Last update, I told you that the COBRA health insurance plan premium went through the roof and we were deciding whether to continue paying for it, or to switch over to the plan that I get at work. In the end, we decided to remain on the COBRA plan. The difference was about $350 a month, but we figured that if we had only one or two medical mishaps, it would easily pay for itself with the 100% coverage. And, as luck would have it, it turned out to be a good idea. Both my wife and I ended up having issues that required several weeks of physical therapy. Hers stems from an accident she had a few years back that seems to have thrown a few things off. Nothing some pt and a pair of orthotics won’t fix. Mine is from my football days. Arguably, not completely necessary, but was something that would need to be fixed one way or the other, so decided to get it taken care of. Then, to make our decision look even smarter, my wife fell in the ice and snow yesterday and severely sprained her ankle and knee and prompted a visit to the ER. We got a nice new pair of crutches and what will likely be a very expensive pair of athletic wraps. Of course, all paid for by our insurance. The extra money has easily paid for itself. But, that all ends on the 1st, so we’re switching back to the coverage that I get at work.
The business that my wife and her friends started continues to do well. They received a very important certification from the state that will allow them to pick up another line of business and expand even further. My wife continues to be the only one getting a regular paycheck from the company, but with this new certification, that will likely change very soon. Luckily, the people that she’s working with are both very qualified for the business that they are in and have plenty of experience (my wife does to) so they don’t have much in the way of learning curves for the actual service that they provide. Their biggest learning curve has been the actual running of the business. They were smart and got a lawyer and an accountant right away though, so they’ve had excellent guidance along the way.
Also, I did receive a small raise this year which should help. However, between the insurance and some increases in medical flex and childcare flex, my checks will likely be smaller than they were in 2009. Most of that should come back through the flex accounts. Tax free money for the win. Especially on things like childcare that you’re going to spend money on anyways!
