Credit Crunch

Here are some quick tips on how to improve your credit (and feel free to comment with any additional tips):

1. Don't apply for a lot of credit cards or loans. The inquiries will hurt your credit score.

2. Make sure you have credit cards or loans in your own name. You need your own line of good credit. You can't depend on using your spouse's. That way, you have a double safety net. If either of your credit gets damaged, at least the other one has good credit.

3. Don't charge a lot to your credit cards. If the limit is $2000, then only charge $200 to the card. If you have a small amount charged to your cards and high credit limits, it will increase your score.

4. Don't be late on payments ever!

How do I afford healthy organic food? (Financial Solutions)

If you read the post before this one, I know what you're thinking...eating healthy organic food can be very expensive! But look at it this way--healthy food is a long-term investment. The healthier you eat, the less money you will need to spend later on expensive medications and doctor visits.

1.Don't try to go organic all at once. When you go shopping compare the prices of regular food to organic food. If the difference is only 20 cents, then start there. Gradually add other organic foods into your diet.

2."Shop farmers' markets, or become a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm; in return for a seasonal fee, you'll get a weekly share of the harvest. Visit localharvest.org for CSA options near you." ("6 Ways to Save the World" O magazine)

3. Search the internet for your local grocery store's website. The store will usually post what produce is on sale. Plan your meals around what fruits and veggies are cheap and in season.

It cost way too muh to be ill (Financial Solutions)

I just read in Newsweek this week that 1 in 5 is the "fraction of cancer patients with health insurance who still spend most or all of their savings paying for their medical care." ("We Fought Cancer...and Cancer Won")

Thankfully, Money magazine published an article entitled "50 Ways to Cut Your Health-Care Costs". If you are struggling to make ends meet because of medical costs, this article is very helpful!

It costs way too much to be chronically sick... (Financial Solutions)

Tip #2

Try using cash this month for all of your expenses. Budget how much you want to spend for the month, and take out that exact amount in cash. Separate the cash into categories. For example, set aside $300 for groceries, $100 for gas, $20 for entertainment, etc. Once you use the allotted amount of cash, don't spend any more money. Compare what you spend in cash, using this system, to what you normally spend using a credit or debit card. Using cash can decrease your monthly spending. Less spending means more money for medicine, doctor visits, and hospital bills.

Tip #3
If your health insurance doesn't cover some of your prescriptions, or you've already reached your maximum prescription benefit for the year, there is help. There are websites that offer applications for prescription assistance.
https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
http://www.needymeds.com/
If these websites don't offer help for a specific medication you are taking, then contact the company that makes the medication. Sometimes the company offers coupons or other ways to help you afford your medication. If it's a new medication that you are trying, ask the pharmacist to only fill a week of it. Don't pay for the entire medication until you know that it doesn't cause any adverse side effects and that it works for you.

It costs way too much to be chronically sick...

Where are I am going to get the money to pay for all my medical expenses?
How can I get and keep good health coverage?
What should I do now to prepare for continuing health problems?

I went from working two jobs to being on modified bed rest. The medical bills came flying in, and the stress of a chronic illness, in addition to financial difficulty, was overwhelming. I quickly became informed on ways to save money!
Every week, I'll post new advice for the financial struggles of having a complicated illness.

Tip #1
Always avoid a break in health coverage. If you have a break in health coverage, it gives health insurance companies license to refuse to cover any preexisting conditions. Also, become informed about where politicians stand on health issues.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/



http://www.johnmccain.com/healthcare/



It is becoming increasingly difficult for chronically ill patients to get good health coverage. I have $30,000 in debt solely due to health care costs, because my illness was considered a preexisting condition, and health insurance companies refused to cover it.

If you're too sick to work full-time, there are companies that offer part-time benefits.
Discover Card
REI
Target
IKEA
Circuit City
Trader Joes
Starbucks
Barnes and Noble
Lowes
Nordstrom
JCPenny
UPS