Question

I am super frustrated right now. My employer (a university) is trying to cut our summer teaching load which was 1/3 of my salary. It was never guaranteed, but I have been able to do it every single year. I had planned on using this money to pay off my debts this summer. My husband of 20 years and I separated so money is tighter than it used to be. He helps a lot with our girls and we are working together to pay things off, but his budget is really tight right now. So here's my dilemma. I have $5, 211 in my checking. I will keep $1, 000 for EF. I have to cash flow a dental surgery my little one needs (my half is 1500 - I am making sure this is necessary since she is 7). I also have a $1, 600 medical bill of my own. There isn't any interest on it, but it is costing me $200 per month for 8 months to pay off. This leaves me with less than $200 per week to spend on groceries and gas which is manageable. My question to you - Should I just try to live off of the $200 or less per week and keep paying monthly on the medical bill until I know more about my financial situation or should I go ahead and pay it off leaving me less in my account but freeing up more per week? This should be a simple answer, but most of my colleagues are worried about losing their jobs. I have been told that I am likely safe for now, but who knows at this point. Thanks in advance and sorry for long post.  

Answer 1

I would pay the medical bill off. and then you have time to replenish the account.  

Answer 2

I would pay it off for peace of mind and to give you that $200/mo. You have plenty of “cushion” to do so. I would then be diligent about putting that $200 away for each month this summer so it isn’t spent elsewhere and you don’t feel the loss as much. Then continue a sinking fund for next year and so on

Answer 3

You can also talk to your medical bill company/provider and ask if they will settle the account in full for a smaller amount. You also can look for other summer work part time to help you cover food and expenses.  

Comments

@galvano I wonder if doing so would hurt my credit. I might call and just ask.