Thursday, January 21, 2016

Unexpected Expenses

My microwave died this week.  It has been acting up for a few months, but this weekend it finally died completely.  I COULD get away without one, but it's so convenient to be able to thaw out bagels and muffins, and to warm up dinner if hubby gets home late.

I think everyone can agree that things break down and repairs or replacement of appliances often happen when the money just isn't there.  When my Jeep broke down for the second time and we had to put the repairs on our credit card I got serious with our short term savings.  I started transferring a small amount of money off every paycheque and leaving it in my savings account.  I hated the feeling of being stuck.

That being said, I know that many are in the position I found myself in with my jeep.  If you find yourself in need of some quick cash to replace an appliance or make a home repair, these tips might help you:
  • go through your closet and consign any clothing that you don't wear
  • find all the outgrown sports equipment (skates, cleats, helmets etc) that your kids have no use for anymore and sell them at a consignment store or through a buy/sell/trade group
  • clean out the toy room and sell anything that isn't getting played with anymore
  • find a 2nd job (not immediate money, but it can help to start a savings account)
  • shovel snow or cut grass - you can advertise on local facebook groups
I remember the awful feeling of not knowing where the money was going to come from, and I hope that these ideas can help you if you are feeling like that now.  Have you had unexpected repairs come up before?

3 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about the unexpected expenses....

    When that happens to us, I keep on thinking we could be using THAT money towards our vacation.... :(

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    Replies
    1. Thanks - I am thankful it was a microwave which we could have gotten away not replacing, and is relatively cheap in price compared to some other things that could have broken

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  2. Thats too bad,i just hate it when that happens our last unexpected expense was coming home from a trip to find our roof in the master bedroom...sound as i seen it everything went $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ thanks goodness its finally paid and behind us

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