First day on new one-income budget and car battery goes out :(

[ekatiel]

Just had to share my Murphy's Law experience from today. For that past few years I've been working part time. This year I was working for a state-funded grant, and we didn't get funding for the new school year, so I've decided to stay home this year. While I've been working, we haven't paid too much attention to our budget. I got my last paycheck last week, and we decided to put it in savings and start our new one-income budget when DH got paid today. Woke up this morning, and my car wouldn't start . $145 later, I have a new battery installed (apparently, my minivan has a difficult to reach battery, which resulted in the extra charge). Couldn't shop around for the price either b/c I'm watching a friend's kids this weekend while she and her hubby are out of town. The minivan is the only vehicle we all fit in!! Oh well. The bright side is, we had $144 a month budgeted for repairs, so we're really only behind $1 on the budget ! Anyhow, I knew you budget friendly folks would appreciate Murphy's Law hitting us the minute we got serious about our budget again! --Katie

 

[mtblujeans]

Don't be discouraged!

You passed the test, still within budget, and things should stay on course now!

 

[figment3258]

Hang in there. My husbands hours got cut way back yesterday and we go to start our air conditioner an it was a no go. Luckily it stared after a while but some thing always seem t go wrong when life gets tough

 

[MissyDVC]

It DOES always seem like "when it rains, it pours"...but luckily you had your umbrella! Hope things stay calm for you

 

[starry_solo]

If the battery was within its warranty period (3 years usually), did whomever you purchase the battery from give you a credit (hopefully!)

 

[disprincessatheart]

I got a new car battery a few months back just after going on unemployment. I didn't want to spend the money, but after the second place told me it was going, I decided not to risk driving around with a toddler and a questionable battery. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to find a credit on my cc statement from the place i bought mine - for recycling my battery since they installed it I have no idea why someone wouldn't recycle the old, but the $15 or $20 back was fine with me. Let's hope you get a similar surprise.