We recently bought a house, so we've had some home maintenance costs, which was the big issue that popped up this year - I didn't have the money to split roof-fixing costs, and a big rainstorm caused a leak which caused us to have to tear the drywall out of our bathroom wall. I look forward to having a bathroom wall again in the near future! :)
To the original comment: I agree that my salary was doable (and higher than many Unit-18 lecturers! and than many in the bay area! I am quite fortunate indeed). However, given that I am able to earn much more as someone with a CS background in other roles that I also enjoy, I made the decision to leave the lower paying role.
I did do research this year, by the way, as I managed to get a grant even as an adjunct lecturer. That was one of the things that added to the courseload. The other Unit-18 lecturers in EECS are also involved in research.
Hopefully my reflections make it easier for others to do their homework. :D