Dental Fund and Vacation Fund HAVE $$$

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Dental Fund and Vacation Fund HAVE $$$
3
Thu, 01-26-2006 - 2:50pm

Although money is a constant struggle for me and DH (even though he makes good money....), we are using some money-management software to help track our spending, and set aside money for various things we need to save for.

We realized that our dental insurance was a rip-off, so we cancelled it (after our most recent cleanings, ha ha), and decided to set aside $25/month in an envelope for Dental needs.

We are hoping to put a considerable amount of money aside each month for a nice vacation or two each year, but until the debt gets paid off, or at least PAID DOWN, we are content with SOME money aside each month for a vacation.

::drum roll::

January:
Dental Fund ~ $25
Vacation Fund ~ $80

WOOHOO! If we can keep this up, we will still have a nice vacation, and can get our teeth cleaned regularly (for a lot less than what we were paying to Insurance)!!! AND (for those of you who read my post "I Give Up (On DH)") since the money is no longer in our checking account, DH can't spend it! ha ha

Our other goal is to have $1,000 in our savings account as an E-fund. I definitely plan to begin contributing to that ASAP. :) Thanks for all of the support! DH and I are reading "Debt-Proof Your Marriage" together, and hoping for some other ideas!

~Aravis~

 

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Avatar for endomagazine
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2004
Fri, 01-27-2006 - 1:01am

Hello,

I have heard that there are "medical discount" cards and "dental discount" cards that basically get you a discount at the place you normally go. I don't know if something like that would be worth it to you, but it might help cut down on some of the costs. It's not a replacement for health insurance.

Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

Geeks on Tap: Mission Accomplished

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2005
Fri, 01-27-2006 - 11:23am

Could you tell me more about this? Or tell me where I can get some information?

Basically, we figured that if we each get a cleaning twice a year, that comes to about $240. But we were paying Almost $500 in insurance. Yes, that is "pre-tax" but that doesn't even out!!! ha ha

Now, if something major needs done.... we might be in a hole. :) But for now things look good, and if we can do this for just a year, then get insurance again, we still saved a ton!

~Aravis~

 

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Avatar for endomagazine
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2004
Fri, 01-27-2006 - 7:26pm

Hello,

If you go to a search engine and search for "medical discount card" and "dental discount card" you'll find the information you need. However, you'll need to evaluate the plan very carefully. Apparently dental discount cards have been around for much longer than medical discount cards.

Here is an article on the lack of regulations on discount cards:
http://www.cmwf.org/newsroom/newsroom_show.htm?doc_id=265020

New Study Calls for Tougher Regulation of Discount Medical Cards
Consumers Vulnerable to High Pressure Sales Tactics, Exaggerated Savings Claims and Other Problems

The cards do have a monthly fee, so be careful and compare plans extensively.

Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

Geeks on Tap: Mission Accomplished