Wise Bread (Linsey Knerl)

8 Spectacular Uses for that Lone Can of Fruit

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:07:52 +0000

I'm not really sure how I ended up with those strange assorted cans of fruit in my cupboard. Was it a gift from Grandma? A dented-can special? Maybe I grabbed the mango instead of the pineapple by mistake. Whatever the reason for my fruit folly, now I must do something with it. Here are eight surefire tricks for using it up in a yummy way today!

Meatloaf and meatballs. Fruited meats are a tricky thing. If not done correctly, they can seem more appropriate as a dessert than a main course. My favorite way to use up those cheap cans of cranberries (that often go on sale this time of year) is as a topping for meatloaf or meatballs. Just mix some brown sugar, a bit of lemon juice, and a can of whole cranberries (the gelled stuff will work, also) and spoon it over your loaves before baking. So delicious, no one ever guesses that it is made from cranberries!

Dump cake. This oddly-named dessert is a breeze to make, costs less than a few dollars, and tastes heavenly. Use any variety of canned fruit, a yellow cake mix, and a few other affordable ingredients to create this goof-proof specialty. See all of our dump-cake recipes in an earlier post.

Sweet and Sour. My favorite make-ahead dish is a sweet and sour chicken. I use this recipe for the sauce most often:

1 sm. can cut pineapple
2 tbsp. cornstarch
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. vinegar
1 clove garlic (optional)
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. Ginger

If I don't have pineapple on hand (which is often), I substitute most any canned sour fruit with amazing results. We have used cherry-flavored fruit cocktail, tropical fruit mix, and peaches. I also add sliced green pepper (which is stored in my freezer from the gardening months) and big chunks of red and white onion. Another yummy version of this is a Polynesian Sausage dinner, where instead of chicken, I use cut-up polska kielbasa and the tropical fruit blend (mango, pineapple, and pears.) Everything is served over rice.

Stuffed chops and breasts. White meat works really well for “stuffing.” You can play around with your favorite boxed stuffing, (by adding canned cherries, apples, or pears) or go with a homemade rendition. Just slice the meat into two horizontally, and spoon generous portions of your stuffing into the meat. Bake a few minutes longer than you normally would, and be sure that you cover it with a lid or foil. It's a nice, moist main dish that takes little skill to pull off.

Pancakes and waffles. Do you really think that places like IHOP and Denny's have a “secret” to their amazing fruit-topped breakfast creations? Most restaurants just used food-service grade canned fruits as toppers, and jazz up the presentation with nuts, creams, or crumbles for effect. Pancakes and waffles are a dirt cheap meal that you can have most any time of day. Just top with canned apples, cherries, or any pie-worthy filling for the yummiest stack ever!

Compote. This one's a bit too fancy for most evenings at the Knerl house, but it is a fantastic way to rid your cupboard of the truly strange canned fruit varieties (i.e. plums!) I've heard several versions of this recently, but it's very simple to prepare. This version is very standard, and this extra special dish uses a little alcohol for kick! So what's a girl to do with compote? Eat it alone, top it with whipped or sour cream, or serve it alongside rich meats.

Jello. Yeah, I said it. It may be a little too reminiscent of your cafeteria lunch days, but most every kid I know likes Jello. (And it's a fantastically cheap way to stash some canned fruit nutrition into a perfectly-squared snack.) Just avoid the tropical fruit medley in your Jello. (The acidity of the mangoes can keep the Jello from setting up properly.)

Bread. I used to think that you can only use dried fruits in a bread machine recipe. I have since found out that for a quick bread or sweet bread setting, canned fruit can work for some tasty varieties. Just check out this pineapple cranberry bread or peaches and cream recipe.

The next time you're tempted to pass off that odd can of fruit onto your local food pantry, consider how you can create an incredible dish with your canned dilemma. Then donate a nice turkey or ham to your shelter, instead. They could really use it!

Permalink | 9 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Frugal Living, Life Hacks, Food and Drink, General Tips

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Will A Dental Discount Plan Save You Money?

