Search Results for: blog how much and what kind of insurance do we need

Don’t Forget the College Spending Money

Once you get through paying for tuition, text books, room and board, supplies and activity fees, there is one more expense you have to count in–the monthly spending money that your college kids will need. Most college websites are very helpful with suggestions of how much money your student will need, with suggestions averaging $200-$300 a month, minimum, to cover expenses from laundry to shampoo to late night pizza runs. While these suggestions are helpful, the real amount is going to depend on your student, where he or she goes to school and what kind of lifestyle he or she … Continue reading →

What To Put In An Emergency Bag

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Yet another fire breaks out in Utah. It seems that every day there is at least one. It’s starting to get really scary and there doesn’t seem to be any rain in sight. It has been 35 days since we have had any measurable rain. The forecast says we may get some thunderstorms Thursday. In most areas that would be a relief, usually, in Utah, thunderstorms mean just lots of dry lightning. Add that to the already dry conditions and we are looking at even more fires. I’ve written several posts about being prepared for emergencies but that was always … Continue reading →

The HealthCare Blue Book Can Help You Negotiate

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Health care is expensive, especially if you do not have health insurance. There is a growing trend to encourage people, both patients and doctors, to seek out the least expensive form of treatment. If you are going to negotiate with your doctor, it helps to know what a specific treatment or procedure truly costs. The Healthcare Blue Book can help you with that. The phrase “Blue Book” is one that is often used when people are trying to purchase a vehicle. The Blue Book is, literally, a book with a blue cover. Inside, you can find the actual value of … Continue reading →

Drivers of Minivans Pay Less for Auto Insurance

When you first learned to drive, you may have envisioned your future self driving an expensive sports car. Instead, many families find that a minivan suits their needs much better than any sports car could. Don’t be disappointed! Drivers of minivans pay less money for auto insurance. Every year, Insure.com releases a ranking of vehicles. The vehicles are ranked based on how much it would cost for a driver of this type of car to insure it. Consumers can use the list to get a good idea about how much car insurance will cost for drivers of different kinds of … Continue reading →

Daily Deal Web Sites and Health Care Deals

Did you know that some of the same daily deal type web sites that you use to help keep little luxuries like spa services and dinners out within your budget can also help you to afford health care services? I was surprised to learn that sites like Groupon and LivingSocial can help consumers to fill in the spaces that are often left by their health insurance coverage. You know, those things that make you wonder why you pay so much for health insurance that does not include them. Things like dental exams and cleanings, eyewear, and the like are often … Continue reading →

Give the Gift of “Time Off”

This is the time of year when people start thinking about the types of gifts that will bring some joy into the lives of their relatives and loved ones. Is someone in your family a parent of a child that has special needs? The best gift you can give that parent is the gift of “time off”. Give them a much needed break! Parenting is not always easy, or enjoyable. All parents experience a certain amount of stress. I think that most people realize this truth, whether or not they happen to be parents themselves. Across the United States, there … Continue reading →

Santorum Says Americans Die From “Bad Choices”

The 2012 Presidential election is still pretty far away. Even so, it is a good idea to keep track of what individual candidates think about health insurance. Rick Santorum thinks that Americans die because of “bad choices”, and that it has nothing at all to do with lack of health insurance. Rick Santorum recently held a question and answer session with students from Dordt College, (which is a Christian college in Iowa). Rick Santorum is one of the people who is hoping to become the Republican Presidential candidate for the 2012 election. A student named Ryan Walters asked: “If not … Continue reading →

Doctors Using Medical Treatments as Prizes on Facebook

Couples who are unable to conceive frequently turn to IVF. This procedure can be extremely expensive to pay for, especially if your health insurance doesn’t happen to cover it. Some doctors have started Facebook contests where the prize is free IVF treatment. This brings up many legal, and ethical questions. IVF stands for “in vitro fertilization”. This treatment can be used by couples who have not been able to conceive by natural means. Part of the treatment involves collecting the woman’s eggs, and the man’s sperm, and putting them together in a petrie dish. Conception occurs outside of the body. … Continue reading →

Is Your Job Overrated?

The other day, Stephanie Romero wrote a wonderful post about the most depressing jobs. Recently, I came across an article on CNBC that talked about the twelve most overrated jobs. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, not only because one of my jobs is on this list but also because some of these jobs are the kinds of things that well meaning parents push their children to aspire to even though they do not really know anything about what having one of those jobs is really like. I know from experience that it is hard to … Continue reading →

Mitt Romney’s Health Safety Net is Controversial

In 2006, Mitt Romney was the Governor of Massachusetts. He signed a law that was called the Health Safety Net. It allowed people who lacked health insurance to get the health care they need. It also allows undocumented immigrants to do the same. This is a controversial issue. Mitt Romney is one of the people who is currently running for President of the United States of America. He is a Republican, and has been involved in the recent debates, arguing with other Republican politicians who also hope to be selected as the Republican party candidate in the upcoming Presidential election. … Continue reading →