The Definition of Irony

April 12, 2012 in Frivolous with 6 Comments

Irony:   Running a blog about keeping finances in order, saving money, and sticking to a budget.   Then, delaying an e-book release because 2 unexpected medical bills surfaced after 7 months, causing editing, formatting, and cover design fees to be postponed.

The lesson:  (Or, the learning experience, as I call it with my 2 boys.  Everything that happens is a learning experience when you have a 4-year-old and 2-year-old inhabiting your domicile.)

Separate what you want from what you need.  

Releasing an e-book in April is something I want.  Building an emergency fund and being able to knock unexpected medical bills out of the park with little to no notice is something that we need.

Separate “want” from “need”, and you’re on your way to financial success.

What is something that you want, but know you don’t need?

  • http://www.zahndrew.com/ Andrew Zahn

    I see the little engine that could.

    Saying the old “I think I can I think I can I think I can.”

    But instead I see you, and you’re more confident and you’re better than a silly children’s toy.

    You’re saying “I know I can, I know I can, I KNOW I will.”

    It’s a very good journey you’re on. Many will learn from you and your family!

    • http://www.indueseason.net skottydog

      Thanks, Andrew. We feel like we have built quite a bit of momentum and hope that it will continue. This has been (and still is) a very long journey. Thanks for the added push. Can’t wait to reach the top of the hill!

      (Too many “Little Engine That Could” metaphors?)

  • Emcscottey

    If it took 7 months for those medical bills to “surface”, I really wonder if you owe them. Please be sure that you read your insurance plan carefully. Call and ask questions. But don’t just take their word for it. If you think something is unusual, APPEAL and then appeal again. I’ve saved THOUSANDS of dollars by really knowing my insurance and challenging invoices through the appeal process.

    • http://www.indueseason.net skottydog

      I was expecting the anesthesiologist’s bill for a couple of months after I got home. After a few months, I (wrongly) assumed that it must have been worked into the total bill from the hospital. They just took 6 months to process it. Deep down, I knew better.

      The other bill was for the first 6-month MRI follow up scan. The hospital changed their coverage to employees since my last study, so now I owe $500 instead of the anticipated $50. I did not see that one coming.

      I joke with my coworkers that I got my cancer at the perfect time…right before the insurance changes!

  • http://twitter.com/needmath Janice M. Pleimann

    I appreciate your putting the want vs need concept out there. This is especially difficult with two teenagers! I want to hit that debt so hard but those pesky teenagers make it very difficult.

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    This is a challenge but needed. Sorry you have some unexpected medical bill that prevent you from releasing your books sooner but I think your making the right choice. I always want to but coffee/red bulls but know I can’t because it all adds up.