SparklingWaves
Well-known member
KikiB; Then in 6 months said:
Budget issues ( concerns cont.)
- Thread starter SparklingWaves
- Start date
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
lizardprincesa: I love those peacevibes. They do help. Thanks for sending those. I really love that.
Sending positive energy back to you.
Sending positive energy back to you.
KikiB
Well-known member
Yeah he has not only had his retirement shrink and the fact that he'll have to work til he dies, but all the medical bills-a good 10 years ago he was sick to the point of being in the hospital for three weeks (where he almost died) and we barely kept afloat. It was thanks to the people in our church that we got by-between cooking dinners, helping with our rent, et. al.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklingWaves 
Doctors and routine tests---I go for a routine doctor visit and she suggests that I get a mammogram. I am thinking $$$ and she thinks that I might need surgery. I am thinking that is major $$$. I am thinking about not having the darn tests. I can't live in debt from a MRI or a mammogram. Tests aren't a necessity to me anymore. Sadly, it's true.
While I understand the budget constraints that you have, your health is a major concern. You should definitely have the mammogram and if needed an MRI. Many hospitals, imaging centers, and radiologists will work out a payment plan if you can't pay immediately. Some states have programs that offer free or low cost mammograms to those who have no health insurance or are under insured. I know this is easier said than done, but depending on your circumstances, there maybe help available to you.
Thank you for the information and you are correct.
This doctor is doing a lot of tests - ultrasound too. I know it's for my good. I will do it.
They keep calling to schedule.I guess. I can go hide after the tests. Oh, boy. I feel like a big kid.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Quote:
I am so touched by your dad's story, KikiB. Your words say it all.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sending thoughts and prayers for your family.
| Originally Posted by KikiB
Yeah he has not only had his retirement shrink and the fact that he'll have to work til he dies, but all the medical bills-a good 10 years ago he was sick to the point of being in the hospital for three weeks (where he almost died) and we barely kept afloat. It was thanks to the people in our church that we got by-between cooking dinners, helping with our rent, et. al. |
I am so touched by your dad's story, KikiB. Your words say it all.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sending thoughts and prayers for your family.
lilifee
Well-known member
Quote:
Vet care is quite high here 2- Last year we had our dog ( who, which is very sad died of a inoperable tumor under his tongue, which made it unable for him to breathe)- we had him for nearly 2 years in vet care , because of unknown skin rashes and infections. He was treated in a clinic by a animal dermatologist - costs a fortune , and by all treatment and different food -it didnt help him.
What i mean to say, i will do every thing for my dogs ; my first dog was driven twice to a universityclinic in munich for arificial hip replacement. So my furkids mean a lot to me.
i know a lot of people don't understand that u spend your little money on animals,but for me i rather cut back for unnecessary things that i dont really need.
So i try to cut down on basic things, buying only the groceries i need and i am trying to cook seasonal meals with regional veggies most of the time instead of ready-to go food.
But for the other cost like heating etc. is nothing u can really do, im not wasting electricity, trying not to use to much water- means showering and not a full bath tub-, but yes we have to be tid on the spending.
| Originally Posted by SparklingWaves
Electricity bill & water bill have gone up here too. Vet care has also gone up. Fortunately, my vet is a wonderful person. He knows that my rescues are temporary. He has cut me some slack on them. I did have to get one of my dogs heart worm treatment about 2 years ago, but I would do that again in a minute. She was a rescue that I decided to keep. I would sell my furniture to have paid for her treatment. I don't get those shots every year on my old cats. They are immune. They swell up. They are kept inside 24/7. They do get their check ups. All my pets have been healthy. There have been bouts of emergencies for sickness of throwing up and diarrhea from some bacteria infection. Other than that, I have been very fortunate. |
Vet care is quite high here 2- Last year we had our dog ( who, which is very sad died of a inoperable tumor under his tongue, which made it unable for him to breathe)- we had him for nearly 2 years in vet care , because of unknown skin rashes and infections. He was treated in a clinic by a animal dermatologist - costs a fortune , and by all treatment and different food -it didnt help him.
What i mean to say, i will do every thing for my dogs ; my first dog was driven twice to a universityclinic in munich for arificial hip replacement. So my furkids mean a lot to me.
i know a lot of people don't understand that u spend your little money on animals,but for me i rather cut back for unnecessary things that i dont really need.
So i try to cut down on basic things, buying only the groceries i need and i am trying to cook seasonal meals with regional veggies most of the time instead of ready-to go food.
But for the other cost like heating etc. is nothing u can really do, im not wasting electricity, trying not to use to much water- means showering and not a full bath tub-, but yes we have to be tid on the spending.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Quote:
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear fur angel.
