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Shopping for orthotics August 25, 2010

Posted by gmbmfb in : fitness, health care , 9comments

When we were at the PNE last weekend, we strolled through the market place and I saw a business selling custom made orthotics. I chatted with the owner for a while, and told him that I was looking for a good pair of orthotics to replace my 10+ yr. old custom made pair.

He showed me the kind that they make, and they are far superior to any ones I’ve ever seen. They’re flexible and look comfortable (leather foot bed!). And they make their orthotics through digitization, not through conventional casting. I actually had a pair done for me a couple of years ago, but they are so uncomfortable and they give me blisters! Anyway, this new company does lifetime repairs and replacement on their orthotics, which is a huge bonus for me because 1) orthotics are not covered under my extended health plan, and 2) I tend to be hard on my orthotics.

I did some research on the company. They’ve been around for about 11 years, and seem reputable. The orthodics are $400-450. Which are expensive, but it’s literally a once-in-a-lifetime expense since they do free repairs and replacements. It doesn’t hurt to book a free appointment, and with field hockey season fast approaching, I really need a good pair. So that’s next on my list to save up for!


Waiting for my money! July 30, 2010

Posted by gmbmfb in : blog, health care, job , 2comments

Over the next week, I should be receiving…

The Vegas expenses will go back into my chequing account for normal expenses, and the extended health and Google Adsense money will go towards my MBP – which I will be picking up late next week!


Health Spending Account June 17, 2010

Posted by gmbmfb in : health care , 15comments

So I just found out a while ago when I was at London Drugs getting my prescriptions filled that BC and vaccines (I got the hepatitis A shot) are not covered under my extended health benefits. Why, I’m not exactly sure. BC seems like something that should definitely be covered.

But anyway, I ended up paying $101.99 for a 3-month supply of BC and my Hep A vaccine. :(

Then I remembered the company offers a $250 health spending account, and I would be able to claim my $101.99 through that and get reimbursed. Going forward, $250/year will more than cover the cost of my BC, and all other drugs that I would need are 100% covered under my plan.

Unfortunate that the one prescription drug I need isn’t covered, but I’m glad that there’s the flexibility of the health spending account so I won’t have to end up paying for them in the end.


Monday morning this and that January 11, 2010

Posted by gmbmfb in : health care, saving money , 13comments

Well I’ve done my research on different cell phone plans and companies. I’m going to go with either Fido or Telus. But I’m leaning towards Telus because they seem to get better reception in general here on the Lower Mainland, than Fido. And, for the price plan I want, they are offering unlimited nationwide calling to 5 numbers – good for calling to my family. Most other companies only offer local calling to 5 numbers in the price point I’m looking at, so nationwide is a huge bonus and will save me money. I will try to get to a Telus store in the next few weeks to check out phones and see if anything else can be added to my plan for free as an incentive to switch over. :)

In health care related news, BF is going to look into adding me to his health care plan at work – since I don’t have health care benefits at my job. Hopefully we’ve lived together long enough to qualify, because even though his health care plan is a little skimpy, it still beats paying full price.

Today is my 15th straight day of working out. I won’t be able to workout like this while we’re on vacation this week, but hopefully we can get a lot of walking in. BF is thinking of borrowing his brother’s car and driving out to Canmore for a day of snow shoeing (in the Rocky Mtns). That would be fun, as I’ve never actually explored Canmore before, aside from quick stops to fill up on gas & get food in the town.


Goodbye LASIK eye debt January 1, 2010

Posted by gmbmfb in : debt, health care , 7comments

Well, earlier today I sent in my first and only payment for my LASIK eye surgery. I was very lucky to have gotten approved for a 12-month 0% interest loan. Although, if I had to do it differently, I would have saved up the money and paid for it in cash. As most of you remember, I decided to get it done with the 0% interest loan because I thought we were going traveling, and if any complications were to occur, I wanted ample time to get corrective surgery before we left for our trip. But how was I to know that we would end up putting our trip on hold …

Still, the LASIK surgery changed my life. I can’t imagine going back to wearing glasses. My quality of life has improved so much, and I’m so happy that I got it done. In fact, I wish I had gotten it done a long time ago.

Next task is to build up my Savings Fund again …


Manual vs. Electric toothbrushes November 10, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : health care , add a comment

Let’s take a poll: who uses an electric toothbrush, and who uses a manual one?

I’ve used both (but always those inexpensive $10 Crest spinbrush toothbrushes), and have always gone back to a manual one. Manuals are easier to travel with, less wasteful (I’ve never used the rechargeable kind, just battery-operated – and usually it’s cheaper to buy a new spinbrush than replace the batteries), and I feel like electric toothbrushes just can’t get my teeth as clean because aren’t they just spinning around the gunk?

My mom is so set on the fact that electric toothbrushes are superior in every way and was shocked when I told her that I use a manual toothbrush. She even gave me a stern lecture yesterday on why I need an electric one ASAP.

I remember my dentist once saying that if I’m going to go electric, I’m better off getting a more expensive one because of the higher reps/pulses or something like that. And because they have timers and pressure monitors, etc. And that if I could only afford a cheapo $10 spinbrush, then I’m better off with a manual brush. Which is what I’ve been using.

Anyway, I’m not in the market for an electric toothbrush, but I was wondering what everyone else uses. I know my sister and her BF use electric and BF and I both use manual.

Thoughts?


Cost of prescriptions October 30, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : health care , 1 comment so far

For the most part, not having extended health benefits through my work isn’t that big of a deal. It would definitely be nice, but I’m young and in good health. I’ve never been away sick from work for more than 2 days, and I don’t have any medical problems.

It just hurts when I have to renew my BC prescription. Instead of my normal 3-month supply, I just bought out my entire 6-month prescription to avoid another $8.60 dispensing fee. Total damage? $84.11. Yuck. Although, I suppose $84.11 every 6 months is nothing compared to, you know, how much a baby costs. :)

I budgeted $50 for my prescription this month, so clearly I’m going to go over that amount. Which I’m okay with, because I’m set for the next 6 months instead of the next 3.

Oh, and another bummer for not having extended benefits through work? I have to pay MSP ($54/month). So boo to that.


Must book a massage appointment July 7, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : health care , add a comment

Okay I booked a massage appointment for Monday. I haven’t gone since mid-April … and BF kindly gives me little massages daily to help out … but it seems like once every few months I have to go to a professional.

I think that 45 min. costs me $60, and after shopping around to different massage therapists in the area, this is the best option – and conveniently right next door to where I work.

This isn’t in the budget, but I can put it in my Misc. category.