We are Clark Howard fans here in the Not Made of Money household. I listen to his radio show when I can. I recently borrowed “Clark’s Big Book Of Bargains” from the library. The book was published in 2003 but still contains timeless tips on saving money. The book is arranged into 8 chapters; food, family and children, necessities, leisure, electronics & appliances, events, home improvements, and cars.
I especially liked the tips for saving money at restaurants. We don’t eat out often so I haven’t perfected my skills on saving money in this area. To reduce restaurant bills, he suggests foregoing alcohol or dessert, two areas that are usually really marked up. He also recommends asking for whats “on special” before you order. Another way to reduce restaurant expenses is to eat out at lunch versus dinner. Also take advantage of early bird or late-nite discounts.
Another chapter I learned a lot from was the one dealing with dentists. We can attest to the fact that dentists charge a very high price and they all don’t agree on the treatment. The cost of braces is very high, and we sought several dental opinions when we had to investigate that option for one of our children. Comparison shopping definitely paid off.
Clark also has an extensive chapter on special events and holidays and gives some great suggestions regarding Christmas shopping. He actually does the majority of his shopping before January has ended – for the next year’s Christmas!
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Regarding dentists…one thing to perhaps consider in the future is medical tourism. I used to live in Japan, but before I went I had to have two root canals. I had health insurance, yet it was still going to cost $2000 to finish them (with the crowns). I had already paid $1000. I couldn’t afford it since I was about to move overseas, so I just took the temporary option.
Later, in Japan I went to get the actual crowns done. i had no insurance in Japan and was scared about how much it would cost. The cost…$300. For two crowns. And that was even a little bit “expensive” because one was up front and I wanted a more tooth colored crown.
I’ve had friends who have left the states for procedures that were too expensive here as well.
(Not that that was my intent in going to Japan, but you know…)