The unexpected expense and why it does not bother me as much

[Davids]

I did my vehicle state inspection on Friday. Unfortunately I did not pass and without going into the details of the issues with my vehicle the repair bill and inspection came out to $750. My vehicle is probably worth $1,500 - $2,000 if I tried to sell it but I paid the repair bill (Yes I am sure many of you will criticize me and say I could have DIY some of the issues...) and while it sucks it does feel good knowing that this is an unexpected expense that ultimately was easy to cover and not an issue. I cannot help but think of the articles of how many people would struggle to come up with the funds for this unexpected expense (I just put it on my CC which I pay off in full each month plus the 1% cash back) but I feel very fortunate to have my finances in check.

[VoteCthulu]

I try to think of the unexpected expenses I have now (pre-fire) as stress testing of my budget, which gives me more confidence that my stache will be sufficient when I do fire.

[aceyou]

That's a great perspective.  My way of dealing with it is to expect unexpected expenses.  For example, I expect to spend $500 in a given year for a car repair. 

Then, when it happens, I can smile and say, "cool, today's the day I find out what my repair of the year is!!
 Awesome, it turns out its only a $300 repair this year, I just made 200 bucks!!!"

[chasesfish]

I think the same thing a few times a year, I grew up and watched a $500 unexpected expense be devastating to my mother.  She was (is) terrible with her money.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but NOT having an emergency fund creates unhappiness and stress.

[Dicey]

+1 for a nice EF.

[Gunny]

Although I keep 25k in cash for unexpected expenses/EF, I still agonize over an unexpected expense.  Not because I don't have the money, but because I have to spend on something not of my choosing. 

[maizefolk]

I find I get a very similar feeling from both car repairs and other unexpected expenses. Having to pay money unexpectedly doesn't feel great, but knowing that all that will happen is my savings rate for the month will be lowering than I'd like fills me with a sense of gratitude and freedom.

[golden1]

It is astonishing to me how many people build in their budgets without putting some away for unpredictable expenses, and then are astonished when the car breaks down or the dog needs an operation.  I am not talking poor people, but middle class or even upper middle class people who have good cash flow but just seem to have a blind spot about irregular expenses. 

Personally I have a certain amount automatically deducted into a savings account for those types of expenses, so I never even see the money or get tempted to spend it. 

[DTaggart]

For me, I've never considered this sort of thing "unexpected." I mean, all cars (or homes, appliances, whatever), will need repairs or replacement eventually. The expense will come, its just a matter of when. I build this into my budget and set aside a fixed amount every month. I often hear acquaintances or family member freaking out about how their car "all of a sudden" needs new tires or brakes or something, and I just don't get it. Did they honestly believe that tires and brakes last forever??

[Dezrah]

OP, I can totally relate to your post. 

The unexpected car repair, vet bill, dental repair, etc. never bothers me.  In fact, I kind of feel empowered that I can just handle it without a second thought.  It's like life is throwing me curve balls but I can handle it.

Honestly, I tend to stress more over the irregular, flexible budget items.  My furniture and wardrobe desperately need updated, but I'm too cheap to spend the money.  What if I need it for one of those emergencies?