Linsey Knerl — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:42:58 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

I have had the good fortune to experience a comprehensive dental insurance in my lifetime. For a small monthly premium (usually $27 or less), my family and I could enjoy twice-a-year cleanings, annual x-rays, and routine repairs with little or no out-of-pocket expenses. Now that I’ve jumped headfirst into the world of self-employment, my days of enjoying low-cost dental coverage are gone. So I tried a dental “discount” plan for the first time ever. Here’s what I have found.

The cost of coverage varies. I personally pay less than $80 a year to cover my entire family under the discount plan. There are 6 of us, so this could be an excellent value in the long run. I would like to point out, however, that most plans run between $90 and $200 a year for similar coverage (we enjoyed a deep discount as part of a self-employed association group membership, which I paid separately for.)

The type of coverage varies. For most plans, your actual benefit comes in the form of a “discount” off each billable service. This can come in the form of a percentage off your cost for each procedure, but most commonly equates to guaranteeing that you will pay “no less than $XX” for each particular billable service. Unlike insurance, your dental bill isn’t sent to a payor to process, negotiate down, and return to you. This means you will most likely know at the time of service how much your visit has been “discounted,” and payment will be due at time of service. Cleanings, X-rays, fillings, caps, and most other common dental and orthodontic procedures are usually covered, if only at a small discount.

Your dental health may determine the value of a plan. Quite simply, if you are one of those fortunate folks who waltzes into your dentist for a twice-a-year-cleaning and one x-ray, with no additional services needed, this may not work out to your advantage. The cost of premiums have to be less than the cost of services to keep you from bleeding cash. If you don’t see yourself going to the dentist regularly (or won't be needing any work done), you might want to calculate if you’d be better off without the discount plan.

Your location can affect savings. The first time I used my plan, my husband and I both went in for a regular cleaning, x-rays, and fluoridation. Upon presenting our discount, the receptionist informed us that we saved $10 on our $210 bill. This seemed strange to me, so I asked her what their normal cost of doing business was. It turns out, that since we are rural, and the cost to do business is low, they charge the same amount as the “discounted” price of our plan. We would have paid almost the same amount, regardless of using a discount plan. (And without the discount plan, I would have saved $80 in premiums.) In larger cities, where dental prices are higher, the discount plan could have more of a positive affect on your bottom line.

You can utilize your HSA to save even more money. Whether your dental plan was a good decision or not, you can still save some additional cash by using an Health Savings Account. The small amount of saved tax money, coupled with the discounts, might make it a sweeter deal than just paying cash. (My HSA gives me checks and a debit/credit card. Be sure to ask your dentist what kinds of payment they take, since you will most likely be paying at time of service.)

Will I get a dental discount plan next year? Probably not. Yes, I saved some money, but it was only because I ran into some unexpected fillings (7 to be exact.) The savings of $20 per filling, coupled with the $10 saved on my initial cleaning, would save me a grand total of $150 this year. Subtract the cost of my annual premium of $80, and I only saved a measly $70 (and this is with substantial work being done, which hopefully won’t be repeated next year.)

I would suggest looking at your dental discount plan from a strictly "bottom dollar savings" mentality. Call your dentist of choice, and see what they already charge for the most common services. Compare this cost with the cost you will incur under the savings plan. If there is a minimal difference between the two, you will know that the “discount” isn’t much of a discount, after all!

Permalink | 11 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Personal Finance, Frugal Living, Budgeting, Consumer Affairs, Health and Beauty

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Three Unique Subscription Services that Might Save You Money

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:33:00 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

Most of us have used a subscription service in our lifetime. Cable TV, magazines, and movies are usually purchased in monthly installments. I recently took a look at three subscription services that were a bit off the beaten path: MagHound, BabyPlays, and BookSwim. But are they a good deal?

If you’ve ever considered convenience or variety to be valuable, you may find these services to be especially enticing. I haven’t used these services personally, so I can’t vouch for the quality of customer service or the integrity of the products shown. What I can tell you is my experience in purchasing these items traditionally, the cost involved in the subscription plans, and how they could possibly affect your bottom line.

