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Browsing posts in: Debt
Mar 2, 2023    |       6 comments

Finally Dealing With My Dental Issues

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Dealing with Dental Issues

Last week, I finally had my first dental appointment in over a decade. Embarrassingly, I’m one of those people who’s so scared of the dentist that they put off going for years. The only reason I made this appointment in the first place is that half of one of my bottom front teeth literally broke off! 

I was afraid I had significant orthodontic issues because I haven’t had my wisdom teeth taken out yet. Luckily that hasn’t impacted things and my dentist said my teeth are actually in pretty good shape overall. I’ve heard that wisdom teeth can cause the rest of your teeth to shift, and I wondered if that was part of the reason why I lost a chunk of my bottom tooth. But the dentist just thinks I ground down the tooth in my sleep, which weakened it and caused part of it to break off.  

My Treatment Plan

The game plan my dentist came up with is for me to get my wisdom teeth removed by an oral surgeon first. Although my wisdom teeth aren’t impacted, there was evidence of infection, so they need to come out. I’m in the process of finding an oral surgeon who will both take my insurance and agree to knock me out. There’s no way I’m undergoing oral surgery while awake without anesthesia! 

Based on estimates I saw online, I’m expecting the wisdom teeth removal to cost around $1,000 to $1,500. Sadly, that’s not even the most expensive part of my treatment plan! After the wisdom teeth are out, my dentist wants me to do Invisalign because my bottom row of teeth is misaligned and squished together. 

Expensive Invisalign 

Invisalign for adults usually costs a whopping $4,000 to $5,000, so I asked him if it was really medically necessary. I’m no beauty queen with or without straight teeth, so I wouldn’t want to straighten them solely for aesthetic reasons. I have to admit, he made a really good point, so I think we’re going to go ahead with it. 

My teeth are so close together that he suspected I was having trouble flossing between them and cleaning them properly, which is true. If I leave them the way they are, I could eventually lose those teeth when I’m older. I mean, one already broke halfway off! The alignment issues could’ve contributed to the breakage because of how my bottom teeth line up with my top teeth. So straightening them out will also ensure that my broken bottom tooth actually stays fixed when we patch it up. 

I don’t know exactly what the dentist is planning to do to smooth the jaggedy broken tooth out or how much it will cost yet. First I have to get through this oral surgery and save up for Invisalign, so we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it!

My Next Appointment 

My next appointment with the dentist is in August, so I have roughly five months to save up for Invisalign. I’m going to pull the funds for my oral surgery from an account we already have that’s reserved for home repairs, car emergencies, and major health expenses. What’s in that account will cover a portion of Invisalign too.

Dental insurance usually covers 25% to 50% of Invisalign depending on the plan, so I’m probably going to start saving up about $500 a month for it until my appointment to help pay for it in addition to what I already have saved. Looks like we’re going to be slowing down our mortgage payoff for a bit so I can get my teeth fixed!

Have you ever had to get expensive dental work done? Was it worth it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Read More

Ashley’s February 2023 Debt Update

Replacing Eggs With Cheaper Alternatives And Planning for Kids

Every Little Bit Counts – Savings Mode

Mar 1, 2023    |      0 comments

Taking Action to Avoid Debt After Major Family Costs

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Avoiding debt is never as easy as it sounds. After a major family cost, like a wedding or the birth of a new baby, you may find yourself in a tight financial spot. Making sure you’re prepared for these costs and taking action to avoid debt is necessary for a better financial future. Below are some ways you can take action to avoid debt after emergencies and events.

Consider Payment Plans

According to Riviera, over 2.5 million students were enrolled in private elementary schools in the U.S. in 2016 alone. Many families depend on payment plans to help alleviate the financial burden of tuition. If you find yourself in a bind after a major family expense, contact your school’s financial team to see if they offer any payment plans. This can help you spread out your payments over time and avoid accumulating debt.

It isn’t just private schools that offer payment plans. Other institutions, such as hospitals and businesses that provide services, may also offer payment plans to help their customers manage the cost of major expenses. Instead of paying for things upfront, sign up for a payment plan with low or no interest to help manage your debt.

Have Dental Insurance

According to Jacaranda Smiles, an estimated 25 to 50% of children need orthodontic care. If you’re strapped on cash, having dental insurance can help you avoid debt. It’s important to review your dental insurance policy and understand what it covers. Most policies cover some of the cost of orthodontic treatment, so make sure you take full advantage of the insurance coverage.

Other options to consider are dental discount plans, which can help you save on the cost of orthodontic care. These plans can lower your out-of-pocket costs for major dental treatments, such as braces, root canals, and wisdom teeth extractions. You can also shop for different orthodontists and dentists that offer deals for first-time customers for extra savings.

Have Home Insurance Available

According to The Local Locksmith Company, 95% of home invasions require some forceful entry, whether breaking a window, picking a lock, or kicking in a door. After a break-in, you’ll likely need to repair the damage done, which can be expensive. Having home insurance coverage in place can help you avoid debt after a break-in or other major home damage.

It’s important to review the policy and understand what is covered. Most home insurance policies cover a variety of damages and losses, such as theft, damage caused by wind and hail, fire, and vandalism. Make sure you are aware of the limits on your policy as well as any deductibles you may need to pay.

Look into Tax Credits and Benefits

If your family costs are related to a medical condition or disability, you may be eligible for tax credits and benefits. The IRS offers a variety of tax credits and deductions to help reduce the financial burden of major medical expenses. You can also look into local programs that provide assistance to families in need. These programs often offer childcare subsidies, health insurance coverage, food stamps, and more. Researching these programs can help you stay financially afloat when you’re facing major family costs. In the event of a new baby, you can also use this 2022 W4 calculator to see how adding a new dependent to the brood will impact your overall take-home pay.

Refinance If Possible

If you have existing debt, such as a car loan or credit card debt, you may be able to refinance the loan at a lower interest rate. This can help reduce your monthly payments and make it easier for you to pay down your debt. You can also consider refinancing your mortgage if you’re in need of some extra cash. Refinancing can help you get access to the equity in your home, allowing you to take out a loan and use your home as collateral. This can be helpful if you need funds for major family costs.

Taking action to avoid debt after a major family cost is essential for a better financial future. Consider payment plans, dental insurance options, home insurance coverage, and government-funded benefits to make sure you are prepared for any emergency expenses or events. By taking proactive steps now, you’ll ensure that your finances remain stable and secure.

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