Switching from Saving to Spending

Our neighbors approached us with this idea to get a fence between us in April. We had started to save for a fence prior to this event, however we were not very far along the road. It may end up costing around $5000 more than we had accumulated for a budget. Thankfully we have a "rainy day" fund which we were able to dip into for the extra money needed to complete the fence project. But as the saying goes, "When it rains, it pours." The rental property has been a sleeping financial hazard for us and finally reared its ugly head in May. All in all it will be about $5000 to cover the costs to repaint, repair damage and replace worn out carpet to prepare for a new tenant. Again we did not have enough budgeted for this large of an expense. In order to cover these costly repairs while also paying the mortgage on a vacant rental property, money had to come from somewhere. While working the numbers, I realized that the fence project was not an emergency and just because our neighbors were ready does not mean we were. I realized I had switched from a saving to spending mindset. So instead of spending so much out of the 'rainy day fund', Rebecca and I found ways to afford the fence by sacrificing other budgetary wants like a vacation and new furniture for the fence and rental repairs. Once all the sacrifices were made to afford the fence, we knew we were still short what was needed. However, it felt much better to take the minimum necessary from the emergency fund. We have heard Church leaders tell us to avoid debt and establish an emergency fund; I can say that the peace of mind which comes from following this advice has been worth the small sacrifices necessary. We are back in the saving mindset and have recommitted to save and replenish what was taken out of the emergency fund briskly, and steadily.