Magazine Subscriptions via MagHound – This is a very creative way to sell magazines. Time Inc.’s new MagHound offers to bundle several magazine subscriptions at a reduced price. If you ever tire of any one title, you can switch it out for another, no questions asked. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. Let’s look at pricing for this service:

3 Titles for $4.95

5 Titles for $7.95

7 Titles for $9.95 (each additional title is $1.00 per month per title)

If you already subscribe to a bunch of mags, this could be a great deal. With no contract requiring you to lock in for a year (or more), you can get magazines for as long as you like (and cancel if you find yourself not being able to justify the cost.) Titles are quality, and at a cost of between $1.50 - $1.60 per mag, per month, it’s a huge savings over newsstand prices. For a magazine like Real Simple, which charges almost $24 a year (or $2 per issue) on their website, this is a substantial savings. Other magazines, like Redbook, only charge $5.99 for 12 issues (or $.50 per issue) from their own site.

Bottom line: You could probably score as good a deal on your own, or through another magazine reseller. If you’re already indulge in several magazine subscriptions, MagHound could make it easier to manage subscriptions, with no obligation to buy further issues. If you’re not already subscribing, however, I wouldn’t suggest adding $4.95 (or almost $60 per year) to your budget.

Toy rental subscriptions via BabyPlays – Maybe your kid is like most and bores easily with that overpriced toy just days after you buy it. If so, you may consider renting an assortment of toys on a monthly basis: This is the premise of BabyPlays.com. Just like Netflix (but with toys), you can check out toys on a monthly basis, and rotate them with new ones when you’re done. Keep the ones that go over well for longer, or choose to buy them for a discount. BabyPlays includes shipping in your monthly fee, so there’s no hassle beyond packing up your “done with” toys. Pricing for this service is set at:

Silver - 4 Toys per month (3 month commitment) for $36.99 per month

Extended Play - 5 Toys per month (6 month commitment) for $26.99 per month

Gold - 6 Toys per month (3 month commitment) for $47.99 per month

Gold Plus - 6 Toys per month (12 month commitment) for $42.99 per month

Platinum - 10 Toys per month (3 month commitment) for $64.99 per month

*All toys can be returned every 30 days, except for the Extended Play plan, which only allows for returns every 60.

The way the pricing is set, toys will cost between $5.40 per toy per month (for the Extended Play plan) and $9.24 per toy per month for the (Silver plan.) If you lose a piece from a toy, you have 30 days to find and return it, or be charged a $5-10 fee. If you fail to properly clean up a toy, you may be charged a $5 fee. If you break a toy, you must buy it at the reduced price (20% below retail.) You can also choose to buy any toys you want to keep at this same price.

Bottom Line: If you are using the service to rent low-cost toys (a puzzle that cost $8, for example) this isn’t really good deal. You could buy new toys for the same cost, and either resell them or donate them to charity if your child really grew that tired of them. For pricier items that you may not want to take the chance on, it may be simply an OK deal. Larger toys offered through the service (like the $55 Zoom Around Garage) will count as 2 toys in your rental service. Personally, I’d recommend shopping garage sales, thrift stores, or clearance racks for toys before I overspend on this service.

Book rental subscriptions via BookSwim – I’ve heard a bunch of good stuff regarding this book rental service. In a nutshell, you check out books much like movies, sending them back when you’re done and getting new ones when they’re available. The plans cost the following prices for an unlimited number of exchanges per month:

3 at a time for $9.95 the first month (then $19.98 a month thereafter)

5 at a time for $12.45 the first month (then $24.97 a month thereafter)

7 at a time for $14.94 the first month (then $29.96 a month thereafter)

9 at a time for $17.44 the first month (then $34.95 a month thereafter)

11 at a time for $19.93 the first month (then $39.94 a month thereafter)

*There’s also a 2 at a time plan for $14.99 a month (not including a first month at a discount, but why would anyone get this rotten deal?

The pricing on this service will cost you between $1.81 and $3.31 per book, per month (not including the atrocious 2 at a time deal) THE FIRST MONTH ONLY (then prices go up. If you can handle having your books shipped via USPS media mail (which can take between 4 and 14 days to arrive), you may get one or two new books per rotation. Here’s the big IF in the matter: Because BookSwim makes you mail back books in bunches (anywhere from 2 to 4 at a time), it may limit your ability to exchange books quickly. If you can get just one exchange per book per month for the first month, it decreases your book cost to between $.90 and $1.65 per book.

