[Amc-list] Adding up the receipts, ouch!

["Bruce Griffis" <bruce.griffis@xxxxxxxxx>]

Okay, so my wife left her job. Was feeling devalued. I can understand
not being able to work in a situation like that. Our group will have
to start commuting in. I knew that a few weeks ago - just not sure
when.

So, I loaded a personal finance app (KMyMoney) on my laptop (running
Kubuntu Linux). That doesn't matter at all. What matters is that I
pulled down all transactions my bank, credit union and credit card
places had records for. Some went back 2 and a half months. Some went
back to June (yay credit union!).

I categorized most of my transactions, and know some places we can cut
back in to cover some of the loss and added expenses. But just adding
up Napa, Autozone, Blaser's, Galvin's and Gouza Machine Shop - I spent
over 2K on the Rambler since June. Probably closer to 3K since
December. Over $500 in August, and $350 in September (between parts
and tools).

Those little expenses sure do add up quickly! And forget about the big
ones. So, dollars figured out - I need to decide about replacing the
windshield and back glass gaskets, the windlace, the rubber around the
doors, hood and trunk, figure an estimate on front-end work and
mig-welding a replacement patch in the trunk, figure out how to take
care of the sagging headliner and sunvisors and messed up armrests.
And the clutch and transmission. And figure if the oil under the car
is from the access plates or from the main seal. urgh. Access plates I
can fix (I already used Right Stuff, maybe not enough?). Main seal
would be a different matter.

I know there is a bunch that needs doing. I'm thinking of just keeping
it, driving it and saving for repairs as I can afford them. After all,
it runs. The other stuff is pretty stuff. Clutch needs work - but does
work okay as long as I stay out of stop and go traffic. Transmission
synchros are going, but I'm doing okay trying to match revs with speed
by ear. Car leaks when it rains, but I can use goo in a tube or
replace the rubber, or keep the car in the garage.

Anyway - if you decide to track your expenses in a personal finance
package, you might be surprised. I just keep telling myself that the
American is cooler than a used generic-mobile, and it will cost as
much to get it in good running condition.
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