What to do when the e-fund runs out?

[Deleted]

To start, hang in there. I think you're doing a really good thing planning ahead.

Can you sell your DH's car? You said it would need to be replaced if he is able to drive again. I would probably just sell it and save the insurance money. He could stay insured on your car if continuous insurance is needed.

Call drug makers for any name-brand drugs you are on and apply for assistance. Confirm with your pharmacist and MD that there are no appropriate generics. Let them know cost is a concern and they will be more than happy to help.

[regeltx]

If you are on the same auto insurance policy, by all means just call the company and drop the car. In fact, if you aren't, call your co and see how much to just add your husband and leave the car off. If you have full coverage on the car, you can possibly put it in 'storage' where all you have is the comp coverage to pay. I work for an ins company and we put cars, toys and rv's in 'storage' all the time. You just can't legally drive them again until you call and have liability added back on.

[vanillacourage]

I would keep your daughter in dance.

I would not aggressively job search, but I would keep your eyes open for better opportunities. Your current employer being "furious" is not enough of a reason to NOT look when you know that your family's back may be up against a wall.

And, ditto PP that as difficult as it is, take it one day at a time. To have $50k+ saved up is fantastic, and all that hard work has put you in a place where you are much more able to adapt to the challenges you face. I hope you end up having better outcomes than you anticipate (no NICU time, your DH making a great recovery and not needing as much medical help in year 2, etc) but do understand the need to think about, and plan for, worst-case. Hang in there and we are all here for you!

[starryfish]

Jan 2, 2013 9:35:15 GMT -5 lindyanne said:

I would go on a payment plan with the hospitals and keep that money in savings as much as you can. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this while going through everything else.

+1

[ijack]

I agree with the posters that mention the payment plan. You may have the money to pay the bills outright, but there is no reason to not take advantage of a payment plan.

[Deleted]

Jan 2, 2013 9:27:18 GMT -5 papiercherri said:

I'm going to disagree with anyone who tells you to drop dance classes and get a second job.

You have a high stress job, you're pregnant, and your husband has very serious medical problems. You do not need to go out and get a second job. Dances classes are probably helping your daughter cope and you need all the time with your family that you can get.

That said, you said your savings dropped below $50k recently, so I'm assuming you still have a pretty decent chunk in there, enough to cover your OOP max for a few years, since you can pay your regular bills okay.

I think you need to just get through this year and stop worrying about it. A lot can happen in a year. Keep doing what you do. If it starts getting low (under $10k), then start applying for financial assistance through the hospital and other organizations and make payments, and then maybe look at restructuring the budget.

I completely agree with all of this. Getting a 2nd job right now is the last thing you need! I'm going to assume those suggesting that don't know your situation. If you were about to be put out on the street or something I'd feel differently, but you are currently NOT in a financial crisis so a 2nd job would be insane. Besides who is going to take care of your sick husband, young child, and baby while you're working 12 hours a day?

Anyway my best advice is to get on a payment plan at the hospital and avoid paying all of the medical bills off entirely if you can. In a couple of years when all this is behind you, you can reevaluate how much you have in savings and potentially make a payment in full then. At this point, there are too many unknowns coming up and it sounds to me like you might be more comfortable keeping the money in your e-fund and just making payments in the meantime. I don't believe medical bills usually gain interest so it won't hurt you at all to make payments.

And keep trying not to worry. I understand wanting to have a plan, but sometimes you need to just let things go and fall as they may. You can only control so much and plan so much and you guys have done a GREAT job of preparing for the worst if you still have 50k in savings. Try to cut yourself a break and believe it will all work out in the end. And if it doesn't, you'll still be ok right? Yes. It's just money.

[Deleted]

Becca do you need any Lovenox? I have 5 vials of .3 ml if you do. PM me.

[shopgirl07]

I know this must be so stressful but it sounds like you're doing ok financially. It is hard to see your savings decrease, but that's the reason it's there right? You have an e-fund for when emergencies arise. You have a lot on your plate, try not to stress about this too much.

[gogreengowhite]

I don't have a lot to add other than I admire you. (I hope that doesn't sound too creepy) I've followed your story and I'm always amazed by your strength.

Please keep your daughter in dance, if she loves it and you absolutely need to, you can cut $38/month elsewhere.

[heygrey]

Don't cut dance. Your daughter needs normal activities to look forward to.

Have you researched high interest savings accounts? I'd try to make that money work for me. And set yourself up on a payment plan so you can keep earning interest on the max amount possible.

[kwynn]

I was thinking about you today and your situation. My heart goes out to you. I had an idea (sorry if this has already been discussed in previous threads): Who watches your child (and soon to be new baby) while you are at work?

Is your DH healthy enough to watch your daughter and you guys can save on daycare?

When people ask "How can we help?" it is so hard to tell them what you need. I'd say "We need a better daycare option---do you know if anyone would be willing to watch her?" Sometimes church groups, etc, do this to help.