Thanx for all of the input. I cancelled my policy as of August 1.

Here are some things I'm going to use the extra money for:

Dental work. Won't be able to afford all my dental needs, but will be looking into going to a dental school to maximize my dollars.

Storm door for added insulation and so I can open things up when the weather is nice.

Using the air conditioning. I have asthma and the heat and humidity make it worse. Related to the a/c and asthma: I need a dehumidifier for the basement.

Running the heat some in the winter.

Getting the septic tank pumped out. (Sorry for the gross, but this should have been done years ago. If I don't take care of it, I could end up with a huge expense, especially if they don't grandfather the current version. The new septic systems are very expensive.)

Eventually a couple of pairs of jeans and a t-shirt or two.

I just wanted to put this list out there so it's clear that this isn't for frivolous things. Obviously, some of the money is going to a bank account for future medical copays. And obviously, this can't all be done at once. I just feel a sense of relief now that it's done. Mixed in with terror.

Again, thanx for all the input. It helped me think things through and gave me the courage to do what I should have done months ago. I'm so glad to have this community for support.