Discount Diva
the Discount Diva
Discount Diva
Health Benefits that Benefit You…And Your Wallet
In the middle of the night my husband had an allergic
reaction a couple of weeks ago to one of the ingredients in our favorite
restaurant’s “secret ingredient barbecue sauce.” He needed to get to the
emergency room asap, but (since we don’t have a car) he was hesitant for me to
call an ambulance. “How much do you think our insurance will cover,” he managed
to muffle out of his growing-by-the-second lips. Once again, we found ourselves
nickel and diming our health benefits
According to Tracey Baker, a Certified Financial Planner, there are easier (and less itchy) ways to save money with your health plan. There are key financial decisions that we can make to put as much as $4,000 back in our bank accounts. Oh, what I could do with $4,000!
1. Save with Mail Order
Many health plans offer discounts if you use mail-order pharmacies for routine medications. You could get a three-month supply of your drug but only pay for a two-month prescription.
2. Go Generic
Last year, the average brand name prescription drug cost about $85 more than the average generic. By switching just one prescription from a brand name drug to a generic, you could save more than $1,000 a year.
3. Visit Your Doctor Online
Some doctors offer online consultations, which are often more convenient than in-person visits. Talk to your doctor or your insurer to find out how to use online visits properly. Virtual doctor appointments save you gas money, too!
For more information on making smart health benefits decisions at every stage of click on the “Navigating Your Health Benefits” tool at www.PlanforYourHealth.com.
Build a Water Park in Your Backyard
I haven’t been to a water park since I was 10-years-old, but I remember it being one of the most fantastic places to vacation. I thought of going back this summer – a reunion of sorts – but was shocked by the ticket price to get in.
I’m not going to let that stop me (or you) from having a jolly ol’ time! I’ve tracked down the elements you need to fake a fabulous water park on your own lawn. All you need to add is water (and a few kids, so you don’t look like the big, grown-up dork in your backyard on the slip n’ slide alone).
Small World Squirt 'n Spray Fire Nozzle, $12, Target.com
Finding Nemo Wacky Water Mat, $30, Amazon.com
Banzai Skimboard Surfer, $40, Toysrus.com
Half Priced P.M. Pick-Me-Up
Now through Sept. 2nd, morning customers can swing by any Starbucks after 2pm to receive an afternoon pick-me-up in the form of a grande-size iced beverage for $2 bucks (p.s. bring your/your coworker's morning receipt). Considering grande lattes at the java giant usually cost $4, this is a decent deal...especially if you find yourself nodding off at your desk come 3pm! Me? Oh, no, I've never done that. [wink-wink] 
If you’re anything like me, you can’t do without your morning cup a’ joe (with Splenda and cream so it doesn’t stain our teeth). But sometimes (like, everyday) we’re in dire need of a late afternoon caffeine fix. Right?
Warehouse Club Pricing Codes to Know
I don’t have a car, so I don’t get to shop in bulk at those
glorious warehouse stores as much as I’d like. But, don’t cry for me. I’m good
at talking a car-owning friend into dropping me off and picking me up; and when
I do, my favorite things to buy at Sam’s or Costco are salsa, wine, and
batteries – in bulk, of course.
I just found out that many warehouse clubs have secret pricing codes to indicate an item’s status – re-ordered, cancelled, etc. For example, at Sam’s Club if a price ends in $0.01 the price has probably been recently reduced due to cancellation or to make shelf space for newer items. At Costco, look for prices that end in $0.97, as this may indicate a markdown and a great reason to stock up.
Know any other secret pricing codes that I should know to get my salsa, wine and batteries for even less? Do share!
Buy Furniture on a Budget
Have you ever walked through a model home and thought to yourself: “The house is ehhh, I wouldn’t buy it. But some of the decorations and furniture inhere are
perfect!” Me too.
Turns out,
you don’t have to just lust over that cute dining room set! If you see
something you like in a model home be bold and ask the sales office when the
furniture might be available for sale. Such sales offer the model home
furnishings for as much as 70 percent cheaper than retail.
How do you
find these model homes? Go for a drive through the newer housing developments
in your city, as these neighborhoods may still be under construction and still
in the selling stages. Check out the websites below, too, which list model home
furniture auctions/sales for cities across the country.
about the blogger
Ayren
Ayren Jackson-Cannady has yet to find a bargain or sale she didn’t like. It’s a good relationship for her wallet, but not so much for the dwindling closet space in the apartment that she shares with her husband, John and her cat, Shiny in Brooklyn, NY.
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