Bottom Line: If you have a well-stocked library close by, and you enjoy making the walk/drive/ride, this isn’t a necessary service. Those in remote locations or who fear library late fees, however, might find BookSwim to be an angel from heaven. This is a service that will fair best for the well-read or the homebound. Traditional library geeks might want to save their money.

Do you have any extra advice to share with our readers regarding these three services? What about any competitors offering similar subscriptions? We'd love to hear about it!

Permalink | 19 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Frugal Living, Shopping

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Get out the Vote and Grab a Tall Starbucks Coffee for Free!

Linsey Knerl — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:26:29 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

Voting anxiety is kickin' in big time. With only a couple days left until the final vote, many are more than ready to make their voices heard – and then head back to life as normal. In an effort to reward those who vote on Nov. 4, Starbucks is pouring free coffee.

Their ad (airing on YouTube and at their website) makes it clear. Come in on Nov. 4th, say, “I voted,” and grab your tall coffee, no money required. It's a simple gimmick to get people to vote. I think there's a bit more to it than that, however.

It's been three long months of listening to my closest friends, clients, and family Twitter and email non-stop about how important my vote is (as long as it's for their choice of candidate). I'm ready for the vote to take place, and our new Pres to emerge (however disappointed I may possibly be at the results.) This means perhaps we can start getting back to a time when I was less a Party member and more a gal you used to have coffee with.

Starbucks is facilitating a step in the right direction. Free coffee just might get everyone sitting down together, regardless of affiliation. The marketing guys have also figured that a few of us may also buy an over-priced (but delicious) scone, and out of our gratitude for free coffee, we may leave a killer tip.

As with most free promotions, this is about money. Thankfully, it may turn out to be about something more. This promotion runs all day on Nov. 4, at participating Starbucks locations. Get out your vote, pull up a chair next to that voter on the other side of the partisan aisle, and drink one for free.

Permalink | 19 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Deals and Coupons, Food and Drink, Freebies

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8 Truths from a Mystery Shopper You Must Read Before you Get Started

Linsey Knerl — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:21:56 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

I have a few friends who have started mystery shopping for extra cash. All in all, it’s a respectable gig for someone with some time, ambition, and a desire to do something different. Having mystery shopped for dozens of companies over the past 6 years, however, I have some advice to share. These eight tips are vital to making money in this somewhat misunderstood profession.

Mystery Shopping can be tough to get into. If you’re OK with starting out doing $8 gigs for ordering a fast food meal, then chances are great that you can begin right away. The higher paying shops, however, are usually reserved for those with experience. If you want to earn a reputation for being a dependable shopper, I suggest visiting the MSPA’s website and getting at least a silver status certification. Yes, it costs money. (Think of it as a “move to the head of the line” pass for most mystery shopping jobs.) Many reputable companies will only schedule certified shoppers for their jobs.

You can’t earn money if you don’t spend it. Guess what? Mystery shopping requires you to shop (in most cases.) Since they don’t mail you cash up front, it is your responsibility to be able to cover your purchases for the shop. It also takes between 30 and 90 days to get reimbursed. If you can’t spare this money, this may not be the job for you.

A successful shop requires an eye for detail. I loved doing the fine dining shops. The problem was, I had a difficult time remembering all the details I needed to complete the shop. I had to covertly keep tabs on the names of every person I came in contact with, what they were wearing, what they said, what my food tasted like, etc. etc. Needless to say it was work! If you are looking for mystery shopping to be your free meal ticket, understand that there will not be much time for relaxing. While it is true that some shops require little work, others require much, much more.

Payment depends on your performance. Unlike a typical 9-5 job, you are not guaranteed payment unless your shop has been performed satisfactorily. If you forget the names of your wait staff, don’t leave the right amount of tip, or accidentally reveal your shopper status, you are putting your reimbursement in danger. I have never had a shopping company not pay me, but I have also been very diligent about doing every thing perfectly. If you don’t take it seriously, you may not be paid – and you’ll be out whatever cash you put into your shopping experience.

There are other costs involved. In addition to the cost of your shopping (which is usually reimbursed partially or in full), there are other costs. Gas to drive to the shop, the cost (if any) to put an item on your credit card until reimbursement, or the cost of a tip (which is often not covered) are just a few expenses that may come up during a typical shop. Obviously, the best strategy is to shop close, only take shops that reimburse in full (and with an extra shopper’s fee, if possible), and turn in your reports on time.

