I know that this seems really annoying and sad for you in the moment but this is literally what you cash stuff for. You put cash aside for emergencies. I know we get hung up on the categories but you’re in a much better position because you DONT have to swipe a credit card to cover something. That is a blessing.
you are sooo right!!! this is EXACTLY why we cash stuff! it was so difficult to accept at first because it wasn’t the plan I had. we are making it through! I posted an update just now 🩷
Here is my take on this video. This is my opinion; other people don't have to agree with me. I see so many people in the cash staffing community and how they save and work the money into their different binders. It's lovely to see. But so many in the cash-stuffing community seem to treat the money as trophies like the money can't be touched. When push comes to shove in a situation like yours or some other emergency, you must use the money if you have it. At the end of the day, the money is there to help you out. Yes, this is a hard step backward, but you can still go forward after this.♥
This video broke my heart because I've been there. If you clear out your Anniversary and Christmas funds, you should be okay. You'll rebuild, but importantly, have a dependable vehicle for you and your kids! You also said you didn't need encouragement. Too bad, you're getting it: You're strong and amazing! You got moxie!! You were defeated, now pick yourself up, shake off that defeat and be amazing!! You got this!!!
This is real life…I am so glad you shared and you have to remember that it all was money you saved so you should be so proud that you could pull $2,740.00!! That’s amazing!!
Jenn this is what cash stuffing is all about. You have money in various areas, but may have to pull and add to one area ... in this case car maintenance. Clear our Christmas and anniversary and focus on the car being safe to use for your family. You have plenty of time to save for a scale back Christmas for the kids and Anniversary for y'all. Good luck and try not to stress out to much ♡.
Jen, I am so happy that you uploaded this video. This kind of situation does feel defeating, but we are going to go on the journey with you of rebuilding your sinking funds and your savings challenges. You got this!!!!!!
thank your errika! it was so defeating and I definitely shared my raw emotions and everything I was thinking in that moment of shock. but I have had some time to process and I am excited to start rebuilding!
My husband is also in the military (13 years Air Force, and currently deployed.) and we know how you feel. When we moved to Texas our truck broke down. We ended up spending $7,500 between our move and catalytic converters, and our savings was drained. Living on base literally saved what finances we had left. You have to do what you have to do. A year later we only have half of that saved up but we’re moving forward nonetheless. We had a lovely, quaint CHRISTmas; We had all we needed. You will get through this. Give it to God and God bless.❤
The way I wanted to jump through the screen and just hug you so tight 🥺 thank you for posting this video, I can’t imagine how hard it was. But it’s the vulnerable videos that make you so relatable and it’s something I’ve always admired about you 🍓
Emily thank you so much! you have always been an inspiration to me and inspired me to restart my journey all those months ago! I appreciate your words of encouragement 🥹🩷
Seriously one of the best videos I've watched. We all experience these struggles at one level or another in our lives. It shows others they are not alone in their struggles. I can say you are honestly ahead of the game. Be glad you have that much money on hand. Sure you have to start over. You had that money ear marked for other things. But I have a feeling you will build it right back up again. Have faith you will make it through this. And another awesome point is you don't have to make a car payment plus have a car maintenance bill. I think you will be just fine. Head up girlie!
🥹🥹🥹thank you so much!!! it was difficult being so raw and vulnerable on camera when I try to always be so positive and happy. but thank you for being there with me through this initial shock. I posted an update video today would love if you checked it out 🩷
i've been there done that and still fallen short. I am so very thankful you uploaded this because IT IS LIFE and it's how it goes sometimes. So thank you for being vulnerable with us
Hi Jen, so sorry you’re going through such a hard time with the vehicle. But don’t be so hard on yourself!! I know you mentioned being debt free and the car is paid off, but here’s my unpopular opinion, you have your sinking funds and other categories already poured into, I’d say not to deplete them and just get a credit card to pay the maintenance. But after a second opinion because I think there’s something cheaper out there for sure!! I wouldn’t deplete your other categories though, remember not everything is forever. You can still have those other things you’re saving for while paying a new CC off for the car maintenance, the money will come back but the memories and time won’t. Always remember that. And we’re cash stuffers, we can pay a card off with our eyes closed! 😂❤
@@MrsNewlywedMoney i completely understand i went through the exact same thing $4300 i have the money from my 10k savings challenge (2525) and a couple of my monthly’s but I really hate to give them that much money. I definitely understand this decision though for sure
yes!!! I discussed it with my husband and we decided not to deplete anniversary and christmas for that reason exactly! I uploaded a new video sharing our whole discussion 😅
Sending you all my love! I know how difficult it can be. You definitely should get a second opinion. When my boyfriend's car stopped working out of nowhere right when he was about to pay it off, they said it was going to cost $3k. We got a second opinion and spoke to the dealer manager, and it turned out we only had to pay for the battery! The fuel injector was under warranty and they try to say it wasn’t. Also the tires were fine for another few months. Some mechanic up charge for extra money! Please don’t be discouraged you got this! Praying for you and your family!
