Every since we started the spending freeze we have had 3 HUGE unexpected expenses. Our dryer basically blew up (they were hand me downs of hand me downs) the dryer was like 17 years old. We bought a new set because of combine rebates and we needed a new washer also and paid 850.00
Then DH got into a fender bender costing us 500.00 in insurance deductable
and last night my laptop CRASHED* I borrowed my parents laptop (they have three computers for two ppl) LOL and I am NOT buying a new one until I can save for it. The unexpected insurance deductable had to be partially put on a credit card because we used most of our emergency fund for a new washer and dryer!!!
YIKES SPIKES sometimes I get so sick and tired of this URGH

So needless to say the spending freeze is now ruined for us*

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CaRtEr
April 19, 2008

I'm sorry but look at it this way! When that little boy comes you're really going to like that new washer and dryer! I hope things start looking up!

oh i'm sorry! i hate when crap like that happens, hopefully things will start turning around for you!

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My choices yesterday create my today. My choices today create my tomorrow.

I am sorry to hear of your unexpected expenses. But look on the bright side! You had an emergency fund, that allowed you to take care of the W/D issue! Also, you were able to pay for part of your deductible with cash.

Honestly, I think that unexpected expenses like these are the reason why *I* am doing the spending freeze. I am trying to learn that if something comes up I can tighten my belt, and get through it.

Just think. All the $$ you have not spent in your SF could go towards starting your new emergency fund. Besides.. you are thinking in the right place, by deciding to wait to replace your laptop until you have saved the $$ for it!

And, in the eternal words of Monica Geller, spoken to Rachael Green. "Welcome to the real world... it sucks!" Cheer up it will get better! I will be praying for you!

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-Sarah

My "Forget the Joneses" Blog: Click Here

So sorry you are having the one unexpected expense on top of the other. It is so disheartening. Keep your fingers crossed that you are done for awhile

My husband changed the oil in his Jeep and one thing after the next went wrong with it. It is a downward spiral sometimes.

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Uh oh, you're being tested... stay strong and continue the freeze even longer! You'll win in the end!

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Stay at home mom to my 3 boys... ages 5, 3 & 1!

I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Don't feel bad, you are not the only one in that boat. My dh's truck broke down and we had to buy a new radiator and misc. to fix it (almost $250) and then I've been telling my little boy that we could get a cat for almost 5 months now. Well, we went out Saturday to the animal shelter and adopted a cat (silly me, I didn't think that it would cost that much...). Well, of course we fell in love with one of the cats, and that equaled $125 for her, almost $80 for pet supplies (we have nothing for cats here at my house, only have a dog), and then I took her to the vet today and that cost $85. I'm still not done with the money for her though because she has to go back to the vet next week. So, half of mine was self inflicted, but we were going to have to get a cat eventually, I had promised. So...basically....I am right there with you. What I plan to do is continue my spending freeze and make up for all this I just spent. Just think how much worse we would be if we had spent another 100 or 200 on needless junk or clothes... at least we have in contained and controlled. And the washer and dryer are worth it....you are going to be using it nonstop with a baby on the way.

That's usually the way it goes. At least you had part of the money available to cover the unexpected. You're doing fine; just pick yourself up and start anew.
PS - I've blown my spending freeze and it was self-inflicted!

I wouldn't say it's ruined! I mean yeah...it really really sucks that those things came up....but those weren't impulse buys...those belong on the "exceptions" list. Imagine how much worse shape you would be in if you had gone crazy at the "after-christmas-sales!" Then you would REALLY feel badly for spending that money now that everything else has come up.

You don't have to count the neccesary expenses! Count all the times you could have bought something...but made the sacrafice in order to save money! That's what counts!

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Bekah
Co-founder and CEO of the NOVITZKE FAMILY INC.