That's Where My Money Goes...

October turned out to be an expensive month for me, with a furnace repair that I hadn't budgeted for and my car insurance premium due.  So much for the discretionary income for that month. 

Then came November, with a trip up to north of Chicago to be with  my family for Thanksgiving...and that visit carried over a week into December.  Two different months; two different pay dates.  Plus, thanks to an inheritance of sorts and the generosity of my sister, I came into a little extra money that I saw was going to help me get through Christmas!  I was able to get the oil changed in my car and do what was necessary to do justice to my trip up north, plus do a tad more than usual for gift-giving, etc. 

My Christmas shopping is now done.  I'm back to having to watch the pennies.  So where did my money go??

#1.  My grandson Ryan's birthday is in November.  I had sent him a little something for his 10th b-day but felt that I still needed to get him a little something more.  Ever the crafty one, he is totally aware that grandparents (are supposed to) spoil their grandchildren.  He takes advantage of that.  He has a friend who has a cool pair of purple Nike shoes, and Ryan had an eye for those.  Kind of a keeping-up-with-the-Joneses thing.  Thus, he and I made a run to a Nike outlet store in the Gurnee Mills shopping center, hoping to find them.  We looked and looked, called Mom for a clue what they were labeled, asked for assistance--all to no avail.  But he did find another pair of Nikes that he liked, so we got those.  $75.  I know, I know....$75 for a pair of shoes that he will tear up and outgrow in short order...but...but...he's my only grandson, ya know?  His custodial parents would never buy those for him, but Grandma would!

#2.  A former student of mine and her husband and family have become good friends of mine.  They have helped me out immeasurably, and I have tried to be sympathetic to the fact that they are raising four kids on disability pay.  Thus, when I found out that they were out of TP and other essentials, I contributed a chunk just to help them along.  Truth be known, I don't have enough money to repay them for all they have done for me!

#3.  My son-in-law had seen ads on TV for IHOP's new crepe cakes.  He wanted to go there, so I decided to treat us all to a meal out.  (They don't eat out often.)  We had a friendly server and enjoyed our meal.  Money well spent!

#4.  Another one of my former students has a cat that had five kittens.  Cute as they can be.  (I keep up with her on Facebook.)  Then, one by one, the kittens began to die.  After three were gone and the remaining two seemed lethargic, a number of people were suggesting that she take them to a veterinarian, but she didn't comment, and I knew why.  She doesn't even have health insurance for herself!  No way could this mother of two who is also taking college classes justify taking kittens to a vet without knowing what expenses could be incurred.  Well...I couldn't sit back and let those kittens die without medical attention, so I volunteered to pay for it.  She took me up on it!  She called around to various vet offices and found the cheapest one (that gave her a deal--thanks, Tonya!) and I met her there.  Thankfully, the problem seemed to be nutritional.  I opted for some kitty-antibiotics, just to be safe.  The total bill was less than $70.  But the kittens are doing better!

#5.  Christmas shopping.  My family is going to Florida for the holiday this year, so my shopping has been limited.  I will only get a few hours with them before they depart, and they are mostly getting cash from me for the vacation.  Still, the money is about run out.  I still have to have food for the rest of the month, and gas for a trip to my sister's and back for the holiday.  I'm fairly happy with what I have gotten.  Stocking stuffers, plus one gift per person to open and an envelope with $$. 

So here's the deal: had I NOT spent all of that money, I would have more in my own larder, but I wouldn't be any happier.  When my favorite uncle's wife died, I asked him what he had learned about life, and he said, "If you have enough money to spend $5, spend $5!  Enjoy life while you can!"  I am older now but I do understand what he meant.  It gives me pleasure to help others with what God has given me.  I try not to be stupid about it, but if I saved two kittens from dying, a family from not having the necessities of life...if I have some thoughtful gifts for my family and friends and pleased my son-in-law and grandson...my life is the richer. God provides.

(And just to prove my point, the whole time I've been writing this, the husband of my former student/friend has been out snow-blowing my driveway and walk, plus salting and cleaning off my car.  What a blessing!)