I know it's hard but that's why we do this ,you have the money pay it and start over don't go in debt and have the money sitting in envelopes you will get it all back and more
Hi Jen!! So grateful for you uploading this very brave video. It is real life and you’re such an inspiration for that. I’m sorry you’re going through this as well. I agree with a lot of the above comments but here’s my advice because I had to do this. I opted to not take from my sinking funds and just grab a small personal loan from the bank for $5K to pay for a transmission. Why? Because I would have been in more debt paying for the things with the sinking funds and hubby was just as tied to the money in the sinking funds and didn’t want to use money for different categories just from vehicle. It didn’t take us long to get back into a rhythm to pay it off and the required payments are so minimal, we’re throwing more and more to it each pay period. And I feel you on the RU-vid comparison. I have been doing this for a while and I’m no where near where you are and don’t even get half the views you do lol. But that’s not why I do it. It holds me accountable in my journey. I love watching your videos and hope you continue to still share journey with us.
girl thank you! I appreciate your advice and kind words! it’s difficult comparing yourself and getting in your head like that 😥 we discussed it and I uploaded a video sharing it all lol to be honest we are going to try to limit ourselves as much as possible to not add debt for any of the categories I emptied 🤣🤞
Oh love it's gonna be okay! Car stuff can be overwhelming af! But definitely look into doing some things yourself vs with the dealership or mechanic. Buy a battery from Walmart or auto zone. You're not paying middle man prices. Super easy to change out yourself or even the guys from auto zone will do it free. Definitely under $500. Discount tires is another business that comes in clutch for tires! 700 for 2 tires is steep. BMW or not. Unless it's huge tires like on a truck. If you play your cards right you could get 2 tires an battery done for 1000-1200. An that's pushing it! Sis I'm telling you battery installing is easy I did mine myself with youtube. Auto zone will also check your battery an charge it for free an tell you what's wrong with it. The oil leak would def be a mechanic thing though. Praying for you girl you got a great jump start with what you have! Maybe even already enough! Shop around don't settle❤
thank you!!! my hubby is going to do the battery himself but we are waiting on it for now. and then the tires I am going to look at costco as well as at discount tire and see if they have any offers! I really needed to take a break and regroup 🤣 I am feeling better now that the initial shock wore off. I posted an update video this morning too 🩷
I just went through the same. Pulled all I had, maxed all my cards for a $2,600 car repair. A month later, I ended up having to buy a new car. So now I have a new car while still repaying on a car I no longer have. It was a hard decision, but getting a new car may be the better option.
Yeah after hearing a number like that and all that's needed um I need a whole new vehicle and well I don't even drive Due to disability but that just sounds stressful!
Paying for car and household maintenance is stressful for many of us. I’m hopeful that you and your husband will figure something out. And maybe in a future video you could share how you navigated this unexpectedly high expense for those of us who are starting this budgeting journey. 🍓 ❤
Don't feel defeated. This is why we all cash stuff. When things(like car repairs) come up,you have the cash on hand. Things will work out in the end. Have faith!!
My heart breaks for you. I'm so with how you feel and agree with others that maybe it is time to get a new vehicle. From experience, once things start happening, I feel like more and more happens and then you are just putting so much into it. Prayers you figure it out and you can get your sinking funds back up. ❤❤
These things happen indeed it is real life. An unexpected expense wiped out my emergency fund and sinking funds at one point. My ultimate take away was thank goodness for the EF I didnt have to go into unwanted debt and that I have to keep adding to my EF for a bigger cushion. Take a moment to process. However as long as you have life you can start over. Do not be discouraged.
