In retirement, what budget items did you underestimate or overestimate? (cancer, opinion)
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I agree. I'm animal-friendly but never owned pets. A friend on FB is posting about her doggie, who chewed up part of a rug and the ultrasound shows that it's wound all through her intestines. Surgery will cost $6-$8,000. I know at one point my friend was struggling to get money for major dental work- she's a professional public speaker so she needs to be able to speak clearly. I suspect they'll end up doing whatever they need to let the dog die peacefully.
I volunteer for a dog rescue. We used to kind of evaluate whether a potential adopter could, and would, provide necessary vet care. We no longer do that because essentially, it has become a luxury most cannot afford.
OUCH. Crowns are $400 here. Good thing too. After an adult life of no cavities, I suddenly developed 16, LOL. Didn't break the bank here. Too much citrus, I guess.
I live in a high COL area (despite, or maybe because of, being out in the boonies of southwestern New Hampshire) but I found a great handyman company that charges just $45/hour for labor ($30/hour for their apprentice). They do fantastic work; they've worked on various projects around my house including a complete kitchen remodel (with load-bearing wall removal). I know I got lucky, but it IS possible with some searching. (I found them on HomeAdvisor, IIRC.)
I would HATE renting instead of owning, and I would HATE to have no pets. For me, that would be a pretty awful life. I am pretty much a homebody so my home and my animals (and friends of course!) make me very happy; I would MUCH rather spend money on them than on just about anything else. Everyone's priorities are different, of course.
I’m from the monadnock area, so I know how expensive labor is. You really have to “know someone” . I agree about pets and owning....I own and have 2 older dogs. But the reality is that most big expenses generally fall into home repairs, car repairs, pet repairs, or self repairs (medical). It’s all about not needing labor.
Not retired yet as we are a ways away but I have enjoyed reading the responses! I know how expensive dental work can be as I have spent $800 this year AFTER 2 insurances but you have reminded me why we need to start maxing our HSA contributions.
I volunteer for a dog rescue. We used to kind of evaluate whether a potential adopter could, and would, provide necessary vet care. We no longer do that because essentially, it has become a luxury most cannot afford.
Of course, the animals are the losers.
My friend just started a GoFundMe. The goal is $6K and so far they've raised $125. I'm not a pet person so maybe I don't understand what it's like when an animal is part of the family but unless you have a bottomless budget, I think there comes a time when you choose not to put an animal through dialysis, major surgery, chemotherapy, etc. I don't blame the vets- they have an expensive education and I have no idea how you extract multiple bits of yarn from the entire length of a dog's colon without perforating it- but I think sometimes you need to say "no" to extraordinary measures, especially if you need a GoFundMe to pay for them.
My friend just started a GoFundMe. The goal is $6K and so far they've raised $125. I'm not a pet person so maybe I don't understand what it's like when an animal is part of the family but unless you have a bottomless budget, I think there comes a time when you choose not to put an animal through dialysis, major surgery, chemotherapy, etc. I don't blame the vets- they have an expensive education and I have no idea how you extract multiple bits of yarn from the entire length of a dog's colon without perforating it- but I think sometimes you need to say "no" to extraordinary measures, especially if you need a GoFundMe to pay for them.
This situation is very common with animals. I had a friend whose Doberman used to swallow anything whole. How he never choked to death is beyond me, but by the third time he was facing surgery, my friend decided “enough”. I’ve been fortunate to never have a dog that would eat anything in sight.
I’m from the monadnock area, so I know how expensive labor is. You really have to “know someone” . I agree about pets and owning....I own and have 2 older dogs. But the reality is that most big expenses generally fall into home repairs, car repairs, pet repairs, or self repairs (medical). It’s all about not needing labor.
Actually, I didn't know anyone -- I found the handyman company on HomeAdvisor (found others on there too that were outrageously expensive -- didn't use those!). The company is located in Vermont but the owner lives in New Hampshire and passes through Keene on his way to work every day (I live just outside of Keene). They don't do heavy-duty electrical or plumbing, but they do just about everything else. I will have them back this fall for more projects around my house (including building a front porch) and have been recommending them to everyone I know!
Quote:
Originally Posted by athena53
My friend just started a GoFundMe. The goal is $6K and so far they've raised $125. I'm not a pet person so maybe I don't understand what it's like when an animal is part of the family but unless you have a bottomless budget, I think there comes a time when you choose not to put an animal through dialysis, major surgery, chemotherapy, etc. I don't blame the vets- they have an expensive education and I have no idea how you extract multiple bits of yarn from the entire length of a dog's colon without perforating it- but I think sometimes you need to say "no" to extraordinary measures, especially if you need a GoFundMe to pay for them.
Athena, that is so incredibly sad. I feel very bad for both your friend and her dog.
I think age comes into making the decision. I am not going to treat for cancer if the dog is old. We had open heart surgery 15 years ago on a puppy that we had for only 2 weeks. It was 15 years ago, cost 4K and she died a week ago. At one point we had 4 old dogs and medication alone was 400/month. Part of owning a pet is vet bills.
Been through the cancer treatment for a 10 year old golden. Won’t do that again.
Pet insurance sucks.
After spending over 23 years as a renter, home ownership feels way more secure. We have owned for over 25 years. I so much rather being the one who decides when to do repairs and how much I will pay to have them done - or do them ourselves.
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