Expecting the Unexpected Expense
Well I didn’t see this coming.
Correction, I knew it was coming, I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.
Have you had something unexpected (or expected) finally just HAPPEN? For us, it was our two, beloved senior cats moving on to the great sunroom in the sky.
I adopted Lola and Jane in 2008. I was volunteering at the Humane Society while I attended Allegheny College, and let’s just say I wasn’t allowed to go back for fear of adopting more cats.
Lola <3
Jane <3
They lived with me in our college house until we graduated in 2010. Then they traveled with me, my bestie Ruthie, and her pug Sugar down to sunny Florida. When I inevitably returned to Pittsburgh, they lived with me through every move, celebration, heartbreak and major life event I’ve had since.
The very best babies
I was fortunate to have my babies for fifteen years. They lovingly cuddled Matt, my husband, even though he is VERY allergic (goodness I love him). They patiently endured Jackson, our chaotic toddler. And thankfully, they were able to be here when we brought our daughter Mila home four months ago.
I knew that this day would come. It is one of the pains we have to go through from loving and losing in life.
I also knew when I went to the vet that I would have to spend money. However, I was unprepared to make a major financial decision in such a traumatic moment. Luckily, they understood, and gave me some time before finalizing anything. I do find it quite astonishing that I was asked to pay over $200 per cat to get their ashes back, but I find most of the medical field astonishingly expensive. After discussing things, we decided to honor them in our own way, and went with a less expensive option.
I have no regrets about the money I did and did not spend in this case. Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances, and has to make choices that best fit their needs at that time. I loved my kitties very much, and I gave them the best quality of life that I could for as long as I could. And also…FUCK CANCER.
What you can do to expect the unexpected:
Look at last years numbers (statements or activity in an app)
Divide and conquer (add up any one time or annual expenses and divide by 12 to get an idea of how much to set aside to cover those bills)
Save for that rainy day fund (even if it’s $1 - every bit counts)
I have buckets through our Ally online savings account for different savings goals. One bucket is for “SOS” and covers any random taxes, car expenses or emergencies that come up. We automatically have savings go in each month so I don’t have to rely on myself to do it…because I won’t :).
I am grateful for Lola and Jane. I am grateful for the fifteen years I had with them. I am grateful that they got to be together and I am grateful that they are no longer in pain.
I will be spending money on wine and pizza this Friday in their honor. It’s what they would have wanted and I’m in a glass case of emotion, so I think some emotional spending is in order.