You are responsible for your own taxes. As a mystery shopper, you are considered an independent contractor. While it is unlikely that you will earn over $600 a year for any one company, you will still be responsible for reporting that income on your tax returns. You can count it as self-employment, deducting expenses as needed, so keep track of the cost of your new mystery shopping job.

Some mystery shopping isn’t shopping or a mystery. Many shopping companies have begun scheduling work for companies that aren’t even related to mystery shopping. Audits, merchandising, and other tasks (including headstone cleaning) often come up on the mystery shopping job boards from time to time. If you don’t have an interest in these types of jobs, don’t feel obliged to take them. They can be a good source of income for you, however.

A reputable mystery shopping company will never ask you for any kind of fee. I’ll say this again: You should not have to ever pay for the “privilege” to shop. You are performing a service, and should get paid. Any fee that is guaranteed to get you a list of jobs is bogus. For a genuine listing of most every single shop service on the planet, see volition.com or check out jobslinger.com. It costs nothing. (And be sure to read up on the latest mystery shopping scams – I have never, ever, ever been asked to cash checks in my 6 years of shopping. Ever.)

After some time, I gave up on mystery shopping. The $8-10 an hour wasn’t worth the work (especially as my family grew.) For some, this could still be a really good deal. Just be aware of the facts, and decide what’s right for you. I still enjoy a nice hotel shop from time to time (hubby and I enjoy getting away for a night at an eventual cost of free.)

Permalink | 14 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Frugal Living, Career and Income, Career Building, Entrepreneurship, Making Extra Cash, Shopping

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Hold Off On Heating with These 10 Warming Ways

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:35:57 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

It’s October. In Nebraska. We will see Halloween before we smell the crackling logs on our wood stove. Because it is such a big deal for many to finally crank on the heat, we’ve implemented 10 strategies for keeping warm just a wee bit longer – sans heating unit.

Open the shades. Right now we are under construction, and the drapes clash horribly with the freshly-sanded trim and the plastic-covered furniture. Since we have no window coverings during this time of transition, we reap the benefits of sunkissed warmth spreading through our home during the 10am – 5 pm hours. Free heat feels so good.

Put an end to line drying. We enjoy hanging our clothes out on the line when it is warm. Now that frost has fallen, we reverse our thinking to utilize the heat our dryer produces. Since our dryer wasn’t vented outside our home, we use a lint receptacle to “catch” the lint. These kits are under $15 at a hardware store, and in addition to the benefit of having the dryer heat in our home, the added moisture is nice during the winter months. (Be sure to keep this system in check with weekly cleanings and adequate water to the trap. Families with allergies will need to be especially diligent.)

Dress in layers. I am still seeing kids walk to school in shorts, despite the 35 degree mornings. This is ridiculous to me, as clothing is the cheapest way to stay warm in this season of transition. Once the first frost appears, I rid my kids' drawers of shorts and sleeveless tops, packing them up into plastic tubs for winter storage. They are free to choose from any of their winter clothing, and I encourage them to dress in a t-shirt under their warmer clothes for added warmth. They don’t complain about the cold when they are properly dressed (including socks and indoor shoes.)

Make your bed. We also switch our sheets to flannel for the winter. We supplement each bed with a wool blanket and an extra quilt or two. In the upstairs room (where it is coldest) the adults have an electric blanket set on low for the really cold nights. It’s amazing how peaceful you can sleep with a chill to the air and your body comfortably warm.

Top it off. My ultra-sexy nightwear consists of sweats or long underwear with wool socks. I also wear a stocking cap on the colder nights. It keeps me feeling snug, and I have less bed head in the morning. (Plus, hubby thinks it’s cute!)

Spice things up. Cold sandwiches take a sabbatical for the winter at my house. We bust out the chili recipes, crockpot fare, and make all our evening meals a bit zestier than normal. Most of it is purely psychological – but it does help keep a warmth about the dinner table. (Another perk is the economics of spicy meals. Many of them are dirt cheap.)

