by Tricia
This one is a funny one in our household. It is probably the biggest difference between my husband and I and we butt heads on this one a lot.
When I say “Be Proactive,” I am meaning that one should try to anticipate expenses that can be prevented and take steps to prevent the events occuring that would create those expenses. Hmm, I think I confused myself with that explanation – LOL.
Here’s a few examples….
A heavy thunderstorm is moving towards our area. The news reports are claiming that there has been damaging hail with the storm. Meanwhile, our car is parked in the yard and not in the garage. I want to move the car in the garage – just in case. My husband is more along the lines of leaving it out there because we have insurance. Yes, we have insurance, but there is still a deductible to pay. My way of thinking is that a few minutes now can save money later.
Here’s another one (which makes my husband moan EVERY time I do it but I STILL do it EVERY time ;)). It’s lightening out, and I go around the house and unplug every major appliance except for the fridge, stove and freezer. That means no computers and no TV during a lightning storm. Why risk having lightning fry our electronics? Again, my husband says that insurance will cover it. My thought is just unplug everything so we wouldn’t have to worry about it.
Lastly, I keep my car doors locked all the time even though we live in a very safe neighborhood. Why even give someone the “go ahead” to get in our car and root around? My husband is amazed at my zealousness with making sure the doors are locked. He would keep them unlocked if it was up to him.
As I read what I wrote, my husband sounds pretty bad. But really he isn’t. I sound pretty bad as well, perhaps a little neurotic when it comes to protecting material posessions. But I think we end up balancing each other out so it works for us.
I just think being a little proactive protects the things you have already spent money on, and can save you from having to spend money to replace them.