The proverbial rainy day

[ua_guy]

I was laid off last week. The company I work for is in dire straits, and once-untouchable teams were pruned way back. Shocked/not-shocked.

This is why we save and do shrewd things with our money--we'll be fine. Our personal finances are designed to run on one leg of power, or on backup power if needed. The news falls literally as my husband is recovering from surgery. A few months ago he was diagnosed with cancer. The silver lining: He caught it early, the likelihood of spread is low, and his doctors are not recommending chemo going forward. We've saved for the never-event of big medical bills, and here we are. The year started off with our dog passing, and we've only reached the middle of June. This has been a heavy year. We do a lot of thinking about our mortality lately.

We'll put the money back in the pot, we always do. I'll find something else - hopefully not with another poorly-managed company. This too shall pass like the squall that it is.

[disneysteve]

Sorry to hear about the job and especially about your husband. Glad to hear his prognosis is good.

You’re so right about these being the times we all are preparing for by being financially responsible. These are the sorts of things - medical bills, job loss - that are often the seminal event leading to financial ruin for so many.

And I totally hear you on the thoughts of mortality. My wife’s illness these past 2 years has given us that mindset too. Now that she’s feeling better we’re trying to live more and do more while we can.

[bjl584]

Sorry to hear about the job loss and all the other bad news.
I just came off a voluntary lay off. My first day at my new job was actually today.
I too was ready for it and had been saving before pulling the trigger.

I'm sure that you'll find something soon.
Everyone here seems to be resourceful and well prepared.

[kork13]

Wow, that is a rough year. Intentionality & preparation & paying attention definitely pay off, and your ability to handle all of that is a testament to what it can do for people.

I hope you can get through it all and back to some form of normalcy quickly & without any further complications.

[Bozzdivine]

It sounds like this year has been incredibly challenging for you and your husband. However, it's great to hear that his prognosis is positive and that you've been proactive in preparing for unexpected events like medical bills.

Hopefully, you'll come across an opportunity with a well-managed company that appreciates your skills and dedication. Wishing you all the best!

[AllyStreelman]

I feel so inspired seeing your optimism and the way you are thinking so objectively about the situation. My best wishes with you, I'm sure come whatever way you will survive and thrive!

[scfr]

Sorry to hear about the recent troubles, which do sound quite stressful. I'm glad you have the financial aspects of your life squared away so that you can focus more energy on the other areas. I am also in the "thinking more about mortality" group. Sending positive vibes your way in the hopes that the 2nd half of the year will be a bit less difficult.

[myrdale]

I'm sorry to hear that. My situation is nothing compared to yours, but I've about broke out laughing last night as my TV died.

Leading up to this:

$700 for new tires (expected & budgeted for) at the start of the month.
$400 for new caving head lamp (budgeted for).
$1200 home insurance & $900 truck insurance at the end of this month (expected & budgeted for).
$800 for a broken tooth requiring a crown.
$ ? for repairing a hole my neighbor just knocked in the side of my house with a golf ball ><*
$100 for repairing the washing machine myself after it broke Friday.

The TV did start working again, but considering it was purchased with George W. Bush's take refund I've got my money's worth out of it by now. I may or may not try to fix it. I am fairly certain the problem will be the power supply which will consist of a couple of large capacitors which will move likely be very apparent they are bad.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis. I'm glad it was caught early and you were able to catch it before it spread.

I'm also sorry to hear about the layoff. Sounds like you are in a good spot to be picky and choosy about what sort of job you take!

Last month we also had a brush with mortality, and are definitely more on the spending now and living now train. Time waits for no one. And no amount of money bought another minute of time. I'm very mindful of being a saver and being prudent. But at the same time money is meant to be used wisely.

I'm not a huge spender in general but I'm not waiting to enjoy life. I am enjoying it now. Now meaning we are going to try and spend money more and not try to squirrel away every little penny. I've set the goals of saving 2 - 401k, 2 roth ira, 2- esa and maybe ibonds. Then everything after that we are spending. We are managing to save between 25-40%. Is it the end of the world that we need to squeeze every penny and get to 50%?

Or can we relax and just be. Buying stuff not on sale at the grocery store or clothes. Not worrying about going out to eat. I decided we need to enjoy the now.