Sisterly Savings

Did you know you can save money just by staying healthy and  making smart decisions? Why not try using your health as an advantage to saving money! Here’s how:

Healthcare is certainly a big topic these days. If you have a health insurance, be sure you are using it to its fullest capacity in order to save the most money in the long run. You probably already know that even with having health insurance, the bills can get pretty high if someone in your family suffers a serious illness.

1. Read your policy carefully!

There are many medical exams that are covered and won’t cost you a dime. For example, a yearly physical is paid for by most insurance providers. For children, well-baby exams on a planned schedule are also covered. Don’t miss out on covered care. Even if you feel fine, an annual physical let’s you know how you’re doing just in case and you waste be wasting your money on premiums for nothing.

2. Have your teeth checked.

If you have to pay for your dental policy, take advantage of it. Dental bills are just as pricey as medical bills (sometimes even higher!) especially if you’re talking about pulling teeth or filling cavities. Be sure to get regular cleanings twice a year. Good oral hygiens early on avoids some of the costly expenses that come with improper care such as fillings, root canals, gingivitis, etc.

3. Follow doctor’s orders.

If a doctor thinks you could lose a little weight or wants you to take vitamins, follow the Dr’s orders. Losing weight lowers the risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and hypertension and it’s much cheaper to prevent illness than to treat it.

4. Go for the generic medication.

Many doctors prescribe the name brand meds but the number of generics has increased. Be sure to ask for the generic the next time you get a prescription. With prescriptions, generic medicines cost much less and in some pharmacies, like Walmart, they offer generics at $4 or less.

5. Invest in pre tax healthcare savings plans.

If your job offers a flex spending plan, definately open an account if you or a family member frquently needs prescriptions refilled.You can deposit money for any medical expense you might have during the year so that you don’t have to come out of pocket with the money and is pre tax!

So staying healthy isn’t just good for your health, it can also be good for your wallet too in the long run!

Today’s Guest Post is from Erin @ 5DollarDinners.

Have you ever left a store and thought…Why did I just buy that? I paid too much for that. If I’d have just waited another week or two, it would have been on sale!

It’s a bummer when you miss a “better” deal a week or two later. Even if it was just a dime’s difference, it can still be very irritating!

That happened to me a few weeks ago with cans of Hunt’s Tomatoes! I got the $.40/2 coupons from the paper and needed a few cans, so I bought for about $.60 apiece after the coupon. The next week they went on sale at Kroger and there was a new e-coupon available for them on Shortcuts.com. Boy was I ever disappointed. I could have gotten 5 cans for $.23 a piece if I had paired 2 coupons with the e-coupon! HELLO! What was I thinking…$3 for 5 cans or $1.15 for 5 cans! Whoops!

Here’s a way to prevent this same thing from happening in the future:

Create a PERSONAL “Never Pay More Than” list. It’s like a “Best Price List” but with a twist. With a best price list, it’s just a list of the best prices for the products that you frequently buy. In my mind, the “best price” list is shows the prices that you should strive for when shopping, BUT the “Never Pay More Than” list is more like your own shopping LAW!

Here is my current “Never Pay More Than” List…

Ground Beef $1.49/lb.

Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast $1.99/lb.

Pork Chops $1.99/lb

Can of Tomatoes $.23/can

Box cereal $1

Box Kashi cereal $1.50 (I’m a BIG Kashi fan!)

Gallon Milk $2.79

Yogurt $.40 each

8 oz. Cheese $1.67

Toothpaste FREE

Toothbrushes FREE

Condiments $1

Dishwashing Soap $.50 (for larger size)

These prices reflect items that I buy and are realistic for my region. It’s what works for my budget and for my family!

This list takes a few months to create. As you see an amazing deal that allows you to stockpile, write this price down and strive to match or beat that price in the future. If you have one price written down that you later beat, scratch off the old and write in the new. Make it your game!

The “Never Pay More Than” List is YOUR list. It has to be personal. It has to reflect what you normally purchase for what your family needs. Your list might have specific diet items on it for GFCF or other dietary restrictions. Your prices might be a little higher because you live in the dead center of Manhattan. Your list is YOURS!

Erin is a money saving mommy who loves to cook nutritious meals for her family with meals that are $5 or Less! Join her on her journey as she “cooks” up great menu ideas that won’t leave you broke or hungry @ 5DollarDinners!

What would be on your Never Pay More Than List? My 1st item would be never pay more than $1.50 for a box of cereal,lol! Great idea Erin and thanks for sharing your money saving tip with all of us!