The budget is sinking

Barbara

When it comes to my finances, every cent is accounted for somewhere in my budget. Usually, I cut it pretty close due to my savings goals, some debts and my choice to spend more on housing.

In general, I run a pretty tight ship financially speaking. However, lately (and forgive me for going all Titanic  on you) I've hit some financial icebergs. And slowly, my checking account balance has depleted while my credit card balance has grown.

To put it frankly, my budget is sinking.

The change stems from my recent medical expenses. Starting to pay off my account balances with the doctors and hospitals means less to spend (or save) elsewhere. For three months now I've been throwing $100 toward the balance. And it's beginning to wear on me.

But I can't complain too much on this one. My health insurance is amazing, so it's not a huge burden. I'm paying just over $1,000 for a major medical expense that totaled around $115,000, which is downright awesome.

Still, it's amazing how an additional $100 out of my pocket can skew my finances each month. Celine Dion  should be playing in the background when I check my account balances these days!

Perhaps my budget is a little too tight. To remedy the situation, I'm looking for ways to cut back and control truly unnecessary spending. Some spending (wants not needs) will have to wait until that $100 each month is back in my pocket.

What kinds of financial icebergs have you encountered? And how do you stay afloat when you hit one?

P.S. No matter how hopeless, I'll never let go!