Ok, I tend to consider myself a good, confident driver. I've had a few close calls lately though -- some are caused by being distracted, others by being in a hurry or not seeing something in my blindspot; some are because someone else is doing something stupid.
Sunday I was backing out of the garage in Dana's car. It is a tight fit. You have to really be paying attention not to bang up the car. I don't drive it that often. Sophia was talking at me and there was an infant exersaucer in the back seat taking up precious viewing area out the back window. I backed up but was distracted. And ripped the left side mirror off the car!!!!!! Thankfully, there wasn't any other damage. But not what I wanted to be dealing with on the way to church.
It also wasn't what I wanted to be dealing with financially. We have already spent hundreds of dollars on car maintenance this year for both aging cars -- a 94 Accord and a 96 Civic. (I vow to drive them until they drop). Our car maintenance fund is in the negative column. Dana got an estimate to repair it yesterday - almost $300! Ouch! We need to fix it soon for safety reasons. We'll need to tap the emergency fund for this one. It hurts to use any of it, but that is what it is there for.
About Me
- Jill
- Wife, mother and Stewardship Director of Grace Church in Erie, PA. I have the privilege of helping people learn to manage the stuff God has given them. I hope to share stories about life - handling finances, the joys and challenges of parenting, and living out a real faith in Jesus in a complex world.
2 comments:
Oh man... I totally can relate. When Brian's alternator went out 2 weeks ago we were really bummed about how that set us back. But when you drive old cars, its sort of the price you pay as the trade off for not having a monthly payment, you know?
Absolutely! The key is to have a savings to draw from when inevitable repairs are needed. That's tough to do but so important. Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps are helpful - #1 is to set aside $1000 for emergencies - before trying to pay down debt. Wise counsel. I know you guys are big fans of his. Can't wait to start his class at Grace in the fall.
Post a Comment