Don’t feel defeated friend! This happens to everyone! At least you are in a better place than you were a few years ago! Keep your head up this too shall pass! ❤
Just my 2 cents but i feel it may be better off to get a different vehicle with a good warranty. Not a super expensive vehicle, but a 2015 is already a bit old and i would worry all that would be fixed and then more goes wrong with it. I guess it depends how many miles are on your car and if you have a warranty covering engine or any super big things.
I’m sorry something major popped up….i understand the frustration of money…just hang in there. I will keep you guys in my prayers that everything will work out. Talk with your husband and see what you can do without touching those three envelopes….keep your head up and breathe…. We will be here to support you❤❤
yes!! I completely lost sight of that in the moment! I was only thinking about what I didn’t have 😭 but I posted an update video and would love it if you check it out and let me know your thoughts!
Hey girl, no need to worry. I read the comments and a lot of people are saying to get a 2nd opinion which is 1 option. I love your channel, but don’t know your financial situation. Consider selling the car to Carmax, and get into something more reliable for you and your family, and keep your money that’s an 2nd option. I hope this helps. Also you can pick up a battery from Costco which I know they give you a credit for bringing in the old battery. Also, you can buy 2 used tires in the mean time a lot of local tire shops offer them for sale🙏❤️
I didn’t even know carmax will take cars that need repairs! I posted an update video and would love it if you check it out and let me know your thoughts!
So so so sorry this is happening!! We haven’t had an expense like this yet but we have def had allll the unexpected things happen. Hoping things work out! 💚
Im sorry that this happened and it sucks! All I can say is this will pass and you will figure it out! Praying everything works out for you! Sending lots of encouragement and support! ❤
Girl you can do it. Just empty it out except for Christmas and anniversary. This will be a way for you to show that everyone can start from scratch and make their way back up again. We can all do it together.
Thank you for transparency and showing people that noones life is empty of worries, it is important reminded for everyday for us to be grateful of for we did, saved or sacrificed and we will do in the future, you are strong and good minded lady, I wish you and your family live struggle free soon
I get what everyone is saying about " this is the point of saving up for these rainy days" but car shops care notorious for ripping people off... I grew up in shops and work at a car shop currantly and I can't tell you how many horror stories I get of people getting told they need everything right now or your cars gunna explode when sometimes it something very minor or doesn't need half of what they were quoted. Not saying their wrong but its worth having a second opnion. Don't go to jeffy lubes / Firestones or other related chain stores. They will rip you off given the chance. Go to your mom and pop mechanic whos been doing it forever / knows his stuff and wont throw 100 parts at your car trying to fix one problem. If anything ask them time frames like "can this wait till my next oil change or " so depending how long you have till your next oil change ( 1 or 5 thousand miles give or take) will give you time to save for the next repair.
I'm praying for you this is too real. I've been there not once or twice but a lot, so I feel your pain, but know that it will be rewarding in the end. Keep on doing what you do best, that is cash stuffing, and you will be back where you were . Love the video girl 💜💜
I know it may seem overwhelming but you are in a blessed place. It's hard to see the picture when you are in the frame. As an outsider looking in, you have the money to do it, it's just an inconvenience to have to pull nit from other categories. You can handle this without going in to credit card dent. Bravo girl bravo!! No debt!! Celebrate your ability to manage money. I would use this as an opportunity to reevaluate your sinking funds. Do you have too many? do some funds need to be more prioritized? Ext. Maybe right now that's the only 3-5 that needs to to be funded for a few months to build them up fast . I had to do that. I was funding so many at once that nothing ever got fully funded or it took forever. I witched it up and that worked for me.
that is such a good expression! difficult to see the picture when you are in the frame!! I think I will be reevaluating my sinking funds to really narrow down the most important
Hi, you got this girl!! Thank you for posting this and sharing a real life situation while it is happening! I’m definitely subscribing to you now! ❤ I was in the Army and there are all kids of resources for Christmas and holidays. I never paid for any holiday meals or gifts while I was in. As far as a battery for your car try buying one from an auto part store and then see if one of the generator mechanics in the motor pool at your husband’s unit can install it!
omg yes girl! I love the military and how much they help. these days we try to leave those resources to the younger families 🩷 but we have gotten a few free meals over the years when we needed it! thank you for subbing 🥰
I know it’s frustrating, trust me I’ve been here so many times. But you had money to pull and that’s the bright side even if it came from categories you hadn’t necessarily planned it for. You’ve got this.