Keep hydrated. Our hot cocoa bill is higher than normal during the winter. We replace our chocolate milk with hot chocolate (Ovaltine works well for a vitamin-packed alternative.) I enjoy herbal teas and decaf coffees in the evenings. Hot apple cider kept simmering on the stove not only taste delish, but keeps your home smelling yummy. Replacing your cold drinks with hot ones can keep you toasty any time of day.

Snuggle. I’ll admit to letting my kids jump in bed with us a bit more in the winter time. The toddlers are like radiant heaters that require no electricity. Just toss a 3-year-old in the mix, for an instant 10-degree warm up. (Cuddles are the cheapest form of heat I know.)

Use a space heater (wisely.) I’m not a huge fan of the small electric heaters. They are good for some things, but quite dangerous in other situations. Use your head on this one, and under no circumstances should you leave one running overnight, in a child’s room unattended, or when you are not in the home. If nothing else, I like one running in the bathroom first thing in the morning. (It takes the edge off that cold seat, if you know what I mean.)

Go to Grandma’s. Now I’m not saying that my house is too cold. Many wouldn’t be comfortable in anything as chilly as 55 in October. On days when I’m not particularly enthusiastic about watching TV in a cooler-than-average home (or once a week), I’ll head next door to my mother’s house. She’s glad to see us, and she has cable. (It’s also 10 degrees warmer by default. If she’s already paying for gas, why not?)

Call me cheap or stingy, but I don’t see any reason to crank up the heat yet this year. With 35-degree nights turning into almost 70-degree days, starting up my wood stove would leave us baked by mid-afternoon. These tips help us in the month or two between seasons, keep our annual heating bill low, and help us to appreciate that roaring fire when it finally gets burning each year.

Permalink | 29 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Frugal Living, Life Hacks, General Tips, Green Living

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The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading: A Book Review

Linsey Knerl — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 23:12:42 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

I’d seen the late night infomercials offering to help you learn the secrets to speed reading with a comprehensive program (and 4 payments of $9.95). What I hadn’t seen was an affordably-priced book that outlined the basic techniques for anyone to learn. That’s why The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading by Abby Marks Beale caught my eye. I was pressed for time, loved to read, and dug the concept of improving my stats as an already quite-efficient skimmer for less than $15. Here are some thoughts on what this book offered:

What is your current level? The first thing I picked up was how far off the mark I was on defining “speed reading.” The average reader can read (and comprehend) between 200-300 words per minute. The above-average reader clocks in at over 300 words per minute. The excellent reader can devour 700+ words. Surprisingly, your current speed does not in itself determine your aptitude towards speed reading. (In fact, many excellent readers could be slowed down by some of the more common speed reading techniques.)

How much do you really see? This book tackled issues like peripheral vision and predicting what would come next (before your eye even had to glance at it.) This helped me to realize that much of speed reading is not what your eye does, but what your brain can do. Many thinking exercises are included in this book to help you see patterns in your logic, which can be used to tweak your reading skills.

Do you understand? Reading is one thing. Comprehension is another. This book gave me tremendous insight on how to understand and retain what I was reading. It gave tips for preventing me from going back to check my understanding. I developed some confidence in what I understood the words to mean. (This was key to speed reading.)

Paper or plasma? The best thing about this book was its suitability for real-life application. I don’t read the same from a book as I do on my computer screen. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Speed Reading addressed this, giving clear instructions for optimizing my reading habits in both arenas. It also gave very clear guidelines for determining what was worth reading in the first place.

My final verdict of this book is two-fold. First, I appreciate the solid instructions for improving my reading. Much of the advice pertains to focus (something I lack) and retaining what I’ve read (something else I struggle with.) Even if you had no desire to read faster for time’s sake, this how-to guide would be perfect for students wishing to harvest only the most important concepts from lectures, texts, and other materials for the purpose of testing. I could also see it as a kind of “brain exercise” that has coincidentally become immensely popular in today’s video gaming realm. (I can always use a bit of a tune-up on my sometimes fuzzy post-baby brain.) . I’ll be slowly implementing some of the techniques in my life for certain books, and not others. I may also use the newfound knowledge of the brain and how it works to help my children with their own reading-comprehension skills.

