Told theKid about an epoch ago that everything / absolutely everything / manmade will eventually fail, so wiser to avoid placing one’s faith in/on material things.
Like all wisdom, got from GOD … {Matthew 6:19}
Modern life encourages (requires?) consumers to consume the consumption of which that does not last … cars, refrigerators, hot water heaters, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. Directing the masses to a perpetual state of spending – the poor man’s approach to leveraging capital – is the backbone of capitalism, and planned obsolescence is a feature not a flaw.
In a firehouse situated in Livermore, California, there is the Centennial Light, an electric lightbulb that has been burning since 1901, proof that manufacturers can design&build products that last but actively, consciously, and intentionally choose not to.
Hmmm … love of money? Anyone? Anyone? Everyone.
So, anyhoo, included within the categories of the SPENDING PLAN must be Unexpected Expenses – Repairs, because it is not a question of if something will fail but when, what time, and how inconvenient it will be.
Great quote [p.310]: “Things are great until the next thing happens.” True … so very, very true.
Mr. Edelman includes Unexpected Expenses – Gifts but that feels a bit upper income, mid-six … we down all up in these here hard financial trenches, affording only good vibes and well wishes, financial equivalent of thoughts&prayers. Maybe a card … prolly not. Once saw a birthday card selling for $10. Uhno. Bake some cookies or go thrifting/regifting from the closet. Chill.
So, anyhoo, included in the SPENDING PLAN is the Unexpected Expenses – Repairs category, whereby every month a set amount of funds are set aside and secured in a safe, non-spending place with easy access to for when the next thing happens … the purpose/objective (ideal?) is to avoid returning to /relying on credit(debt) cards to cover the “unexpected/expected.”
Coz life happens. Every single day. Until it doesn’t. But that’s morbid so moving on.
But actually need a spending plan for that too so wtaf. Even death costs something (unless of course body left unclaimed in the morgue or remains insufficient for disposal … dunno if can plan for that … nvm)