I totally understand.
In order to keep them healthy & happy, they too need medical care and proper food.
You can't get by treating them poorly, because they will get sick and that will cause more harm.
The love they give back is unmeasurable. My pets give me exercise and joy. They bring joy to those that visit. Of course, I bring my pets to visit folks too.
The fur angels keep me in touch with nature, realness, 24 hours of support, and comfort.
I don't ever what to be without a fur angel.
I am so glad you have your fur kids with you.
I know that it's sure hard to get in an argument around my house, because they are so many wagging tails and eyes staring going on here.
You will find something furry is either looking at you, on you, or next you at all times.
You are never alone here.
Those that want to discuss very private issues can discuss them with deaf kitty on their lap. He never met a lap he didn't like.
| Originally Posted by lilifee
Vet care is quite high here 2- Last year we had our dog ( who, which is very sad died of a inoperable tumor under his tongue, which made it unable for him to breathe)- we had him for nearly 2 years in vet care , because of unknown skin rashes and infections. He was treated in a clinic by a animal dermatologist - costs a fortune , and by all treatment and different food -it didnt help him. What i mean to say, i will do every thing for my dogs ; my first dog was driven twice to a universityclinic in munich for arificial hip replacement. So my furkids mean a lot to me. i know a lot of people don't understand that u spend your little money on animals,but for me i rather cut back for unnecessary things that i dont really need. So i try to cut down on basic things, buying only the groceries i need and i am trying to cook seasonal meals with regional veggies most of the time instead of ready-to go food. But for the other cost like heating etc. is nothing u can really do, im not wasting electricity, trying not to use to much water- means showering and not a full bath tub-, but yes we have to be tid on the spending.
|
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear fur angel.
I totally understand.
In order to keep them healthy & happy, they too need medical care and proper food.
You can't get by treating them poorly, because they will get sick and that will cause more harm.
The love they give back is unmeasurable. My pets give me exercise and joy. They bring joy to those that visit. Of course, I bring my pets to visit folks too.
The fur angels keep me in touch with nature, realness, 24 hours of support, and comfort.
I don't ever what to be without a fur angel.
I am so glad you have your fur kids with you.
I know that it's sure hard to get in an argument around my house, because they are so many wagging tails and eyes staring going on here.
You will find something furry is either looking at you, on you, or next you at all times.
You are never alone here.
Those that want to discuss very private issues can discuss them with deaf kitty on their lap. He never met a lap he didn't like.
melliquor
Well-known member
I think it is expensive everywhere right now. For your debt, you should look into getting zero interest balance transfers and then just keep changing your cards every you have to start paying interest. That is what I did when I was in debt. You will save alot of money on your interest.
You should also look into getting lower tariffs for your internet and mobile phone. I was paying £30 a month for AOL and then changed companies and now pay £10 a month. It isn't a huge savings but every little helps.
Do you have pet insurance in the US? We pay £8 a month to cover both of our cats in case they get sick. I think it covers a couple thousand a year of vet bills. I haven't had to use it yet because both of our cats are still young but I know it will be really helpful when they get older.
I hope everything goes well with your mammogram. You should really make sure you go. I can't believe the cost of health in the US. I am very thankful to have free health care because I have been very sick the last year and had to have surgery in November and I don't even want to know the cost if i was still living in the US. I also have diabetes and take alot of medicine every month. The most you have to pay here for medicine is £6.50 per prescription but if you are diabetic, your medicine is free anyways.
You should also look into getting lower tariffs for your internet and mobile phone. I was paying £30 a month for AOL and then changed companies and now pay £10 a month. It isn't a huge savings but every little helps.
Do you have pet insurance in the US? We pay £8 a month to cover both of our cats in case they get sick. I think it covers a couple thousand a year of vet bills. I haven't had to use it yet because both of our cats are still young but I know it will be really helpful when they get older.
I hope everything goes well with your mammogram. You should really make sure you go. I can't believe the cost of health in the US. I am very thankful to have free health care because I have been very sick the last year and had to have surgery in November and I don't even want to know the cost if i was still living in the US. I also have diabetes and take alot of medicine every month. The most you have to pay here for medicine is £6.50 per prescription but if you are diabetic, your medicine is free anyways.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Quote:
I called my mortgage company yesterday. They told me the insurance company wasn't telling me the truth about not having an option of utilizing the Escrow way of paying for the Wind & Hell insurance. Damn!
I hate getting told incorrect information. Well, I put down the freaky down payment and 1st payment on the Wind & Hell.
