Navigating Unexpected Expenses

November 13, 2024 Check engine light drama and a flat tire adventure with a sprinkle of gratitude and resilience.Life has a way of throwing curveballs, especially when you're trying to stick to a budget and win a competition. This week was no exception for us, but we managed to navigate the challenges with a little savvy and a lot of gratitude.Earlier this week, the dreaded check engine light made an appearance on Matt’s commuter car dashboard. After taking the car in for an inspection, we were handed a quote that made our hearts skip a beat – over $3,000. Knowing that we needed to be mindful of our expenses, we decided to only address the most critical issues for now. This decision brought our total down to $2,000, a significant saving compared to the initial quote. It was a tough call, but having options allowed us to manage the situation without completely derailing our budget.As if the car troubles weren't enough, I (Britt) ended up with a flat tire later in the week on my way to the gym. Thankfully, our roadside assistance membership came to the rescue. We were also incredibly grateful that we had opted for the tire package in our lease agreement. Because of these two smart choices, the cost of the tire repair ended up being $0. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of being prepared and making wise financial decisions.Despite the unexpected expenses, we are feeling fortunate and resilient. These experiences have reinforced the importance of having a plan and being adaptable. By making informed decisions and taking advantage of the resources available to us, we can continue to stay on track with our budget and our competition goals.
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