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Personal Finance from the Broke Perspective

4 Ways to Save Money On Extensive Oral Surgery

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Fitting oral health care into your budget is a necessity. Unfortunately, oral health care can be expensive, especially when you need major oral surgery. Of course, the best way to ensure you can fit oral health care into your budget is to focus on preventive health care. However, if you need extensive oral surgery, you may be able to save on the treatment by using these four tips.

1. Ask for A Discount

Sometimes, to protect your budget, you must step outside your comfort zone. It may seem unconventional to ask for a discount, but in many cases, it is the best way to find some savings. Negotiating costs is not typically associated with oral health care, but you can ask for a discount.

Many providers will offer a “cash” price for care. If you ask for the cash price, you may be surprised by how much you can save. Some providers will not reduce the cost but will provide added-value services to compensate for the costs.

2. Shop Around

You should shop around, Whether oral health services for yourself or a family member. The cost of dental care can vary greatly depending on the provider. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of all children in the United States have untreated tooth decay.  This may be because they are uninsured and their parents cannot afford the treatment.

Shopping around for the best price can make oral health care more affordable. It is a lot easier to fit oral health care into your budget when you compare prices. The cost difference between providers can add up to thousands of dollars in savings.

3. Consider Dental Insurance

If you need extensive oral health care to get your teeth healthy, consider getting dental insurance. Dental insurance plans can help to offset a great deal of costs. Most plans cover 100% of preventive dental treatment and about 50% of other dental treatments. It is far better to pay 50% of treatment costs than to find a way to squeeze 100% of treatment costs out of your budget.

Dental insurance plans can vary in premium costs. You want to compare plans to ensure you get the best value. Check with your employer to see if they offer a dental insurance plan. If you have children, biological or adopted, it’s important to inquire about whether they can be on your insurance as well. Keep in mind, to adopt a child in Tennessee, you have to be at least 18, married for six months, and pass a home study by the Department of Social Services.

4. Keep Specialty Appointments Down To a Minimum

Any time you must see a specialist, it will cost more. General dentists can do a lot of the work that a specialist does. Make the job easier for your dentist by taking preventive steps at home. For example, according to the American Dental Association, if you crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with a saltwater rinse, and place a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling.

A good home oral hygiene program will make the job easier for your general dentist and help you to avoid those costly specialty appointments. If you need extensive work on your teeth, good oral hygiene will shorten your recovery period.

Oral health care can be more affordable than you think. You must work for the savings sometimes, asking around or doing some research to determine what resources are offered near you. Learn more about how to save money on oral health care and how to protect your budget. It’ll benefit you and your family in the long term!

How to Save Money on Homeowners Insurance

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If you have ever gotten into financial trouble after an accident at home, then you know home insurance is not a luxury but a necessity. That’s why many homeowners are purchasing home insurance to avoid financial challenges in the event of a catastrophic event like fire, burglary, or water damage. According to Value Penguin, about 85% of American homeowners have insured their homes. Home insurance is not cheap, and that’s why you may want to learn a few money-saving tips to help you save on your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Assess Your Needs

Before you buy anything or find ways to save money, you need to know your needs. Assess how big your home is, how old it is, the material used to construct it, its location, and the neighborhood. This will help you save by skipping the coverages you don’t need and getting only what you need. For instance, you could have a water leak issue, which is not typical for all customers. Leaks can easily lead to mold growth, which is another significant issue. According to Comfy Living, mold starts to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water damage has occurred. You want to ensure your homeowners’ insurance company offers coverage to protect your belongings.

Shop Around

The first step that comes to mind when shopping for insurance is checking rates from different companies. This not only helps give you an average cost but also helps you spot the right insurance company. Ideally, you don’t want to go with the cheapest one. It’s prudent to review the coverage offered and determine whether they’re adequate and what you need. Ask if the company offers discounts to know if bundling up can help you save more.

Make Your Home More Secure

You have heard insurance experts tell you to invest in security systems that help keep your car or home safe. Insurance companies recognize these efforts and most often lower your premiums if you have systems that tighten security in your home. Generally, the more secure a home is, the less likely it is for burglars to get in. Investing in simple gadgets like a smoke detector, motion sensors, burglar alarms, security cameras, and deadbolt locks all help lower your premiums, saving you money.