My only hope is that those who follow the tips, perform the exercises, and sharpen their skills don’t forget the value of reading for pure enjoyment. There is nothing more precious than the written word which is taken in at a leisurely pace, chewed on delicately, and digested fully. If for one person, this book could take the daily grind of necessary reading and compress it into a manageable chunk (so that you have more time for the great authors of past and present), then I’m a fan.

Permalink | 4 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Life Hacks, General Tips, Productivity

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Why I (Heart) My High Deductible Health Insurance Plan

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:51:49 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

I won’t lie. My romance with my health plan wasn’t love at first sight. I was newly self-employed, and looking for just the right balance of benefits and affordability was nerve-racking. I was lucky. Many of my friends were smokers, had a long list of pre-existing conditions, or just waited until they had an illness to look into getting a self-insured plan. Being a worrier, I knew that now was the time to lock in something, anything, while I was still in good health.

Low monthly payments. Sure I could COBRA my previous employer’s plan. It was, after all, an excellent plan with all the benefits of free health visits and a low deductible. It was also $1400 a month for my family. I’m sure on my self-employed salary I could swing that (but also give up food and clothing for the next two years.) The high deductible plan, on the other hand, came in at a nice price tag, making it much less painful when they automatically took the premiums out of my checking each month.

Basic preventative care. In order to keep my monthly premium low, I needed to be sure it wasn’t loaded up with too much preventative care coverage that wasn’t subject to the deductible. It was a careful balance finding a plan that gave me the basics (once a year health checks, an annual OBGYN testing, etc.) without going overboard. Since I had been to the doctor exactly 1 time in 2 years, I know that the deluxe plan with 6 free visits a year (and costing about $200 more a month) was a want and not a need. I opted for the plan that gave me essential preventative care before meeting my deductible requirement, and nothing more.

HSA eligibility. In reality, I don’t use my Health Savings Account much. It was easy to set up, however, and it helped me to avoid taking a tax hit on extra income this year. Being self-employed, it’s painful enough paying my own Social Security Tax. My HSA hooked me up with a debit/credit card that I just swipe at the pharmacy or give to the billing office at the hospital. (And did you know that many of the Walgreens Free After Rebate deals are HSA eligible? Double whammy.)

Accountability. Being accountable for my own healthcare costs may not seem like an advantage at first. After all, when it comes to any medical expenses below my deductible, I’m the only one responsible for paying. Being forced to pay these expenses, however, has made me take a good look at what I’m using my medical care for, and I’ve taken steps to reduce my cost, while making sure I take care of medical issues while they are still affordable. I will be getting my flu shot. I’ll eat healthy, try to maintain a healthy weight, and not overindulge in behavior that could be risky to my body or my premium rates. I’ll also be mindful of DIY preventative practices like breast self-exams, using sunscreen, wearing my seatbelt at all times, and having regular dental cleanings. These are things I should have been doing anyway, but with the burden of the high deductible on my back alone, I’m taking extra steps to cut costs while ensuring my insurability in the future.

Negotiated pricing. People often roll their eyes at the mention of a high-deductible health plan. “You pay $5,000 before insurance covers anything?” They don’t see the benefit of such a plan – especially since I’m not likely to use anywhere near $5,000 in medical services in a typical year. Then I explain the benefits of insurance negotiated pricing. I can walk into my doctor, present my card, and arrange for my insurance to be billed. Yeah, I understand that eventually the bill will come back to me (without my insurance paying a dime), but the wonderful thing is that it is usually 40-60% cheaper than when I first walked in. My insurance company can use their pre-contracted rates to get me savings I might not have had on my own. (Note: It is possible to ask your doctor to bill you at a negotiated rate, but they don’t have to. By sending it through your insurance, you are guaranteed their contracted rates, plus you get an additional 30-60 days to get your finances in order until the bill comes.)

I understand that a plan of this type isn’t for everyone. My parents, who are older, have a few medical conditions, and use services more regularly, wouldn’t get as much mileage from this type of plan. For someone with a pre-existing condition that needs constant treatment, this could be too pricey to justify. For a typically healthy self-employed person, however, it is a good start. Assuming you are in good health, and can get a deal where they lock in your rates for a given time period (2-3 years, for example), it gives you decent coverage for the near future at an affordable price.

