This week I’ve had money on the brain. I’m so grateful to the thousands of individuals who are out on the city streets of America taking a stand against the financial injustices that are crippling our country. I think we of the middle class have had enough of politely sitting by while we are being fleeced right, left, and center.
I decided to take a hard look at where I stand financially, and I’m still in disbelief. I didn’t get to fancy with the project. I figured what I spend and what I make. The numbers are rough, but they give me an idea. When I subtracted expenses from income, I had about $6000 to play with. But then I remembered to factor in money if I want to take any vacations. Cha-ching $2000. Then I remembered oil changes and car maintenance. Cha-ching $500. Oh, I forgot dental. Just teeth cleanings, $350. A root canal, crown, or other dental or medical emergency puts me in the red. Damn it!
I’m not poor. I have a great life, but I live way too close to the margin for a woman who has worked for 38 years. I can support what I have, but if anything extra creeps in, then I’m sunk. My biggest expense is my medical insurance, $5,800 per year.
I could go on and on about this, but I’ve got to wrap it up and go to work. I’m still making up for lost time while I was on a two week vacation.
Did somebody tell me they get six weeks paid vacation in Europe as standard practice? Wow!
Have a great week, and I’ll post again next Friday.