Improve Your Credit Score

It may surprise you to learn that your credit score has a substantial impact on your home insurance premiums. When you apply for your policy, your insurance company will ask you to fill out a form with details about you and your house. The information you provide determines your rates. One of these critical details is your credit score. If your credit score is too low, you will likely pay higher rates. If you think your credit score is too low, consider improving it.

Get Rid of High-Risk Items

Though it may be fun, owning something your insurance company thinks is a problem can quickly raise your premiums. Home insurance companies find swimming pools, trampolines, and other playground equipment high-risk items. They call these items an attractive nuisance, as they contribute to higher premiums. Anything that children may be tempted to play with or on is considered an attractive nuisance. If they get injured while doing so, you can be sued. You may have to cough more in your policy if you own these items.

Renovate Your Home

Your home won’t attract better rates if it appears neglected. While they can sometimes be costly, renovations save you money in the long term. Simple projects like painting, replacing your siding, getting new cabinets, or adding a landscape feature in your outdoor space can go a long way toward getting you a good homeowners’ insurance rate. According to Bob Vila, homeowners recoup more than half the project cost after replacing the siding.

You can save a lot of money when you know how homeowners’ insurance works. Follow these helpful tips if you’re looking to save on your insurance costs.

8 Ways to Take Care of Your Aging Back Without Breaking the Bank

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Our health changes throughout our bodies as we age, especially in our backs. Fortunately, taking care of your aging back doesn’t have to drain your bank account, and there are several simple and affordable ways to maintain a healthy back. Here are 8 tips to help you take care of your back without breaking the bank.

1. Maintain a Good Posture

An effective way to prevent back pain is by maintaining good posture. Slouching or hunching over strains your back muscles, resulting in pain and discomfort. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, you should always be aware of your posture, and even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, consider using a cushion to support the natural curve of your spine.

2. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy back. Engaging in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help strengthen the muscles that support your back and improve flexibility. Don’t worry if you don’t have a gym membership, as there are simple exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine that will be just as effective.

3. Stretch Regularly

Stretching is a crucial aspect of back care. It helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and relieve tension. Touching your toes, doing knee-to-chest stretches, or practicing yoga are simple stretches that can be done at home without any special equipment. Look for free online resources or community classes to learn different stretching routines, as there are likely many resources available to you. Engaged audiences spend 76 times more on advertised products and services (according to High Rock Studios), meaning that there should be many effective options that you can access.

4. Invest in a Supportive Mattress

A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and back care. Spring mattresses, which have been popular since 1857, can still provide adequate support for your aging back. Look for a mattress that offers proper spinal alignment and distributes your body weight evenly. While some mattresses can be costly, there are affordable options available that offer both comfort and support.

5. Use Ergonomic Furniture

Make sure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your back. Adjust your chair height, use a cushioned seat, and position your computer monitor at eye level to maintain a neutral spine position. If you’re worried about money, there are inexpensive alternatives such as pillows or rolled-up towels to provide lumbar support.

6. Practice Mindful Lifting

Lifting heavy objects incorrectly can lead to back injuries. Whenever you need to lift something, remember to bend your knees, engage your core muscles, and always lift with your legs and not your back. This technique helps evenly distribute weight and reduce the strain on your back muscles.

7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight can put additional stress on your back, leading to increased pain and discomfort. When you maintain a healthy weight, you can reduce back strain and improve your overall back health. Opt for nutritious, affordable foods and seek out free or low-cost exercise options to support your weight management goals.

8. Practice Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate back pain and muscle tension, and you should incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily life, whether you’re home, with friends, running errands, or at the gym. If your daily activities are strenuous, take breaks when you can and avoid overextending yourself, as these things will catch up to you as you age. For example, 62% of dancer employees are between 20 and 30 years old, whereas only 4% are over the age of 40. Therefore, you need to balance out how physical and emotional stress affects your body.

By incorporating these simple and affordable strategies into your routine, you’ll be able to care for your back without incurring excessive expenses. Take proactive steps today to ensure a pain-free and active lifestyle as you age.