...In writing. In blogging....That's what happened to me a few days ago. I honestly started writing three posts and never finished them. I would stare blank at the screen lost in words. Or lost in all of my words...
I guess, part of it was that I didn't want to deal with goals and financial challenges. I didn't want to access our financial situation right now. Last week was VERY expensive for us. Mostly, because we got a dog. The puppy himself was only $180 (well, not only. But it's a STEAL for a shih tzu. Most shih tzu puppies go for $450-600 here). But after we bought all the big and small stuff we needed for him, we spent more than $400. Everyone told me that having a dog is expensive but I didn't expect to spend that much money in one short week. And we are yet to take him to the vet and get his shots :(...Sigh...But I'm still in love with him. He's the cuddliest, cutest and funniest dog I've ever seen. We just need to learn how to adjust our budget and savings to include the new "baby's" expenses. It was a bit of a hick up (or more, punch below the belt) but we survived. Don't tell me, you warned me :)
Another big thing we tried this week is to do a once-a-month shopping trip. Last weekend we went and spent $233 out of our grocery budget ( which is set at $300/month right now). I made sort of a monthly menu and we have plenty of food right now but I DON'T KNOW HOW SOME OF YOU DO IT?? It's scary to think that we only have $67 left in our grocery budget for the rest of the month. I surely don't like this feeling. I wanted to give it a try but I doubt I'll do it again :) Mainly, because when we got home I realized that we forgot to buy this, and that, and that...I know it might take practice (or a bigger budget) but I think I'll stick to my weekly shopping trips from now on ...But we'll see how bad the damage will be at the end of the month.
The third is medical. First, I still don't know what's wrong with me. I went to the doctor, and I have all the symptoms of low thyroid but my tests came back negative. I will need to come back in a couple of months but until then I'm hanging in here :( I was debating if I should get a second opinion but I'm just not sure if we can afford another unplanned doctor's visit right now. The problem is that I STILL haven't received the bills from my trip to the hospital in JANUARY!! We have some money set aside but I constantly wonder if it's going to be enough or not, if the bills will break our bank, what is the allowed amount on procedures etc. etc. etc. We actually got a note from our insurance company informing us that they are still waiting for some extra info from the hospital but that's it :( I don't like medical bills (who does??) but I like even less when you can't even pay them for almost six months!
So yeah, here's where we are...I took a long break but now I'm ready to face it, do the math and then some more math, and get back on track with our finances. We will try to spend as little as possible this month. Good thing that I have plenty of supplies to finish a lot of projects that I already started here without spending a lot of money :)
I'm back :)
That's fun you got a dog. We have had a ton of unplanned expenses this year too. Everything seems to be breaking--my son's arm, the car, the dryer, the car, the sprinklers, the car, etc. I am doing better on my food budget, though. Medical bills are one of my biggest frustrations. The last few years, I've learned it helps to call the insurance company ahead of time and estimate the costs.
ReplyDeleteThey can't give us an estimation until they have the info on all the procedures:( And that's what we are waiting for right now!
DeleteHi Lena,
ReplyDeleteIn regards to your health issues: a few years back I felt totally exhausted for quite some time, as I told my doctor I felt I was just dragging through life. A friend suggested it sounded like low thyroid. My thyroid test also came back "normal". It turned out that a compounding pharmacist checked my hormones and I did have low thyroid (maybe subclinical?). Anyway, I felt a world of difference after getting Synthroid and my hormones balanced out. Hope you can check into it further as I have learned to not just go by blind faith in doctors anymore when I don't feel well. Best of luck to you :) - Kathy
Thank you, Kathy, for your input! I appreciate it! My husband works for a clinic (bariatric) and I actually asked him to see if their PA can re-check it for me because I don't want to wait for another two months. I feel exactly like you did - dragging through life right now, and I'm so tired of being tired!
DeleteA dog, how fun! Do you have a vet school near you? You can get vet services much cheaper there. Or call the local human society, they may be able to help you.
ReplyDeleteYou could call the hospital billing office. If they can't give you an exact amount, ask for a ball park figure so you can plan your expenses and peace of mind. In my experience, they are more than happy to help. Also (at least here in Wisconsin), hospitals do not charge interest. As long as you call them, set up regular payments and make them on time. Good luck!
I'm not sure about vet schools but I will check it out. Thank you. Our family members actually recommended us a vet they use, and he sounds pretty good and very inexpensive. We'll more than likely go there as soon as we get all of the records from the previous owner (they lost them and now need to get hold of their vet and transfer it all on our name).
