Comments on: Money saving habits wreaking havoc on your health

By: Garry Taylor

Garry Taylor — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:48:55 +0000

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to place your savings. Has the recent economic crisis turned the UK into a nation of savers? With the lack of credit making it exceptionally hard to borrow and the low interest rates on savings, there is very little the people of Britain can actually do with their hard earned money. Read more here "Where to place your savings"

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:19:00 +0000

In reply to rox.

Hi Rox. My husband is 25, and his health insurance is through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The plan is comparable to the plan I receive through my employer, and the deductible is the same ($2500, which is high, but not impossible with a decent emergency fund.) You’re absolutely right about older people. If you’re over 50, you will struggle to find an affordable policy, and if you have health issues you probably won’t be able to find private coverage at all.

I know a lot of young people with no health insurance that live without it because they don’t think they can afford it. I was one of them. But then I did some digging, and I found out it’s not that expensive for a good policy. My point is that with a little work and shopping around, you can find health insurance. Even a high deductible is better than nothing. It protects you from total financial ruin in the event of an accident or seriously health problem.

By: rox

rox — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:36:00 +0000

not sure where you are getting this cheap health insurance for your husband or what your age is. After 50 individual health insurance is unaffordable if you are insurable at all.
So that tip can be taken with a grain of salt. Even the 20 year old twins health insurance costs more than that with no health issues and a huge deductible

By: jennydecki

jennydecki — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:17:26 +0000

It's tough to convince people that eating fresh, unprocessed food that costs a little more is actually cheaper because you feel satisfied on LESS food than if you're eating something that came from an orange box out of a microwave. But it's true...and we love going to the farmer's market every weekend. It just makes me sad when I hear people say they can't afford to eat fresh fruits and veggies because it's so expensive. .-= jennydecki´s last blog ..Gone for a week? What? Did someone die? =-.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:10:49 +0000

It bothers me no end that the media keeps promoting the message that eating a healthy diet automatically costs more and takes a lot more time than eating a diet full of cheap crap. I know many people (including myself) who love on very strict diets but maintain nutritionally balanced diets. .-= Anne´s last blog ..Another interesting blog I found =-.

By: Mick

Mick — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:17:26 +0000

I’m trying to save like everybody these days. I have to agree with George though, I joined the gym and then ended up not going, while they took money out of my bank account. Anyway, I decided to cancel that and got a buddy and we go running together, do push ups, pull ups, etc. I think the key is, find a partner, it’s much easier to get motivated that way I find.

Food is another tricky one. I did some searching on the net (hence finding this blog) and also came up with a site here: http://deliciouscheapmeals.com – Pretty good recipes, healthy and for me, most importantly, cheap….

And onto your Health Insurance point. I’m going to pull the plug on my coverage except for the basics, like doctors visits, etc. If, God forbid, anything major should pop up, I’m heading O/S. Up to 90% cheaper than the U.S. according to these guys: http://www.jetwellsoon.com and you know what, I reckon that might make it worth the risk……

Anyway, that’s my two cents…..will let you know how I go….

By: George

George — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:30:35 +0000

Frugal habits truly can be healthy habits. $20 a month for a gym membership isn’t a frugal choice for most people, though. What tends to happen more often than not is that people pay the $20/month, but they DON’T GO TO THE GYM.

For the past year or so I’ve followed an exercise routine that’s simple and requires no equipment (not even shoes!). The only requirement is enough space on the floor to lay down on, and the discipline to follow the routine every day without fail.

The routine I follow is called the “lifetime fitness ladder”, and is described in an online e-book called The Hacker’s Diet (see the chapter entitled “What, me exercise?”: https://www.fourmilab.ch/hackdiet/e4/

By following the diet and exercise routines set out in the above book, I’ve lost 35 pounds and gained a huge amount of energy. Total cost outlay for this frugal choice: ZERO dollars. :-)