I am so sorry this happened to you. You are right for telling them to just fix what you can afford for now, then get the battery and then the tires. You can get a battery at Wal-Mart for less money. You can do this and the money can be replaced. You are strong and resilient. This is an emergency, using that money is what you saved for. Don't beat yourself up.
It will be ok....Take a breath....You can do this. ask the auto shop if they can breakdown the repairs from most needed to least needed...then you can budget your money. Is there any other place you can take it? I would leave Sammy's money....You can do a hair cut out of it if needed. Just imagine if you didn't have this? You've done so good at saving, and this is what it was for....Please don't feel defeated....You are actually winning. You are more prepared than so many people. I was in a similar situation at the beginning of summer...I had to have an unplanned surgery, and I was so thankful that I had started cash stuffing. I was able to pay the emergency room bill, most of the surgery, testing, and the things that are still ongoing. I promise, you can do this. From one momma to another, I'm praying for you. 💘🍓
Whew. I didn’t know I’d get emotional watching this cash stuffing video. 😭 I’m currently 6 months pregnant and feeling very defeated. Trying to get by day by day with my 3 littles. So this is definitely hard especially right now. Hopefully in the next few months we’ll all be able to do what we wanna do and still be financially able. God bless! 💜 we will get through this storm!
congratulations on your littlest love! and thank you for showing empathy for my situation! I truly appreciate the love and support. I just posted an update incase you’d like to check it out 🫶 stay strong mama we will get through this 💪
Be encouraged! Also thank you for your service as a military family! ❤ Just a suggestion. I would take the money out of anniversary. Downsize your anniversary and spend it in the car with a small picnic basket. It’ll make it a wonderful memory about how you and your hubby pulled together to address a problem. Plus, I think it would be romantic. 😃 Be blessed!
Don't go for the first opinion, try getting a second or even third opinion from other mechanics. Pray before looking for a mechanic because that guy doesn't seem to be very honest.
I know 😅 it is actually a super reputable shop but once I calmed down we made a decision we were happy with. I actually filmed an update where my husband and I discuss it. I would appreciate it if you go check it out and let me know your thoughts
Hey…I encourage you to make sure what you’re putting into your vehicle is going to be worth it. Sometimes it’s cheaper to get new new/ used. If you keep having to dump money, that’s not good. I also encourage to get another opinion. Sorry you’re having a rough one.
Just got to seeing your video and I asked my dad and uncle the car situation and they said to get a second opinion. Also that getting the oil leak first is definitely a smart move. They also both agreed that sometimes you have a simple issue that can cause another part of the car system to show up as "faulty" but the second it gets fixed all the other issues are also gone. My dad also said it's a good idea to get a second opinion because sometimes mechanics simply see what they are being told or just the upfront issues being shown by the car, that they don't look into the matter more deeply to see if there really is an issue or if it's a simple fix. Honestly, I broke my heart when I heard you gold back your tears. I definitely hope everything turns out OK. And never fix everything at once, just fix one thing at a time as you can. Stay strong!
Keep your head up!! You were so vulnerable and REAL in this moment. This is life and reality for a LOT of people right now. If you have to fall back into debt to take care of basic necessities then that’s just what it is. But know that you have developed a muscle of discipline that won’t keep you in that space forever. It’s going to get better. Tough times don’t last forever but tough people do!! Praying for you and your family.❤
Oh sweetie I know how your feeling but how amazing is it that you didn’t have to go into debt that you had the money I’m so proud of you for that I took a break for a similar reason
💜Sorry about your car. I had to do the same few months ago for the same thing with my husband’s car. We just have to start over and keep pushing through. It will be ok💜
hi friend!!! you have always been so supportive thank you for being here and encouraging me. 🫶 I posted an update video today if you wanna check it out 🩷
So sorry this has happened. It’s no fun! Life will always keep throwing things your way. Thank Heavens you had been cash stuffing & saving!!!👍🏼 Bless your heart! Don’t beat yourself up! I would definitely get a second opinion. There are ways to save money with repairs. You’ll be ok🫶🏼
I had a 2003 Corolla I bought it cash $3500. It lasted 7 years. When it started acting up I would get stuff fixed but after spending over $1k and it still would not pass emissions. I decided to trade her in. I now have a 2014 Corolla with only 55k sometimes getting a car note is worth it. Get a second opinion first though.