DeleteThe problem with the hospital bill is that the allowed amount from the insurance greatly varies from what hospital tries to charge. That's why we usually work directly with the insurance company. My husband used to work for the medical insurance company, and it opened up the world for us we didn't know existed :) But now we know how it usually works in our state. It's the wait that annoys me so much!
I have natural lulls in blogging. Usually when I get too overwhelmed in the real world. Yes, it is surprising just how expensive pets can be! But usually once the initial costs are out of the way, it's not nearly as bad. Just yearly checkup/shots and food.
ReplyDeleteI can't really once a month shop either. We go through too many fresh veggies, fruits, bread and milk!
It can take up to a YEAR for bills to settle sometime. When you do get the final bill, call the hospital and ask them what kind of discount they'll give you if you pay for it all right then. We did that for when the boys were born... sometimes they'll give you a 40% discount on what you owe! Worth a shot, even if it's only 10%, it's still less!
We will definitely call for a discount as soon as we have all the papers on hand!
DeleteAs for shopping once a month, I know how you feel! I tried to stock up quite a bit, and should have enough fruit and veggies (and milk) to last us for another week at least. And them I hop to be able to stretch what's left for more fresh produce and milk. I do bake a lot of bread, so we'll see how it's going to go...Lots of people swear by once-a-month shopping but I'm really not sure...
As for your thyroid, I don't know your numbers, but when I was first tested, I was just above normal when most people don't feel any symptoms. However, I was feeling bad, so my doctor treated me and I felt better. Another thought, have you thought about depression? That can certainly make you feel tired and a lot of other things.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with the puppy and feel better soon.
I actually tested low about a year ago but it was so insignificant (and I didn't have any symptoms back then) that the doctor didn't give me anything for it. I had to go to a different, new doctor this time, and the tests were all normal...Go figure. That's why I'm considering getting a second opinion.
DeleteSame experience for me, but it took a couple of visits to my Dr.. A very good PA at my physician's office rather than my physician actually gave me my 1st Rx. I started meds before my levels were actually abnormal and it made a big difference. My med dosage had to be increased several times over the years since my initial RX but I've been on same dosage for years now. Keep pushing. You know when things are not right with your health.
DeleteI'm with yah there, Lena... honestly, my blogging has been 'meh' at best I feel. Dogs are very expensive, I've always wanted one, but the cost has always held me back... I hope after his shots there are no more puppy expenses for a while.. :( Hang in there! Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteI think your blogging is always awesome :) We just got some quotes, and it looks like between shots, regular vet visit and brushing teeth, it should be only another $85. It's better than I thought :)
DeleteI don't think I could deal with a once a month shopping either. Not just because I lack the space now, but because that'd require too many extra levels of organization and commitment I lack. Right now, I've fallen to cooking only 1~1.5 meals per week and eat leftovers the rest of the time. A new family member is a big adjustment, but don't worry, the costs do level off. It's the acquisition bump that hurts the most.
ReplyDeleteIf it wasn't for the kids, I totally would cook twice a week, and then eat leftovers :) But kids require variety, lol.
DeleteA puppy? Did you take that money out of the baby fund? At least you won't have to send it to college. I could never do once a month shopping. But many people swear by it. You will love the dog. Sorry you are not feeling well. What are your symptoms? I went for years with an undiagnosed auto immune disorder. enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou are right :) He's pretty smart without it :) We actually used money we set aside for the shed (from our tax return). Shed will have to wait until next year. And we will try to sell some stuff this month too to catch up!
DeleteAs for my symptoms, I'm always tired no matter how much I sleep, I gained a lot of weight, I'm moody. I seriously have all the symptoms on my doctor's list down to an unexplained and sudden dandruff attack. That's why I feel that I need to get re-checked. What are the symptoms of auto immune system?
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I am so sorry that you are dealing with the blogging blahs. That happens to me like once a month, like a clock! But I don't think I blog as often as you; you are totally awesome with coming up with stuff to talk about. Furthermore, the warm weather can't help; my children want to be outside 24 hours a day now and that does NOT help with keeping up with anything online. And a dog now too! Girl, I'm impressed you found time to shop and write this post at all. :) I will read anything you write, whenever you find time to write it. Know that that is true. :)
ReplyDeleteShopping once a month is not something I like to do, you miss out on the weekly specials. Shopping for deals each week helps keep our pantry FULL at really low prices. Congrats on that sweet new baby, they do cost money to start out with but worth every dime and you don't have to worry about saving for higher education!!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes finances just go awry. The important thing is to not totally throw up your hands in the air. You're awesome and things will get back on track. Glad to see from the comments that the vet visit won't be as much as you'd feared.
ReplyDeleteYay for the cute new member of the family and boo to the medical issues. Hopefully they find a cheap fix.