The Absent Uncle: Expenditures

At our house, on a retirement fixed income, we are aware of the dollars coming in and the dollars going out. We are very fortunate to have some flexibility between those two competing forces.

But just when you think we can catch up a bit from something extra already scheduled to be paid, such as travel or a vacation; quarterly taxes and insurances), then something totally unexpected comes up and wipes that catch-up transfer to savings out. It happens to all of us – it is just part of life. 

For us – this month’s extra was a car repair. $1300-plus,

For friends of mine, one had to pay for a new AC system as the summer heats up, for another, a family emergency dictated travel at the last minute to connect with family that needed his presence, and for another, car problems just like mine.

Trust me – I am not complaining – to have the resources to handle these unexpected calamities is a blessing and I am most thankful for the planning and good fortune we have experienced.  

My point is that you get your hopes up, you think that next month you can put something back, and then by golly – nope – back to square one on the month-to-month.

We learned long ago that we didn’t work well as a family with a budget. We recognized our income, our monthly expenses, and kept the difference in mind with our spending. Probably not different from how you all manage – maybe not the best – but we were both scared of the word “budget”. A strict budget made you stop and think about every dollar you spend(t). Can you afford it? What are you giving up? What do we do with money not spent in a certain category?  

Too much decision making, too much guilt, too much to worry about. 

We are fortunate, no doubt about it.  To be able to handle these unexpected expenditures is a blessing.  

BTW – Next month looks good … for now!