Absolutely, I am going transfer the credit debt to a lower interest or a 0% deal. I am reading carefully over some paperwork on my desk. (Excellent point. I am glad you brought that up. Whew! That's a huge one there).
Yes, I looked into pet insurance once. It wasn't very reasonable for my crew. Now, if I had just one or two pets, I might be looking into that again.
That's awesome to hear that you can get your health care needs like that.
One time, I remember reading about another country having herbal treatments that was given freely too as well as prescription. It was up to the people to decide. I can't remember where that was. I thought that was very wonderful.
Off topic just a bit - I really like a holistic view of patients and not such a fragmented way of treating patients by systems. You go to this doctor for this and that doctor for that, but that is more of a Western medicine practice. If Eastern and Western medicine would more fully unite philosophies, that would be just out of this world.
I was treated a few times by an Eastern trained doctor. It was quite different. He could just touch my body and locate where my pain was exactly. He looked at me and could tell about hormones and gave me treatment for that. I actually started feeling things in my body. Now, that is awesome. I wish that I could have kept it up. It was amazing. The man was at a whole other level.
I got side tracked.
I can't stop taking my meds. One of my meds is very expensive. It's an anti-seizure drug for tremors and I had a doctor tell me to stop taking it. I noticed a big difference. I will make big changes, before I go without my meds.
I am sorry to hear you have been ill. I hope you are doing better.
| Originally Posted by melliquor
I think it is expensive everywhere right now. For your debt, you should look into getting zero interest balance transfers and then just keep changing your cards every you have to start paying interest. That is what I did when I was in debt. You will save alot of money on your interest. You should also look into getting lower tariffs for your internet and mobile phone. I was paying £30 a month for AOL and then changed companies and now pay £10 a month. It isn't a huge savings but every little helps. Do you have pet insurance in the US? We pay £8 a month to cover both of our cats in case they get sick. I think it covers a couple thousand a year of vet bills. I haven't had to use it yet because both of our cats are still young but I know it will be really helpful when they get older. I hope everything goes well with your mammogram. You should really make sure you go. I can't believe the cost of health in the US. I am very thankful to have free health care because I have been very sick the last year and had to have surgery in November and I don't even want to know the cost if i was still living in the US. I also have diabetes and take alot of medicine every month. The most you have to pay here for medicine is £6.50 per prescription but if you are diabetic, your medicine is free anyways. |
I called my mortgage company yesterday. They told me the insurance company wasn't telling me the truth about not having an option of utilizing the Escrow way of paying for the Wind & Hell insurance. Damn!
I hate getting told incorrect information. Well, I put down the freaky down payment and 1st payment on the Wind & Hell.
Absolutely, I am going transfer the credit debt to a lower interest or a 0% deal. I am reading carefully over some paperwork on my desk. (Excellent point. I am glad you brought that up. Whew! That's a huge one there).
Yes, I looked into pet insurance once. It wasn't very reasonable for my crew. Now, if I had just one or two pets, I might be looking into that again.
That's awesome to hear that you can get your health care needs like that.
One time, I remember reading about another country having herbal treatments that was given freely too as well as prescription. It was up to the people to decide. I can't remember where that was. I thought that was very wonderful.
Off topic just a bit - I really like a holistic view of patients and not such a fragmented way of treating patients by systems. You go to this doctor for this and that doctor for that, but that is more of a Western medicine practice. If Eastern and Western medicine would more fully unite philosophies, that would be just out of this world.
I was treated a few times by an Eastern trained doctor. It was quite different. He could just touch my body and locate where my pain was exactly. He looked at me and could tell about hormones and gave me treatment for that. I actually started feeling things in my body. Now, that is awesome. I wish that I could have kept it up. It was amazing. The man was at a whole other level.
I got side tracked.
I can't stop taking my meds. One of my meds is very expensive. It's an anti-seizure drug for tremors and I had a doctor tell me to stop taking it. I noticed a big difference. I will make big changes, before I go without my meds.
I am sorry to hear you have been ill. I hope you are doing better.
Shimmer
Well-known member
Quote:
Good luck finding one.
Good luck finding a hospital that doesn't demand payment for tests and surgeries up front to go hand in hand with any insurance benefits they will be awarded. Good luck finding a hospital who, when you say you don't have $2600 on top of the $1400 you already paid for a procedure, is willing to work out a payment plan for any procedure that isn't considered emergent and life threatening.
Mammogram? They're not emergent. They're important, but not emergent.
Knee surgery? It's not emergent if it's not broken. A torn meniscus, you can still walk on it, you're not unconscious and you weren't brought in on a gurney. They want their payment up front.
