Lately, my bad luck has been almost humorous. But then, when I stop to laugh about it, no sound is made - there's nothing funny about it.

Doesn't it seem that when one thing starts to crash down on you, a whole bunch of other ones come with it? That's exactly what has happened to Michelle and I this last month... financially speaking.

Let's tally up what our unexpected expenses have been:

• Murano fuel sensor dealy mabobby: $405
• Murano fuel injector system clean: $30
• Murano power-steering belt, AC belt, and belt bracket replacement: $126.08
• Murano clogged air filter intake cleanout: $146.97
• Silverado brake and rotor replacement on rear axle as well as brake fluid flush: $406
• Silverado fuel injector system clean: $30
• Ticket for speeding on my way to Aspen because we were late for a wedding: $169

That comes to a grand total of $1,313.05!

So what's the good news? The good news is that since last year when I started automating my savings and all of my financials, I have saved a few thousand dollars in our emergency fund. More than enough to cover these nasty little things that life throws my way. I will tap into the emergency fund if I need to based on my cash flow for this month (since my cash flow varies, being self-employed and all).

The other good news is that God has provided me with a lot of home remodeling and repair jobs lately. He seems to do that when I place my trust in Him. The problem is that I tend to forget to do that form time to time.

So, what can you learn from this? Two things (or as my Bible study leader, Doug, may say "Two-fold"):

• Automate your emergency savings account so that you will be prepared for the unexpected expenses that life throws your way.
• Place your trust in God. He may let you get dragged through the fire ever now and then, but He will never let you down.

Have you automated your finances lately? Have any good stories about unexpected expenses? Love to hear from you.