Thank you for uploading your video of real life situations. The blessing is remaining debt free and having liquid cash to cover emergencies. You will have your sinking funds rebuild in no time. You got this!
Hey Jen, car repairs are expensive but don’t fret. You will hopefully get it done for a cheaper price and prayerfully you have enough funds in your other envelopes to cover the cost. Sending hugs 🤗
I know it sucks, but you will rebuild your funds. If you to use credit then at least you don't have to put the full amount on them and I'm positive you'll pay it off in no time
This video breaks my heart! I just went through THE SAME THING hun! I had a BMW that had a really bad oil leak and it was smoking and smelled so bad. I could keep driving my kids in it and ended up getting a new car. The amount of money it was going to cost to fix it was way more in my savings but i had to use that savings for my down-payment. So now im starting from scratch trying to build up my savings again with that car payment now. Im so sorry hun. I really hope things work out for you guys🤍🙏🏼
I'm sorry this happened. Most of the cost goes to labor; if you look at the receipt, you'll see parts aren't too bad. Buy the battery and tires elsewhere. Don't buy everything the car dealer says you need from them. America's tire, Sam's Club and Costco have good and less expensive options for batteries and tires. You'll be okay! Prayers.
When my husband moved us with the military we had to have our things weighed and then the army paid whatever the weight difference was off the trailer. I don't know if they still do that. I always had to shave his head and cut the kids hair. Hair cuts were free in our house. I've been able to cut my own hair too. We had a family resource center while he was in the army. They could answer any questions I had.
I know how you feel my sister passed and I had to empty all my challenges to help pay for some of the cost it cost us 20.000 to lay her to rest the good thing is that even though I had to start over my envelopes are getting stuffed again we save with our challenges for emergencies so don’t feel bad using the money
You're doing a good job. Emergency Fund is for emergency! Do not worry about what's not a problem yet. Don't beat up yourself, like you said it's just money. You can fill it up again. God will continue to provide. =)
Same i just called to get A headlight bulb replaced. They have to diagnose it for 210, once i know what it needs and they will give a final cost. the prices are insane. I told her i wont make an appt and she got mad, didn’t let me finish and hung up on me. 😂😂
Hope Your week gets better. KEEP going, I think it is more important to breath. Fix what can be fixed and look for something cheaper for car repairs. Get a loan at a bank instead of putting everything on credit cards. The kids will not be short on Christmas, don't fret, these things that just are how they are. So Sorry, I'm in the reverse, no home, but car has been in the shop for weeks, and I have the car funds, just no call. Edited to add: This isn't forever, it's just for now.
I just went through where I had to empty all my envelopes and had to start all over again. It was one of the hardest things I had to do but I was thankful I had some of the money in cash.
yes yes yes! I think I was just so focused on what I was “losing” that I forgot to realize it’s a blessing I had over half of it! 🩷posted an update video and would love it if you check it out and let me know your thoughts!
oh goodness so sorry that happened, I too have been there where I think I'm ahead and I've had to pull my money from each envelope I had, stressed me out.
Let me say this. I do not do cash stuffing anymore, but your problem is not exclusive to cash stuffing. If you need to use one of your sinking funds and they are not fully funded, you may need to reach into a different one for the sake of taking care of it. It is obviously not ideal... but compared to people who have nothing at all in savings, it is a blessing to have the money period, no matter what category it comes from. I don't do cash stuffing because I now keep my sinking funds and savings in a HYSA to earn interest on my money, but I still keep my spreadsheet to see what sinking fund has what balance, because I still divide my deposits into my savings into sinking funds. So yeah... your observation is not exclusive to cash stuffing.
You should try to get a second opinion in regard to your husband vehicle. I can relate to you in comparing yourself to others cause I used to do that myself. You are an amazing super talented person. Never compare yourself to others your journey is different the others. Hang in there girl you are doing great.
