Economics

Family finances - it seems like I spend a substantial sum of time every week keeping up with our bills, figuring out where we spend money, chasing after billing errors (usually hospital or insurance), and finding ways to get more for our dollar. But, during this time of year, I get to do the really fun stuff (sarcasm) like taxes and insurance / cafeteria plan enrollment forms.

For the last 5 years, I've dutifully sat down and filled out the cafeteria forms and while the medical always takes some guesses - the dependent care part was easy - $5000. I usually spend this money in the first 3 - 4 months of each year, submit the receipts, and collect the money.

This year is different. Randy is home with the kids except for preschool (although that will still be on the cafeteria plan) and next year is kindergarten. I still thought with preschool / summer care / before school care we'd hit the limit. But, I decided to run the numbers.

To my shock and amazement, we don't think we'll hit our $5000 limit for daycare cafeteria plan.

I don't know whether to jump for joy or sit and have a good cry...