The good news is that I don’t have any cavities. The bad news is that I need a crown replaced. The worst news? No dental insurance.
What I do have, however, is a dental-hygienist sister who will X-ray and clean my teeth for free, and an emergency fund to help pay for the crown. Not that I’m thrilled about dipping into the EF, mind you, but at least I won’t go into debt fixing my face.
As I noted in “Save your smile,” my Friday post on MSN Money’s Smart Spending blog, plenty of people have serious dental problems and no emergency fund. The post includes some tips on how to find reduced-price care and also my sister’s succinct advice (two words) for those without dental insurance.
You don’t think I’m going to tell you those two words here, do you? Go read it over there if you want to know so badly.
What others are writing
It’s been a hectic week here in North Seattle so I haven’t been paddling through the blogosphere as much as I ought. These links should be enough to keep you busy, though:
“I like ‘stuff’,” at I Pick Up Pennies. Abby may have invented a new catchphrase: “frugal materialism.”
“How to negotiate your medical bills,” at Wallet Pop. I can just picture a seasoned yard-saler saying to the emergency room cardiologist, “Is that your best price?”
“10 ways to cope with a budget shortfall,” from Funny About Money.
“Squirreling gone wild #6,” at Squirrelers. Having worked for so many years in newspapers, I recognize the mad rush toward free eats – and I love the “prairie dog” imagery.
“Budget for summer spending,” at Money Funk. It’s a little late to be starting, but at least this could make you mindful of what you do spend.
“4 reasons you should encourage, foster and harness dissent on your blog,” on ProBlogger. I have to say I was mostly drawn by the hilarious “Greater Internet Dickwad Theory” graphic – and I dare you not to want to look that up now that I’ve mentioned it – but the author makes a good point about the possibility of disagreement as a constructive force.
Do you live near a major university with a med/dental school? You can get dental work done by students (supervised by faculty) for half the cost. And given that it’s end of semester, many soon-to-be graduates are looking for patients to work on (for free!) as part of their final exams. Check Craigslist.
I’ll click over in a second, but I’m just guessing at least one of those words is FLOSS. 🙂
It’s not cheap – that’s for sure! I have to fix two chipped teeth soon; although I have insurance, it’ll still cost me few hundred dollars.
Good luck with your tooth. Teeth problems are such a pain in the keester!;)
Jeez, has ANYONE clicked over to see the Greater Internet Dickwad Theory?
“has ANYONE clicked over to see the Greater Internet Dickwad Theory?”
I did, and it’s brilliant!