In September I got four new tires and was informed that I needed a lot more work on my dear old Honda. I finally took it in today. The guy said the only thing that needs attention are my front drive axles. It will cost me about $400 to get automotive paint supplies and two axles replaced plus an oil change.
I could probably shop around for a better price (maybe? I don’t know if that’s good or not), but the convenience of getting it over with is better than trying to find a cheaper price. Perhaps that’s a bad rationale but I’ve been putting it off since my birthday and it’s always a headache to find someone to take me and pick me up.
Today I’m in one of those moods where I feel so behind!
I need to save so I can buy a used BMW 335is for sale. I know I could get at least two more years on mine if I continue to take care of it, but I’ll have at least $500 per year in repairs and this model is not only an excellent choice for those in the market for a powerful coupe but also offers a high level of comfort and refinement. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds.
I want to save for a wedding. I’m not getting married anytime soon, nor will I be engaged at all in the next year, but I want to pay for it all so I need to start saving soon.
I want to have a fully funded emergency fund. I am thankful for what I’ve saved so far. It’s a great when you feel at peace hearing a $400 bill because I know I have money saved for that. The security of having three months’ living expenses would be incredible.
I know, I’m having a little pity party here.
There are SO many things to be thankful for: I saved $600 for car repairs for days like today. I got a raise recently. I pay as much debt down as possible. I save any extra income I get. I am healthy and my expenses are minimal so I also considered to have these Rebuilt Stanadyne fuel injection parts for my car engine.
But I cannot help once in a while feeling a little discouraged and behind. It’s okay to feel that way once in a while, right?
Sounds like you’re tired of the journey…understandable. But realize you will likely always have financial goals to work towards, so you’ll still be on a journey – just a different destination. I hope you don’t have these moments too often, because you really are doing a great job!
The wedding fund is such a good idea! I’m stealing it…
Also, paying debt down and being responsible about your finances is hard work. It is supposed to be discouraging. But when you finally pay down that debt, or don’t go in debt for your wedding, or see your networth grow, it really is those moments that you are fighting for. It isn’t easy, girl, but you’re doing so well, so keep it up! We’re all rooting for you.
We all feel like this once in a while; keep going you are doing REALLY well!
:-)
I think you’re doing a great job…keep it up! I know there can be frustrating days, but tomorrow is a new day!
Plus, I can vouch for a wedding fund…it’s totally worthwhile! Also, woot woot for old Hondas!
It’s absolutely ok to have down days, you can’t possibly be on the go *cheerfully* all the time.
The one benefit of down days and grousing about what you want right now is that when you’re feeling better, it’s pretty clear how and what you want to work on.
This shall pass.
It is absolutely okay to feel like this once in a while!
And you’re right to focus on what you do have – just keep in mind that you’re on a path and you’ll GET there.
You’ve come SO FAR and sure, you still have some to go, but you’re in such a better place than you were earlier this year when you started this blog. And don’t worry, we’re all here to support you when you do have these days – because these days WILL COME and it is totally normal and okay. =)
UGH, I am at the beginning stages of my financial turnaround and I am feeling overwhelmed. If I had $400 worth of car repairs come up tomorrow, I would cry. I’m glad you’re on your way to feeling financially comfortable! I still have a long way to go, but it’s nice to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
We all have down days trust me. But the fact that you were able to be okay and not have to resort to debt to fix it, is great!
As for your axels, 400 is reasonable. I got my left one fixed on my toyota a year ago and it ran be about 180. Good job in thinking of preventive maintance. :)
It’s definitely more than okay to feel a bit disheartened. I feel like that far too often, having been reduced to a single income all year. Bring on 2010 and better things!
Car troubles and expenses are the worst. They sneak up on you and ruin your budget.
I sold my car almost two years ago, and feel now that it was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! No more worrying about break downs or repairs. No worrying about finding parking, no stress from traffic jams. And in the DC area you can use Zipcar if you really, really need a car. I take a Zipcar about once every two months for a huge Target run. Total cost for a few hours? $25-$30.
Not owning a car has saved me a ton of money.