Maybe, with the economy changing and an election on the horizon, my love affair with my health plan will fade into a fond memory. But for now, I still truly (heart) my high-deductible health insurance plan.

Permalink | 22 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Personal Finance, Budgeting, Health and Beauty

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Paging Doctor Jones… Free Pizza Dr. Jones?

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:45:18 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

In another crazy promotion scheme cooked up by the people at Papa John’s, you can score a free pie if you share Indiana’s name.

Cleveland fans lucked out last time, when Papa John’s offered their “apology” pie to thousands of fans in response to a Lebron James-related misstep. This time, they are celebrating the release of the new Indiana Jones movie with a very unique offer aimed at a small percentage of the U.S. population.

The qualifiers? If you have the last name “Jones” and you are a Doctor (of anything, apparently), you will get a free XL Explorer pizza from now until the 26th. Sadly, this only applies to an estimated 1,600 people. (So in response to anyone who’s ever wondered if the fortune spent on an advanced medical degree is worth it… only if you like pizza.)

As an added bonus, those Docs living in the state of Indiana will get a free copy of the DVD, “Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.”

The Papa John’s website made no specific mention of the offer (although there are plenty of other promos to be had.) If you qualify, I suggest calling your local Papa John’s for all the details on how to claim your pizza.

Permalink | 6 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Deals and Coupons, Deals, Food and Drink, Freebies

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Free Preview of Refund Cents Website – Extended for Wise Bread Readers ONLY!

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:50:55 +0000

By Linsey Knerl

UPDATE: I realize that I learned about the Refund Cents deal very late in the game, and I apologize to all of you who couldn't take advantage. In speaking to Michelle, the owner, she has agreed to give Wise Bread readers an exclusive preview that is good until the 21st! Just use the following logon info:

username: wisebread
password: wisebread

The link that takes you directly to logon is:

http://www.refundcents.com/login.asp

Have Fun!

Refund Cents tops my list of money-saving websites. With coupon codes, a great reader community, and lots of last-minute and rarely-heard-about deals, it’s saved me lots of money over the last 2 years. Membership will cost you a bit, but for the next few days, you can use the site for FREE! Try before you buy.

This is not an affiliate offer. I don’t get anything from this. Yes, Michelle who runs Refund Cents, is giving everyone a chance to preview the site in hopes of getting a few paying subscribers from the deal. (That’s how I became a paying member years back.) If you’re at all curious what kinds of great deals are popping up every day across the country, this is a great site to browse.

Here are some of the reasons I’ve kept renewing my Refund Cents subscription for the past two years:

Last year, The American Girl website sold many of their toys and books for 29 cents and 49 cents. A free shipping code got me a whole bunch of great Christmas presents for less than $4!

One reader recently posted about an instant-win call-in promotion from HyVee that was listed very few places online. One hour later, I was claiming my $15 Target gift card for my daughter!

Several times a day, readers will share their unwanted codes for Pampers Gifts to Grow Program, the Coke Rewards incentives, or one-time use Free shipping codes. These go fast, but it’s great that they share!

The Comprehensive Guide to Walgreens Shopping is amazing! There is also an up-to-date CVS and Rite Aid section with dedicated deals for the ultimate freebie hound.

The Grocery Boards are organized by store. They list deals and coupon combos and are updated by the members. This is great for those of us who live in an area not serviced by the bigger couponing sites like Coupon Mom or the Grocery Game (which are both very good, as well.)

Michelle maintains a list of all printable and in-store only offer forms. This makes it easy to keep track of the best deals offline, too! Previews of the next week’s newspaper coupons and in-store deals can help me to plan ahead in my shopping.

Membership to Refund Cents is very affordable. On-line membership is about $1 per month. If you'd also like to receive the monthly print magazine RefundCents, in the mail, the cost is $25 per year and includes access to the website.

This website has been great for me. I don’t have a lot of time to hunt down deals or scour websites for the most relevant info, but this has given me a good balance of saving money and time. If you’re at all curious if the site could help you save, give it a look! With 29 years of experience, Refund Cents has been a valuable resource to my family.

Permalink | 13 comments | Linsey Knerl's blog | Channel: Frugal Living, Deals and Coupons, Coupons, Deals, Shopping

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