Well that Sucks Too!

Just when I think we're about to catch up with our finances and get caught up on the credit card, something else pops up. I guess it's called life, and it sure isn't easy. Over the last month, I've spent an extra $900 on car maintenance for my wife's car. She desperately needed new tires, and it was time to get a new battery, get the transmission flushed, and get new air and cabin filters, along with an oil change. That's a big chunk of money, but I feel OK about spending it since it helps ensure the safety of my girls.

But then, last week, our washer started to leak from underneath. Then, in about a day, it started to sound like a jet engine when in the spin cycle. After getting the appliance repairman to take a look, it's the main bearing and seal. It's a Maytag, and is only 5 years old, but has been a POS from day one. After about 9 months, the main bearing and seal went out. Thankfully, that was under warranty. But, since then, we've had to replace another seal, and occasionally, the thing will dance across the mudroom floor. The repairman said it would be about $400 to replace the bearing and I don't think I really want to fix it. This would be a good excuse to just chuck the whole damn thing and get a nice front-load set. Plus, our drier is 15 years old, and while we had the main bearing on it replaced last year, I think it may be time to just get a complete new set. An entry-level front-load Whirlpool Sport Duet (what my MIL has and loves by the way) would run about $1300. Yikes. So, just when I'm about to get my head above water, the damn undertow kicks in, AGAIN! LOL .

In fact, I'm sure it will be this way for a long, long time. My daughter is just now entering 7th grade. There are new uniforms to buy, new shoes, a new backpack, and activity fees at school. Let's see, then a Vegas trip, then a whole slew of family birthdays, then Christmas! In other words, there will always be something on the horizon that requires a lot of cash. Hey, who ever said that living paycheck to paycheck isn't the American Dream? It's becoming a reality for the majority of us.

Oh yeah, the good news, Nebraska Furniture Mart just announced a 60 week no interest deal. How could we pass that up? It's basically a free 14-month loan. That's how we've bought all of our furniture up to this point here in Nebraska, through no-interest loans at the Mart. It's a great incentive to buy more!