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A dog won’t just take up space in your heart — you’ll need to find some room in your budget, too.
Dogs are a lot of things. They’re man’s best friend, a cuddle partner on the couch, and a fellow adventurer on the trails. They’re also another mouth to feed.
To make sure your family’s newest addition doesn’t cause financial stress, keep reading. Here are some budgeting tips for your new dog.
Adopt Don’t Shop
One of the fastest ways to reduce your costs is by adopting. An adoption fee is a fraction of the price of a purebred, and it often includes vaccinations, neutering or spaying, and deworming.
Cut Other Expenses
Sit down with your budget and take a hard, long look at your expenses. You might catch a few unnecessary habits that you can easily cut from your budget, freeing up more cash to put toward your four-legged friend.
Here’s a hint: look to discretionary spending first. This includes your “fun” spending that isn’t tied to essential living expenses, so they’re easier to eliminate.
Set Aside Cash for Emergencies
Your dog’s regular needs, such as food, medication, and routine vet care, aren’t the only expense you’ll have to worry about — your furry friend may face medical emergencies down the line.
Dogs can fall ill or get in an accident just like humans, and it can be expensive to provide the care they need.
Setting aside even a little extra each month can help you cover these emergencies. While you may only be able to squirrel away $25 each month, that $25 will grow over time. In a single year, it adds up to $300.
Borrow Money Wisely
A significant illness or injury may exceed what you have set aside. At this point, you may have to borrow an installment loan to make up the difference.
The online installment loan experts at MoneyKey only recommend borrowing money when your savings fall short of what you need for unexpected emergency vet expenses. If you secure an installment loan from MoneyKey, it acts as a safety net when things go wrong.
Unlike cash advances or online payday loans for bad credit, the typical installment loan has longer terms. This means you’ll have weeks or even months to repay what you borrow.
Compare Pet Insurances
Pet insurance may be a good idea, or it may not be depending on your financial situation and dog’s health. While some people say it saves their finances, others claim it’s a waste of money.
On average, coverage for a dog comes out to be about $48 per month. However, its cost can vary drastically depending on your dog’s breed, pre-existing or hereditary conditions, location, and age.
Another thing to consider: your payout. The average person claims just $278 from insurance, which is less than the average person pays in a year for coverage.
Keep this at the back of your mind as you shop around for policies. You’ll have to weigh the cost-benefits to see if it’s worth your money, and you can’t do that without know rates and coverage.
Bottom Line
Adopting a dog will add expenses to your budget, but you’ll find them easier to afford when you follow the tips above!
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