A Starbucks recently opened up on the way to my son's school, and it's been bad news for my wallet ever since. Now don't get me wrong: I can resist the siren song of pumpkin spice lattes and make do with the free caffeine at the office. I've never had a pricey coffee habit. But my 9-year-old is quickly developing a pricey breakfast habit, and I've got to set some limits. In today's edition, my colleague Julia Glum talks to experts about how to get your spending in check (subscribe to her fun new newsletter, "Dollar Scholar," here). She frets that she's been spending a lot on "dumb stuff," including hundreds on tickets to see her favorite band, the Jonas Brothers. The key is being mindful about where your money goes. Tanja Hester discusses this in our fall Retire with Money book club selection, "Work Optional: Retire Early the Non-Penny-Pinching Way." By her logic, if Jonas Brothers concerts bring Julia joy, which they do, then that's a worthy expense and Julia can find other places to cut back. Starbucks may make my son happy, but we're going to work on making his ham and cheese croissants more of a special treat than a regular indulgence. What are you going to work on?
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
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This week in our Retire with Money Facebook group, a member posted this list of the events that he and his wife have contended with in his second year of retirement:
Cardiac Ablation for my wife, her 3rd Total Knee Replacement, 2nd for my wife Foot Surgery, for me. My first & last surgery ever Garage Door spring broke / replaced Garage Key Pad quit/replaced Repainted exterior window trim Paint in garage all bad, had to recycle and buy new 65" Smart TV went out, replaced Interior windows needed sanding and refinishing Windshield broken, replaced Tankless Water Heater rusted out, replaced Mini-Split AC system installed
It's quite a list that highlights the need for an emergency fund to deal with unforeseen expenses. I prefer that term to "unexpected" expenses--you should expect that your body and your house will need repairs as time goes on. You may not envision exactly what kind of repairs they'll be, but you can bet there will be something. Luckily, the member had Medigap supplemental insurance, so he and his wife incurred no out-of-pocket costs for their medical procedures.
RETIREMENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB
A Delay in Getting Hearing Aids Can Mean More Than Hearing Trouble
Without practice, the brain can start to have difficulty processing sound. NEXT AVENUE
The Ambiguity of 'Sustainable' Investment Options
Many people want to align their investments and their values, but socially responsible investing is broadly defined and lightly regulated. NPR
Beware of Potential Snags With Medigap Plans
If you're making changes to your Medicare coverage this fall that involve Medigap supplement plans, make sure you understand the rules that govern them. CNBC
Get Ready for a Santa Claus Rally, a Research Firm Predicts
Stocks might end 2019 on a jolly note, in a stark contrast with last year. MARKETWATCH
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth O'Brien is a senior writer at MONEY, covering retirement and health care. You can email her at elizabeth.o'brien@moneymail.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien.
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A Starbucks recently opened up on the way to my son's school, and it's been bad news for my wallet ever since. Now don't get me wrong: I can resist the siren song of pumpkin spice lattes and make do with the free caffeine at the office. I've never had a pricey coffee habit. But my 9-year-old is quickly developing a pricey breakfast habit, and I've got to set some limits. 
Help! I Can't Stop Spending Money on Dumb Stuff
America's Most Expensive Mall Just Opened, Complete With a Water Park, Ski Hill, and Rollercoaster
This Mutual Fund Survived the 1929 Stock Market Crash. Here's How Its Managers Invest
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