[JanH]

I'm finally getting the picture, too. We nickeled and dimed ourselves into this cos when we had the big items, we didn't have the money saved for them. We didn't spend a ton on a house, more expensive cars, or lots of furniture so we congratulated ourselves on our spending. All the while, not watching the small stuff adding up til you can't pay outright for insurances, medical bills, colleges, autos, or even house repairs. It was a shock how much it matters. We have definitely changed our mindset, but it is a long road to recovery.