Oh man. I too have a video un-stuffing savings challenges to repair my car. I have heard from multiple people that it is a common issue with BMWs and oil leaks. Unfortunately you purchased a German vehicle so the production cost and repairs are HEFTY. (this is not attacking you, just a fact of the matter). Yes, it is EXTREMELY defeating when you have to pull money from other places. It is great you do not want to put a large purchase on credit cards. Unfortunately if your hubby really needs this car don't feel bad that you will pull from an emergency fund, cus this in fact, is an emergency. You are more likely to replenish your emergency fund than to pay off a credit card with interest. I would consider going with Honda, Toyota, or some more affordable car next time. Depending on who you go to - to repair your vehicle, they may not charge you taxes if you pay in cash. At least that is what they do where I take my car - not a dealership service place. Every mechanic I ask about the issues my car had always tell me that the dealerships over charge. I would call other mechanic shops to ask how much for what your car needs. There are a few things I learned with my car hardships.. 1. It is a good thing (not really lol) you started this cash saving process and now know how much you could possibly be spending in the future. Start a sinking fund for car. 2. Costco sells car batteries and tires, they also install tires with purchase, I believe some brands are currently on sale. 3. I created a sinking fund for 3 main things. Tires, Maintenance/Repairs, Registration (depending what state you live in, registration fees may vary) Let me know if you have any questions, I'll probably add more later heheheehe.
So sorry 😢 I also had to empty my binders to pay for car repairs last week 😭 I would definitely get a second opinion 🧡 sending you love & strength from 🇬🇧 xx🧡🦊🧡
This is the stuff we like (but dont like) to see. Its real life. Definitely think you should get a car envelope. I'm hitting subscribe for the realness ❤
I’m so sorry. Maybe consider getting the necessary safety stuff done and see if anything can wait? Also consider doing routine maintenance so that you’re not hit with a big bill all at once
I had to take cash from my envelopes for an emergency repair on my house. Did it suck, yes but it has motivated me to keep going. Besides the cash is there for emergencies and be proud of yourself for having it available ❤️❤️
This is what cash stuffing is for. I just had to deplete not only my savings, but also half of my son's to cover vet costs. I spoke to my son (he's 15) and he said that it's just money, it can be built back up
I would find a credit card that has an 18-month 0% interest rate and just pay it off in the 18 months. I think you would overall be in a better position. Also, replace the battery now instead of waiting it could end up killing the alternator, which you would then have to replace both.
Girl, I feel your pain having to take out all your savings. I recently had to do that because my university wouldn't finance 20% of my tuition because I already have a student loan. Like, it's not difficult to even pay that 20% I lost my job in February and have been doing some things here and there but I didn't have the severance pay I usually used to pay for that 20% of my tuition every semester. It's so frustrating to see all that hard work go to something else but on the bright side, at least I had something. Sending you hugs.
Im sorry you're going through this ❤🍓 i pray you get through this starting with what is defiantly like top on this list that needs done now hope to hear an update but you guys wi get through this font lose faith.
U can get a battery for cheaper at an auto parts store, if u Google promo codes for that auto store u can generally save 20 to 30%. Look online thru tire rack for the tires I saved so much money and they will let u book discount tire to install them. They will even ship them to discount tire and give u a warranty on them. Get a second quote. Never go with the first. Please don't lose hope u can make it more affordable. Just breathe and take a min to calm urself. It will be ok. ❤praying for u. Ask for military discounts there's lots of places that will give a discount. Dang it it pulled at my heart to hear ur heart ache. Breathe it will be ok... give urself some time to find discounts and another quote.
car maintenance is the most stressful thing!! i have to get new tires this month and i have been putting it off bc of the cost. i have been avoiding driving bc of them. it's so discouraging. i understand your feelings!
I feel like so many people are having car issues right now! so many of the comments here are people saying the same thing 😭😭😭 we will get through it! posted an update video today would love if you checked it out 🩷
Also maybe you can get used tires in the meantime until u rebuild your savings for new tires. Don't get discouraged I know car repairs can be a doozy especially when they are unexpected. It will all work out there's always a way u & your husband will be just fine. Sending hugs your way 🤗🙏🏾🥰
I know what it feels like to save for a long time and something unexpected comes up and you have to pull your savings. Keep your head up. I am glad that you had a large amount of savings to pull from, even if you have to use a credit card to make up the difference. You can always start your savings journey again.😏
