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4 Ways to Save Money On Extensive Oral Surgery

June 6, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

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!

Filed Under: budgeting

6 Tips for Surviving Your 20s When You’re Broke

April 5, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Hello, fellow broke 20-somethings! Are you sick of living on instant noodles and dreaming of the day you can afford avocado toast or a five-star meal? Well, worry not. This piece gives you some tips on how to get through your 20s without going bankrupt. So get your piggy bank, and let’s dive in!

1. Have a Budget

A budget may seem obvious, but making one is the best way to manage your money after going broke. Find out how much money you receive each month and where it needs to go. Ensure you have enough for basic needs like rent, utilities, and food before spending on anything else.

Once you have a budget, check your spending carefully to see where to cut back. For example, do you truly require that subscription service to a streaming app you rarely use? Canceling unnecessary expenses can save you a lot of money over time.

2. Give Your Savings Accounts Fun Names

Instead of having a savings account that says ‘Savings Account #100’ when you log in to your bank account, you might want to change the name to something more specific. Maybe it could say, ‘I’m quitting my job in January 2024’ or ‘Going to Maldives in May 2024.’ The more specific you are, the less likely you are to keep taking a little money off the top every time your checking account gets a little low.

3. Be Mindful of Expensive Cosmetic Procedures

Before deciding to get a cosmetic procedure, it’s essential to do your research and fully understand the costs. Don’t just rely on what the plastic surgeon or clinic tells you. Research online and talk to people with similar procedures to understand the possible costs.

Research shows that about 11.36 million plastic surgery procedures were done worldwide in 2019. It indicates that more people know these procedures, so shop around for financing options that are more accessible. Getting caught up in wanting to look better is easy, but remember, stay moderate and spend what you can afford.

4. Avoid Unscrupulous Deals

You might fall victim to embezzlement if you work a white-collar job. Embezzlement is one type of white-collar crime. In this crime, a person mishandles money they are in charge of and uses it in a way that is not allowed. It’s wise to implement solid financial controls like performing regular audits or reviewing financial records to avoid the devastation of embezzlement. Promote a culture of transparency and accountability and save yourself from going broke

5. Be Responsible and Invest in Yourself

A survey says drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 are most likely to be drunk behind the wheel. However, you don’t have to be among them. Choose a responsible life and avoid situations that could lead to such an occurrence. Instead, focus on investing in yourself, like improving your skills or getting an education or training that will help you earn more.

6. Have an Insurance Cover

Insurance can keep you from going bankrupt in your 20s by protecting you from sudden financial losses caused by accidents or things you can’t control. For instance, if you suffer from a severe illness or injury, health insurance can assist in paying your hospital bills. You might have to pay these expenses out of cash if you don’t have health insurance, which can be costly and cause financial strain.

Being optimistic and focused on your goals will help you get through the rough financial times that often plague your 20s. Set yourself up for long-term financial success. Remember, you can make the most of your situation and set yourself up for long-term success with the right attitude and good money habits.

Filed Under: Beating Broke Rules, budgeting

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