How I Dealt With Grace's Vet Bill + Kept My Finances in Order

Well, if you haven't heard about Grace by now then you've likely been living under a rock or just not visiting my blog.  But that's cool because you can catch up here. 

Grace's fur is growing back, hooray!

So I wanted to take this opportunity to explain to you how I managed to salvage the situation, pay for Grace's medical expenses, and keep the rest of my finances in order.   And hopefully, you can learn a little something and if you ever find yourself in a similar situation to mine, you'll be well equipped to deal with it in a way that won't hurt you in the long run.



So basically when I heard that Grace needed a $2,400 deposit on the spot for the MRI I about crapped myself.  I handed over my credit card that gives me cash back rewards, knowing that I'd at least make $24 back from it.   My Cash Back Credit Card also has a promotional period that goes until March 2017 where I don't have to pay any interest.  I knew that was realistic for me because I'd find a way to pay it off before then.   While Grace was taken back for her MRI I sat in the car and cried. 


I was in a crappy situation.  My vet fund only had $150 in it which is reserved for Rocky's next heart check up.  I had recently tapped into my emergency savings so I was down to $500.  And using all of that money means I have NONE left for emergencies (and those happen a lot with 4 dogs.)   I had $300 in my car fund but I can not tap into that.  I know I need new tires soon and I'd be screwed if I used that and could never replenish it.  My car fund is reserved for JUST MY CAR.   Same with my grocery fund.  I will not ever take money out of there if it isn't being used to feed and sustain myself.


 As I began crying and updating my friends with what was going on, someone suggested I create a GoFundMe for Grace.  So I did.   I always said that I'd never do something like that unless it was absolutely necessary and wasn't just for my benefit.   I knew Grace needed an MRI for us to have answers so she can get the treatment she needs, no matter what it is.  So I quickly made Grace's GoFundMe and began sharing. The whole time I was waiting for Grace to get done with her MRI the donations were already rolling in.  Each time I'd get the chime notification on my phone through the GoFundMe app, I'd burst into tears especially when I saw the names of people, some who I wasn't even close with or didn't even talk to in years.  I don't know why I was so shocked.  I mean, I have AMAZING people in my life so of course they were going to help me.  But to me it was still unexpected.



After Grace's MRI the rest of the bill was somewhere around $2,500.  That didn't even include medicine and any future care.   So as soon as I got home I promoted the hell out of the GoFundMe page for the next 5 days straight.  I'm sure people got sick of it but I was relentless.  I also was trying to scrounge up any extra money I could.  I sold some things on ebay, I cashed in all my coins ($50 worth!), and looked for any upcoming blogging income. 

I've almost made back what I've spent on Grace's initial costs.  And I am so grateful but I know it would not be possible if I had not swallowed my pride and made the GoFundMe.  Sometimes you have to ask for help.  If I didn't I would have a significant chunk of debt that I'd be unable to pay off at all because so much money is already going to Rocky for his heart condition.

I am putting any future blog income straight towards the rest of Grace's bill as well as future care for her.  

And that my friends is the story of how I didn't lose my sh&t. 

Be sure to join my Facebook group, Fixing Your Finances, to help you with your finance journey along the way. 

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