Everything will be fine, right?

peekaboo716

Without going into details, DH and I were shocked to find out about some very large unexpected expenses last night. These expenses total approximately 25% of my annual salary. Needless to say, I am fa-reaked out! I was really doing okay to hold it together last night, but when I went to bed, I just couldn't stop thinking and crying about it.

We have savings that can cover the expenses. The problem is that we will be wiped out once we pay these. And all I can think about are how much our kids need (clothes for summer, swimming lessons, daycare costs, medical bills, etc.).

This will work out okay, though. Right? It just has to.

xbrooklyngrl

Of course it will!

Everything is worse at first. Trust me, once it settles in and you really figure things out, you will be FINE!

lollitots

Thank God that you have savings to cover. It sucks to loose the back-up fund, but it will grow again. You will get through this.

DH was laid off last year and was unemployed for 10 months. This is after I too was laid off. We had to kiss our savings good bye. It sucked, but now that he is working again we are rebuilding it. You will do the same I am sure. Good luck.

KoriBrett

Well, yeah it sucks.  But you will be ok.  Things will work out.

Clothes, start scavenging good stuff off clearance racks and goodwill.  Swim lessons can be put off if need be - or you can ask for a relative to buy the swim lessons as a gift (we've done this).  Medical nobody can help but most docs will do payments if you have to.  Start cutting things out temporarily - cut cable, cut eating out, cut coffee, cut magazines, go down to a cheaper cell plan, etc.  

Hang in there.  

belle204

I'm sure it will. (((Hugs)))

4Speedy

We've been in your shoes, with some unexpected expenses that wiped us out.  We are on the other side now, so I have the blessing of hindsight.  I can truly say that although it was stressful, our "lean" times really brought us together as a family.  We had to get creative as far as entertainment.  Instead of dropping money to go to a movie, we had family game night.  Not having money for extras forced to enjoy each others' company rather than just enjoy expensive outings.  My DH and I also had to really come together as a couple to prioritize spending.  Up until that point, we could each pretty much spend what we wanted, whenever we wanted.  It was eye opening for us.  My kids had also become accustomed to having lots of stuff around and lots of dining out.  That all came to a screeching halt.  They became less whiney about  "But I waaaaaant it!"  My DD was in danger of becoming an over indulged brat and when all the toys stopped coming into the house, she actually became quite appeciative of what she does have. 

 It took us about 18-24 months to fully recover but I can honestly say, we are in MUCH better financial shape today than we ever have been in.  Even though we could easily afford our old lifestyle and then some, we learned a lot from our struggles and have tried to keep some of the same spending habits we were forced to adopt.  My kids are a whole lot nicer for it.  Looking back, it was probably a good thing for us, definitely a case of "what does not kill us makes us stronger."

Good luck to you, although I am sure you will all come through it just fine.

jlw2505

I am so sorry.  DH and I have been in that boat before and have always been able to get our savings built back up.  We have cut a lot of things as every penny does help even if it doesn't seem like it at the time.  Look at your everyday spending - do a serious budget of every penny you spend and see what can be cut, what can done at a later time.  I know daycare costs don't help at all!  As far as clothes - check out Goodwill and other resale shops and see if you can find stuff at a discount to save some money.  Good luck and breathe.  I have always found that things seem way worse when you first find out but once you stop and breathe and digest the news, it is not as scary.  Let it sink in and then work on a plan.  Can you pay the expenses over a period of time or is it a done deal that it needs to paid in full ASAP?  I would ask what your options are?  Also find out if you can pay in case vs a credit card and get a discount?

neesernicole

yes, it will. ((hugs))