OP here

Interestingly, I reached out to a local endodontist today about the root canal and found out that it will be $600 less expensive to have the root canal done by the endodontist rather than the dentist.

That really surprises me, but I'm really glad I checked.

Do a mock tax return at midyear and adjust your income tax withholdings accordingly and participate in health reimbursement plan.

Anonymous wrote:In my budget, I have a category called NRUE (Non-recurring unexpected expenses)- I put 5-10% of my take home in there. Over the years it has been critical to me being able to afford those unexpected expenses- although taxes should not be unexpected- those are fairly easily predicted.

I do something similar but I call it the "oh shit" fund. As in - oh shit I need a root canal. Oh shit, pipe burst in the laundry room. Oh shit I got a flat tire and turns out I need to replace all four. Oh shit, well you get it.

This is us too right now. Tax bill, car repairs, and a roof leak, all within a few weeks of each other. We have plenty of savings, but it sucks.

Worth $150 to get a second opinion. My wife had one recommended but the second guy looked at it and just capped it. She has had no further problems.

Are you hurting? Not every dentist will advise the same thing.

Anonymous wrote:Would you be willing to try a dental school? There is one in Baltimore (U of MD) and Howard has one. Will save you a nice chunk of change if you decide to go that route. Just a thought.

I had to go through a root canal twice on the same tooth because my first dentist screwed up. So let me suggest while it's OK to go to the schools for cleanings and "easier" dental work, I would not suggest going to the schools for medical procedures like root canals. In fact, I would suggest going straight to an endodontist (root canal therapy specialist). They do nothing but root canals. They are worth the money.

OP here.

Thanks everyone!

MY DH is in sales so his salary is different every year. He had a really good year last year. It seems that no matter how prepared we think we are we've estimated incorrectly. I've been trying to get on board with a better accountant who can help us to prepare better.

Anonymous wrote:In my budget, I have a category called NRUE (Non-recurring unexpected expenses)- I put 5-10% of my take home in there. Over the years it has been critical to me being able to afford those unexpected expenses- although taxes should not be unexpected- those are fairly easily predicted.

Wow - you're so prepared. I will start doing that.

In my budget, I have a category called NRUE (Non-recurring unexpected expenses)- I put 5-10% of my take home in there. Over the years it has been critical to me being able to afford those unexpected expenses- although taxes should not be unexpected- those are fairly easily predicted.

Murphy's law, I'm sorry OP. But there is usually a long calm after the storm, you'll get above water again <3

Would you be willing to try a dental school? There is one in Baltimore (U of MD) and Howard has one. Will save you a nice chunk of change if you decide to go that route. Just a thought.

It's okay. Life happens. Instead of being upset about it, just be glad you had such a nice savings. Things do always happen in a row and then everything cools down for a while.

Yes, us too. Various items in need of repair in our house, then yesterday the window sash pops open because some cheap plastic piece broke.

We have no disposable income.

Paid a big tax bill in April which took a chunk out of our savings. Been on a frugality kick ever since trying to rebuild our account.

Found out yesterday that I need a freaking root canal. I have CareFirst dental insurance that apparently doesn't offer a ton of help. I'm going to owe $2k out of pocket on the root canal.

I'm super frustrated.

Not sure that there's anything I can do about it. Mostly venting and wish I could catch a break....