We always advise people to come to Costa Rica with some extra money – at least $15,000, $25,000, $50,000 over their Social Security or Pension, because unexpected things happen and can blow any budget. For us, a pair of eyeglasses and a new radiator blew our September budget.

If it weren’t for those unexpected expenses, we would have been right within our monthly budget of $1,700-$1,800, but things happen. Last February, we were right on our way to setting a record of $1,356, our lowest and most austere month, but things happen, like a fender-bender requiring a $1,100 car repair.

You can rest assured that things will happen, unexpected accidents, Illness, auto repairs, hospital stays — some small expenses and some not so small. You just never know, so plan on the unplanned and bring some extra money so you have a reserve fund, over-and-above your monthly retirement checks.

Here are our expenses for the previous two months: