Comments on: Is a Broken Dishwasher an Emergency?

By: MommyK

MommyK — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:52:45 +0000

We had this exactly thing happen to us a few years ago. We didn’t find it wise to purchase a new one because we didn’t know what other more tragic “emergencies” might come up. So, we waited 18 months before we purchased a new one. Our emergency fund kept filling and depleting over and over and we felt it was never the best option. We finally got over $1000 in our emergency fund and decided to start shopping. We found a great deal for a $550 machine on sale for $400! We got a high-end machine that we couldn’t have purchased 18 months prior. I believe that was God’s way of rewarding our good decisions.

I would say, unless it is a TRUE emergency – a must-have car breaks down or a medical issue, etc. – that I would never deplete my emergency fund over it.

Currently my husband’s car does not have the air conditioning working. But, we have specific plans to save up for a new vehicle next year and until we go over our budget plans with additional income somewhere, we are not likely to fix it. He’ll live. =)

We also had our motors in our power windows break in our van this winter. We kept them up and taped the buttons so we wouldn’t use them. Now that Spring has come and the sun is hot, I do not do well in the car while pregnant. We decided instead of spending $777 on both the driver and passenger windows, we spent $400 on just the driver window so I was not car sick every time I drove.

It’s all about being smart with what you have.

MommyK\\\´s last blog post..Home-Study Completed

By: Jennifer @ Money Saver 101

Jennifer @ Money Saver 101 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:26:02 +0000

Personally, I wouldn’t use the emergency fund for a dishwasher. I would save up specifically for the dishwasher for a little while and hold on to the emergency fund money. What if the furnace kicks out? What if a pipe bursts? What if you have an unexpected repair to make on your car? That’s how I look at it. Those things probably won’t happen, but you’ll be glad you have that money if something like that DOES happen.

You mentioned family time – sometimes doing chores together can be the best family time you can come up with. Doing the dishes with my husband is actually quite intimate. We have time to talk to each other. I sometimes do dishes with my 3 year old. He really likes to help.

Jennifer @ Money Saver 101´s last blog post..Discount & Free Prescriptions at RxAssist.org

By: Renee

Renee — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:32:28 +0000

Our dishwasher broke down about 1 1/2 ago and I have no regrets about not replacing it. The best part is my 2 teenage daughters now know how to wash dishes properly, they don't just rinse and put away in a dishwasher and press a button. Also, I have seen my water and electric bill reduced significantly. Also, the savings of not having to purchase dishwashing soap! We only use a drop or two of liquid soap for our dishes. Renee´s last blog post..how rich are you?

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:00:20 +0000

We’ve been living in Europe for several months now and I would not say that a broken dishwasher constitutes and emergency. We just moved to a new apartment that doesn’t have a dishwasher and we manage. It’s not easy especially if you have a big family, but you’re right, we’re very spoiled in the West. Adjusting and adapting can lead to good things, usually. Too bad they’re isn’t any dishwasher insurance Best wishes!
Jerry
http://www.leads4insurance.com

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:23:35 +0000

Have you looked into having your dishwasher repaired? That's what we did. Are DW needed a new motor which is about 1/3 the cost of new. I think it depends on how old your DW is. Now, Is it an Emergency? I think that's a personal decision. Some people can be without tv, some can not. Some need internet, some don't. Need vs. Want. We washed dishes by hand for a while, but decided the time it was taking outweighed the cost. What is the value of your time and how much of your time is spent washing dishes? However, Will you die without a dishwasher? probably not. not a true emergency like the furnace going out in the middle of a winter ice storm. Or the plumbing pipes bursting costing all sorts of damage. Scott´s last blog post..Pick and Commit Time to Exercise, 10 minutes a day. Ground Hog Day 2009 Fitness Resolutions.

By: Dana @ Letters to Elijah

Dana @ Letters to Elijah — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:50:23 +0000

I don't own a dishwasher, so sorry, it's NOT an emergency. Dana @ Letters to Elijah´s last blog post..Creepy or Cool? you pick

By: Scott @ The Passive Dad

Scott @ The Passive Dad — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:47:31 +0000

You could wash dishes by hand or you could look on craigslist or in a local paper for a good used dishwasher. Many people remodel homes and will giveaway or sell a perfectly good dishwasher. When my DW and I moved out of the city we had a portable dishwasher and sold it to a friend for $50. It was almost brand new and cost $350 retail. I'd go used and save the rest in our emergency fund. Scott @ The Passive Dad´s last blog post..When Passive Income Ideas Turn Out To Be Active Income In Disguise

By: Becky

Becky — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:39:57 +0000

I’ve never had a dishwasher since I got married (5+ years). While I’d love one, we can make do without. It seems to me that if you’re all gone all day, there may not be that many dishes anyway, but even if there are, it doesn’t have to take that long to wash. As for the hot water, if your hot water heater truly cannot handle an extra sink of hot water, heat it on the stove.

By: Saver Queen

Saver Queen — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:09:29 +0000

Technically, this is not an emergency, just a big pain in the ass inconvenience, and something that is obviously important to you and your household. Emergencies are when someone becomes unemployed, and you need to cover your basic needs. Really, you should have a third pile of savings - for planned spending and stuff that just, well, happens. Since you knew it was on it's way out you probably should have started saving for a new one in advance. Even if it was a total surprise however, it's a good idea to have an additional savings account for major purchases, especially if you own a home or a car. You can use the EF fund anyway, or just save up for it (and maybe your strong desire for a new one will give you the incentive to do whatever you can to earn or save the extra money fast). But in the future, why not start saving for the next major purchase that will inevitably arise? Saver Queen´s last blog post..How to get great scholarships

By: Kika

Kika — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:04:16 +0000

Yes, we can survive without a dishwasher BUT it certainly helps our home run more smoothly. As a family of five we only run one full load/day versus hand washing perhaps three times/day without one? Still, I like the discipline of waiting for a time – even if just to scout out the best purchase option – before buying. This is a great exercise to help curb our “must buy now” attititude. It reminds me of when my (not-fancy) stereo broke the last time. Of course we can survive without music in the home but what a difference it makes to our overall happiness and state of well-being! Appliances do inevitably break down so this ought to be accounted for when laying out a budget.