Just had the worst two months financially... anyone else dealing with this?

Honestly, I just need to vent.

I’m not exactly broke, but I’m not rolling in cash either. I can manage all of this, but it’s really got me stressed out.

First, I had to drop 2 grand on my car just to get it through inspection. I decided to trade it in for a 2013 Tacoma since I got a good deal, and the Kia wasn’t really safe where I live. Now I’ve got a new car payment, and while I’m happy with the upgrade, it’s rough on my budget. If I could’ve waited, I would have, but I figured I’d be okay.

Next, I needed to get some crowns done, and just found out insurance isn’t covering it. So, there goes another $1,700.

Then, I get hit with the news that my mortgage went up by $300 a month because the appraisal increased. Just my luck.

On top of that, my shower has been having issues, so I had someone look at it, and now I need a new one. That’s going to set me back another $3,500.

And just to put the cherry on top, I recently signed a purchase order for my new small business, which I’ve been saving for over the last 3-4 years. Now all this is happening at the same time, and I’m watching 6-7 grand vanish in a little over a month. None of it was planned. It’s so overwhelming. I can still make it work, but I’m really cutting it close, which is not what I had in mind.

Just needed to get this off my chest.

It’s true, when it rains, it pours.

My wife and I have been going through something similar the past two years. Lots of good stuff happening, but it all comes with big expenses. New cars, new house, expecting twins, and marriage—it’s all exciting but draining financially.

It sounds like your emergency fund came in clutch for you. Do what you can to refill it as soon as possible. You’re probably on the tail end of these surprise expenses, and hopefully, your car and house repairs will hold up for a while. Good luck with the new business!

@Rey
It feels like everything hit you all at once. Just keep pushing forward, you’re doing what you can to get through it.

So the appraisal increase only affects your property taxes, right? That must have been a pretty big jump for your mortgage to go up by $300 a month.

Bennet said:
So the appraisal increase only affects your property taxes, right? That must have been a pretty big jump for your mortgage to go up by $300 a month.

It’s probably due to an escrow shortage. Mortgage companies often keep extra funds in escrow to cover tax or insurance increases, so when those go up, they need to collect more to replenish the cushion.

See if your local government or whoever did the appraisal has an appeal process. I’ve appealed mine a few times, and it’s always been worth it.

Man, I feel you. When you’re hit with one expense after another, it really gets hard to keep your head up. Earlier this year, I got into a car accident that cost me $8k after everything was said and done. Then I had a sports injury that’s been dragging on for 6 months, and it’s cost me another $4k in medical bills. It’s like top commenter said, when it rains, it pours.

Just remember, this is exactly what your emergency fund is for. These tough times won’t last forever, and things will eventually get better. Hang in there.

Your post reminds me of a book called It Could Have Been Worse. It’s about a little mouse having a rough day, falling and stumbling, but in reality, those little mishaps are what save him from bigger dangers. By the end of the day, he’s telling his mom how bad it was, and she reminds him it could have been much worse.

These expenses suck, but remember the bigger picture. You’ve still got your health, your business is about to launch, and these setbacks, while frustrating, aren’t catastrophic. Keep going!

For what it’s worth, I had to get two tooth implants last year and that set me back $10k. Crowns are much cheaper in comparison.

I work in plumbing and heating, and the prices just keep going up. It’s crazy how normal folks are expected to keep up with these increases.

Tough situation, but at least you have the cash on hand for all these expenses. Imagine having to put it all on high-interest credit cards. Hopefully, these are one-time costs, and you can get back to building your savings and net worth soon.

I’ve had months like that, and it really sucks. It’s disheartening, but just remember you’re lucky to be able to afford these things. Push through, and hopefully, things will turn around soon!

I hear you. I’m an elderly woman, still working full-time even though I should have retired years ago. I’ve got a big mortgage I’ve been struggling with since the 2009 recession. Driving a 1999 Toyota with a $4,000 oil leak repair earlier this year. I’ve got an older cat who needed dental work and extractions, costing me another $4,000. And to top it off, my condo’s HOA hit us with a $4,000 special assessment that’s due by November.

It’s been one thing after another for me too, but I’ve got a steady salary and Social Security, so I’ll make it through. Still, these unexpected costs just keep coming.

Man, I feel for you! That’s a ton of financial chaos hitting you at once, and it feels like it came out of nowhere.

Trading in your Kia for a Tacoma was probably a good move, but I get how that new car payment is a hit to your budget. And dental work? It’s always a huge, unexpected cost. The mortgage increase is just insult to injury at this point.

You’re juggling a lot, but you’ve got this. Just hang in there, and once you get through this, you’ll be stronger for it.

It’s been rough for me too—$7k for a transmission, $700 not reimbursed from work, a $10k engagement ring, and an empty rental property. All within the last two months. I’m just glad our incomes are stable. We’ll get through it, but it’s been tough.