Hey friend,
So... Tennessee got hit with an ice storm over the weekend.
We were all excited expecting some beautiful snow before the ice hit. Instead? We got about a half inch of snow and LOADS of ice. Like, everything-is-a-skating-rink levels of ice.
Most of my road lost power. My husband and some of the guys worked to clear parts of the road so we could eventually leave. We brought hot food to neighbors to help them stay warm, along with whatever else they needed.
And you know what? We were prepared.
My Husband is a Borderline Prepper
Okay, maybe more than borderline. 😂
But here's why: Years ago, when my husband was deployed and I was home with the kids, we lost power for SEVEN DAYS.
Seven. Days.
It wasn't fun, friend. I had to learn how to use a generator, figure out how to keep the house warm, and keep the kids fed—all while solo parenting.
Ever since then, when winter is on its way, we stock up. Propane. Gas. Diesel. Beans. Non-perishables. All of it.
Because being iced in with two special needs kids is hard enough. We don't want to have to brave dangerous roads if we don't have to.
So, we prepare. We make it a priority.
It's Not an Emergency if You Know It's Coming
Here's the thing: We KNOW this happens in Tennessee. Usually once a year, we get hit with ice or a winter storm that knocks out power.
So, we build it into the budget.
It's not an emergency fund expense. It's a planned expense.
If damage was done? That's an emergency. If we had to evacuate? That's an emergency. But stocking up for a storm we KNOW is coming? That's just being smart.
And this is where so many people get tripped up with their money.
Are You Prepared for the Storm You KNOW is Coming?
Think about it:
- Your HVAC needs servicing every year. You KNOW this. Is it in your budget?
- The furnace won't last forever. Are you setting aside money for the replacement you know is eventually coming?
- Your car needs maintenance. Tires wear out. Brakes need replacing. This isn't a surprise—so why do we treat it like one?
- Christmas happens every December. Yet somehow it "sneaks up" on us every year. 🙄
These aren't emergencies, friend. These are predictable expenses we need to plan for.
And when we don't? That's when we end up scrambling, stressed out, and reaching for the credit card.
Let's Get Those Things in Your Budget ASAP
We need to fix that. Like, now.
Because here's the truth: You can't afford NOT to plan for these things.
Every month, you should be setting aside money for the storms you KNOW are coming. Not hoping they don't happen. Not crossing your fingers that your furnace makes it one more year.
Planning. Preparing. Budgeting.
That's how you stay out of the emergency fund. That's how you stop the constant financial stress. That's how you actually get ahead.
Need Help Getting This Figured Out?
If you're sitting here thinking, "I don't even know where to START with planning for this stuff," let's talk.
I help people build budgets that actually work—budgets that plan for the expected AND the unexpected. Budgets that give you breathing room instead of constant stress.
Click here to schedule a call with me. Let's figure out your budget, get those "storms" accounted for, and set you up to actually feel PREPARED instead of constantly caught off guard.
You don't have to keep living in financial survival mode. There's a better way.
Stay warm, stay safe, and let's get you prepared for whatever's coming.
Cheering for you always,
Jenny 💙
P.S. So Here's My Question for You: What storm do you see coming that you're not prepared for? Seriously—what's your "ice storm"? What expense are you avoiding planning for? Hit reply and tell me. Sometimes just naming it is the first step to dealing with it. I'm here for you! ❄
P.P.S. Ready to stop reacting and start preparing? Schedule a call with me here and let's build a budget that actually has your back when life happens. Because it will. Let's be ready. 💪
I read every email, and I promise—no judgment. Just real talk about how to get prepared.
See you next week!
