Just when we thought we could get away with saving our economic stimulus package, two issues decided to pop up right in the same week.
First, the bill from my head MRI came in from the hospital. We knew it was coming, but we didn’t know when or how much. If I didn’t have insurance, the amount would have been over $2,300, but I only have to pay the insurance discount rate of $811. Fortunately, my brain is, as stated by the doctor’s office, “unremarkable.” I’m a little disappointed in their choice of words (it would have been nice to hear something like, “You have no tumors, but you do have great definition in your lobes”), but it’s great to know that my migraines aren’t caused by something growing in my head. Plus, this MRI will provide a great baseline later in life if something does start going wrong in my head.
Second, we got back our property reassessment (only 2 months late). Originally, they bumped up the estimated value of our house by $50,000, but on the reassessment they reduced it to “just” $25,000 over my purchase price. Considering the weakening of the housing market and the fact we have made no major improvements to our property in 2 years, I believe my house is worth no more than what I originally paid for it – maybe even less. We only have 30 days to appeal this reassessment to the state level, but this time we’re going to need some bigger ammo. As such, we have scheduled a full property appraisal so we have some new numbers to back up our assertion.
It will likely cost us around $300 for the appraisal, but we will save more than that in property taxes if I am correct. And, if I’m not, at least I will know for sure how much my property is worth right now and I’ll be able to adjust my net worth accordingly. It will be a small consolation prize, but at least it’s something.
All together, I’ll be sending out around $1,200 this week, which just happens to be the exact amount I sent to savings from my $1,500 rebate. At least we’ve gotten these expenses out of the way and we’ve basically broken even. We originally planned to take these amounts out of the emergency fund, since that’s what it’s there for, but it makes more sense to avoid touching that money whenever possible. But if the rebate hadn’t appeared when it did, this is the exact reason one should maintain an emergency fund – for large, unplanned expenses (true emergencies, not big-screen TVs) that would otherwise prevent you from paying your normal bills.
If you haven’t spent your rebate already, I hope you hold on to it and either apply it to debt or to your savings. Strengthening your personal economy will be far more valuable to you, your family, and your community than artificially “stimulating” the global economy. Don’t let this “found” cash burn a hole in your pocket and steer you away from your true needs.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Are stimulus check was gobbled up by numerous delivery expenses that come with a new child. Although it would have been nice to forward the money to our mortgage company, it freed up real income to pay down debt.
Btw, it’s good to know your gray matter was fine. Hopefully you’ll discover the cause of your migraines soon!
Congrats on the new child! As far as my migraines, at least I’ve discovered what seem to be the largest triggers, so I’m able to fend off potential migraines most of the time and the medication can catch the rest.
My wife tells me that my brain is unremarkable all the time. Except she uses different words.
Congrats on the baby!
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I understand the pain on unplanned expenses. Had an accident in the car on Sunday. A piece of plywood was flying through the air and flew straight into my car. About $1,000 worth of damage. Seems stupid to file an insurance claim, but still haven’t decided if it’s worth it b/c my deductible is $500.
Also, I struggle with migraines as well. What have you found as your triggers?