In general people are doing what they need to do to save money. They quit spending. Our stock market is going down which means many of our retirement accounts are affected. Those who are due to retire soon may have problems and may have to work a whle longer. Gas prices are high, although they did go down a little this week. It still costs quite a bit more than it did to drive somewhere. Our electric, gas and water costs are going up.
All this means it costs more for goods to be delivered and for businesses to run. So the cost of almost everything is going up. The housing market is down and home values are getting lower.
As a result of this, some people are losing their jobs. Not an enormous amount but more than normal. Business has been going overseas for a while so the trend is not new but the closing of businesses due to lack of sales is. Because some lenders were unscrupulous and some borrowers were overly optmistic or naive, an unusually large number of people are losing their homes.
These kinds of things have happened before and the country recovers. There will be many among us who will need temporary help. If we are careful with what we have, we will have enough for ourselves and some to share with others. That's what Christians are supposed to do.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
#50 Eye Problems, illnesses and injuries
Rather than go to a family medical doctor or emergency room for any condition involving the eyes, go to an eye doctor. They charge much less for a visit and are likely to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time, since eyes are their specialty. They can prescribe just like your family doctor can. They can tell you if it is allergies, pink eye, a scratched lens or anything else.
Some box stores have eye doctors on staff and they can see you that day. Eye doctors can do a lot more than sell eye glasses and contacs.
Some box stores have eye doctors on staff and they can see you that day. Eye doctors can do a lot more than sell eye glasses and contacs.
#49 Insurance
When it comes to the various types of insurance, shop around. Prices will vary greatly from place to place.
Car insurance companies give discounts for things like not smoking, driver's ed, no accidents and other things. If your car is older, you might want to consider carrying just liability insurance. That means, if an accident is your fault, they pay for the other guy, but they do not pay for any damage to your car. Another way to save money is by carrying a higher deductible.
Health insurance is usually through an employer and there is little choice. If not check all the options. If you leave one job and either do not have another job or are just starting another job, check into extending your previous insurance through COBRA, especially if you have a medical condition. By law, you have the right to keep your insurance for a period of time, but you are responsible for all the premiums. If your former company was paying part of them for you, it will now be your responsibility. If you have a preexisiting condition, it is worth it.
Check with your employer to see if a cafeteria plan for health expenses is available. Cafeteria plans allow you to purchase health care needs and not pay taxes on them.
Some of the newer health insurance plans have wellness plans. If you follow their guidelines, you are eligible for health insurance discounts. These are through an employer and are worthwhile savings.
Homeowners insurance varies in price. There are also discounts available for many things such as smoke detectors and a home security system, a new roof, a relatively new furnace, etc. Ask.
Some insurance companies will give you a much better deal if you carry most, or all, of your insurance with them.
Since buying insurance means dealing with salespeople whose livelihood depends on making sales, this can be time intensive, but it can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Car insurance companies give discounts for things like not smoking, driver's ed, no accidents and other things. If your car is older, you might want to consider carrying just liability insurance. That means, if an accident is your fault, they pay for the other guy, but they do not pay for any damage to your car. Another way to save money is by carrying a higher deductible.
Health insurance is usually through an employer and there is little choice. If not check all the options. If you leave one job and either do not have another job or are just starting another job, check into extending your previous insurance through COBRA, especially if you have a medical condition. By law, you have the right to keep your insurance for a period of time, but you are responsible for all the premiums. If your former company was paying part of them for you, it will now be your responsibility. If you have a preexisiting condition, it is worth it.
Check with your employer to see if a cafeteria plan for health expenses is available. Cafeteria plans allow you to purchase health care needs and not pay taxes on them.
Some of the newer health insurance plans have wellness plans. If you follow their guidelines, you are eligible for health insurance discounts. These are through an employer and are worthwhile savings.
Homeowners insurance varies in price. There are also discounts available for many things such as smoke detectors and a home security system, a new roof, a relatively new furnace, etc. Ask.
Some insurance companies will give you a much better deal if you carry most, or all, of your insurance with them.
Since buying insurance means dealing with salespeople whose livelihood depends on making sales, this can be time intensive, but it can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
#48 Ride the Bus or Train or Subway
Public transportation is less expensive than private transportation. It takes some prior planning in communities where buses and trains may not come frequently but it is much less expensive than owning a car or driving it. In cities, it saves on the daily parking fee as well as the gas and the wear and tear on the car.
In areas where trains and subways are available, they cost much less than driving a car also.
In areas where trains and subways are available, they cost much less than driving a car also.
#47 Ride a Bike
Bicycles are inexpensive to own and riding one to get to where you need to go saves money on gas and car expenses. It is also good for your heart and for your overall health when you ride, thus with the potential to save on medical expenses over time.
#46 Walk
Walking where you need to go, when possible saves money on gas and car expenses. It is also good for your health and will save, over time, on medical bills. Walking is also good for your mental health. For the super frugal, if you walk enough, you will come across pennies and other coins on the ground.
#45 Ceiling Fans
Use ceiling fans in both summer and winter to move the air. In winter, warm air rises and a fan will circulate the heat. In summer, reverse the blade direction and the air will be pulled away from the floor rather than pushed down to it.
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