Shoulder surgery? Hand surgery? It's all the same. The hospitals want their payment up front, which is completely seperate btw from the surgeon's fees, which also have to be paid up front.
Preventive health care doesn't go over well in these parts because in order to be able to actually DO it, you have to have the money to pay for it up front, because insured and cash paying customers are eating and absorbing the cost for the patients who don't have insurance or pay their bills.
| Originally Posted by MACa6325xi
While I understand the budget constraints that you have, your health is a major concern. You should definitely have the mammogram and if needed an MRI. Many hospitals, imaging centers, and radiologists will work out a payment plan if you can't pay immediately. Some states have programs that offer free or low cost mammograms to those who have no health insurance or are under insured. I know this is easier said than done, but depending on your circumstances, there maybe help available to you. |
Good luck finding one.
Good luck finding a hospital that doesn't demand payment for tests and surgeries up front to go hand in hand with any insurance benefits they will be awarded. Good luck finding a hospital who, when you say you don't have $2600 on top of the $1400 you already paid for a procedure, is willing to work out a payment plan for any procedure that isn't considered emergent and life threatening.
Mammogram? They're not emergent. They're important, but not emergent.
Knee surgery? It's not emergent if it's not broken. A torn meniscus, you can still walk on it, you're not unconscious and you weren't brought in on a gurney. They want their payment up front.
Shoulder surgery? Hand surgery? It's all the same. The hospitals want their payment up front, which is completely seperate btw from the surgeon's fees, which also have to be paid up front.
Preventive health care doesn't go over well in these parts because in order to be able to actually DO it, you have to have the money to pay for it up front, because insured and cash paying customers are eating and absorbing the cost for the patients who don't have insurance or pay their bills.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Horrors!! That's scares me out of my pocket book right there.
lizardprincesa
Well-known member
Quote:
I would so do the same.
really...
| I did have to get one of my dogs heart worm treatment about 2 years ago, but I would do that again in a minute. She was a rescue that I decided to keep. I would sell my furniture to have paid for her treatment. |
I would so do the same.
lizardprincesa
Well-known member
Quote:
Thank You so very much!
| Originally Posted by SparklingWaves
lizardprincesa: I love those peacevibes. They do help. Thanks for sending those. I really love that. Sending positive energy back to you.
|
Thank You so very much!
lizardprincesa
Well-known member
Quote:
Maybe so, you do have a point...but at that Walmart, even on Wednesday, it's always busy...A lady who works there, with whom I always converse, mentioned she'd seen fewer shoppers lately, and that the store now has too few employees! She said they can't afford to pay more employees (?) I felt an eeriness in there. It was around the time many people are leaving work...
| Originally Posted by Shimmer
It was Wednesday. WalMart is always quiet on a Wednesday. |
Maybe so, you do have a point...but at that Walmart, even on Wednesday, it's always busy...A lady who works there, with whom I always converse, mentioned she'd seen fewer shoppers lately, and that the store now has too few employees! She said they can't afford to pay more employees (?) I felt an eeriness in there. It was around the time many people are leaving work...
Beauty Mark
Well-known member
I'm making ends meet and living a decent life, but my savings (which I hope to own a condo or house or something of that nature) isn't so hot, nor is my IRA. I'm trying to cut back severely but it's hard, when I'm not spending a lot to begin with.
Pnk85
Well-known member
I get a weekly newsletter on the latest retail industry news & Wal-Mart did some analysis on how gift cards were spent & said nearly every customer that paid with a gift card used it on necessities such as food, clothes, & health items (body wash, shampoo, diapers). Wal-Mart was one of the biggest retailers that pushed for the economic stimulus package along with the National Retail Federation.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
12 Poor Spending Habits
The Top 12 Dumbest Spending Habits Forcing Americans into Bankruptcy
Comment: I thought this had good advice.
Why going to the doctor costs so much.
Concord Monitor - Why going to the doctor costs so much
Comment: Interesting article.
Just these past few weeks, I have been seeing hundreds of articles pop up about the U.S. economy that were very informative.
The Top 12 Dumbest Spending Habits Forcing Americans into Bankruptcy
Comment: I thought this had good advice.
Why going to the doctor costs so much.
Concord Monitor - Why going to the doctor costs so much
Comment: Interesting article.
Just these past few weeks, I have been seeing hundreds of articles pop up about the U.S. economy that were very informative.
SparklingWaves
Well-known member
Opps, here is one more
. . . Indulges Spending Habits - Op/Ed - inRich.com
Comment: I thought this one had some interesting points too.
. . . Indulges Spending Habits - Op/Ed - inRich.com
Comment: I thought this one had some interesting points too.
