After a week with a louder-than-normal (but still ignorable) car, the muffler's pipe completely detached on Wednesday. Nothing was dragging, but oy, was the car loud. I called around and ended up going to Midas with a 10% off coupon. They replaced the muffler in 30 minutes, for $200.35. After 5 months (since it was Oct 1st) on the envelope system, I had $208 in my car repair sinking fund and was able to pay them without wondering where the money was coming from. It felt amazing not to charge it or beg family for money.

I think that means all is well in the world (well, your world, at least!).
Fantastic!