Murphy's law and disaster

[LDB]

Recently there have been a couple of threads with typical Murphy meddling that needed $1000 or so to clear up. Both were situations where Murphy appeared poised for victory as the money just wasn't there. Another thread discussed things we could do without. These threads beg for changes in financial mindsets. Ideally any of us should be able to pay for any emergency that comes up that isn't over $2000-3000. Additionally, any of us should be able to survive 6 months with no income.

Many folks operate on a system that allows them to handle any emergency as long as it isn't over $20-30 and survive up to 6 days with no income. The Megabucks double shot decaf no foam latte every morning, cable tv with every movie and sports option, car(s) with crazy payments, surround sound, boat, camper, etc. etc. etc. only add up to a couple hundred dollars a month more expenses than the paycheck amount.

It's amazing how great the grass looks when there's no mortgage payment and how solidly the doors shut when there's no car payment. Murphy can still come visit but if he does it isn't such a disaster. He seems to not visit so often when he can't cause severe problems. For many it probably isn't a case of what could I do without but what should I do without until I get straightened out.

[av1]

You sound like a Dave Ramsey fan. If not, you should be!

[LDB]

I do agree with most of his stuff. Financial common sense isn't limited to him though, but sadly it's far more limited than it should be.