I took a lot of flack from friends and family about my choice not to get a new vehicle

I know the feeling. We spent a year paying off most of our debt to build our credit to buy our home. A bit of it has been "gained" back, but it's all getting killed right now. Our family is all about getting new mattresses or big TVs and struggling to pay rent on a place that does nothing for them except provide a roof and a place to keep their crap.

They judge us for not wanting to add another monthly payment to get a new shiny whatever, and I don't give a single damn about what they think cause I'm on a path here.

Keep up the good work. Congrats on living the life you want on your terms.

And yes, that's a good looking duck :)