Things People Forget to Budget For – Budgeting Tips
When plotting out the year ahead, don't forget these easy-to-overlook expenses.
By Amy Shearn
Original Content | January 10, 2013 
Photo: Thinkstock
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I have had a dog for a decade, and I don't think I have ever once taken her into account when planning my budget. Oops. The 2011–2012 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey found that dog owners paid roughly $407 and cat owners $425 last year for surgical vet visits per pet—and that's on top of routine visits, which ran on average $248 for dogs and $219 for cats. Pet expert Sandy Robins has some advice on how to deal, since not even pet insurance covers everything. Robins told me, "Consider initiating a special savings plan for your pet at a bank of your choice and deposit a fixed amount every month." This way, you'll be prepared financially (even if not quite emotionally) when that awful unexpected vet cost slams you. |
