a single gear, and has more throttle to accelerate. The GM 6.2 did not. Please if your going to be a GM FanboTTTT include all the facts. But I guess your a typical GM fanboiiiiii and forget the facts.

Posted by: GMSRGREA | Jan 2, 2016 11:13:19 AM

Hmmmmm looks like in the middle of all your multiple user names and tro!!!ing you forgot to finish up your user name.

@LMAO. Answer: 20% more expensive to work the ford's.

Hmmmmm looks like in the middle of all your multiple user names and tro!!!ing you forgot to finish up your user name.

Posted by: LMAO | Jan 2, 2016 12:55:02 PM

New Christmas gift. Gotta get used to it.
Just curious though, how many names do you go by Lionel, oops I mean LMAO.

papajim,
I do think your comments are quite flawed. You speak as if all have lots of cash, investments, etc.

Actually if you look at the global community with a little common sense you will see that any nation that has freehold title to land are the ones that are successful.

It is the ability to leverage the land to invest into bigger and better things.

Remember most of society in countries like Australia and the US are middle class. My advice is to have investments across the board, most importantly including real estate.

Like I stated before to the average person having the ability to own your home on retirement is the best advice you can give.

The other crap you go on about is just that mainly, crap.

It is not possible to just have the markets, commodities, bonds, etc keep on out pacing the CPI in value. When this occurs what is termed bubbles appear.

For a person to increase wealth, real wealth, then someone else must lose out. It's that simple, not all can have "everything".

A you discussed the "elite" in many third world nations control for their own security. The US or Australia is not that much different. You will find the less fortunate do not control or have very little control.

As I told you not all can be a billionaire, or "rich" as you term it.

You seem to be one of those that believe in "Get Rich Schemes". Generally if you become rich you either are a criminal, of lower moral standards or a one in a million who wins lotto.

I do know you can cite a several examples of how some have made their fortunes "overnight", but as a rule most will maybe own a home, with some investment money to back up their seniors welfare handouts. This is reality.

@LMAO. Answer: 20% more expensive to work the ford's.

Posted by: GMSRGREA | Jan 2, 2016 12:55:37 PM

Again this shows that you have not towed anything a day in your life. Looks like you are the poser. If you had a clue you would know that test was up hill for several miles up the IKE. If you tow WOT up hill constantly like to the MOON, then maybe you have a point. But in this case you are just a SAD SAD SAD GM Tro!!!!!!!!!L.