Since I went to do a teeny-tiny shopping trip today (and because it's been more then a week), I thought it was time to update on January Low/No spend challenge.
I'm actually surprised but this month wasn't too bad financially for us. We had a lot of challenges in January but I managed to stay more or less in our budget so far. You might remember that I mentioned last week that we only had $25 left in our grocery budget. Well, we are down to $11 and change but I think, it's pretty good. I doubt I can make it with just $11 left but I should be pretty close to my goal.
We are up to 8 no-spend days this month too, and with more than a week left until the end of the month, we are right on track to get this number to 12. We also finally figured out all of our medical bills. We got the doctor's bill that was $352 last week. Crazy that they charge you more for the doc just peeking in your room for 10 seconds than all of the facility charges (that include all the hard work the nurses do...).
So we gave them a call to see if we could lower it a bit. The first guy Hubby talked to was not very responsive. He told him that since we are not unemployed any more, there is nothing they could do for us. After going back and forth and beating around the bush, hubs finally asked for a supervisor who was much more interested in helping us out. Apparently, they have a program to help people like us but they will never tell you about it unless you talk to somebody higher up. So they lowered it to $240. But since we got a reimbursement check this week too, it's almost a wash. So we sent out the last check and, hopefully, we can finally move on from it!!
And with that reimbursement we only ended up paying $20 extra on this bill, so we should be able to put a nice chunk of money into our savings. I've been working really hard this month on my part-time job and should make at least $500 by the end of the month, and it will all go into savings, I hope.
I think we are doing pretty good with the challenge so far, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed, nothing comes up next week...
Did you participate in this challenge? How is January treating you?
Lena you never cease to amaze me. We have the same thing at our hospital and I always encourage people to use it. They do ask them to send in a paystub but it does help so many people. And I know its crazy what a doctor can bill for a two minute visit.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I had youngest DD I sent one of the doctors 10.00 a month for almost 2 years because it was all I could afford. His office hated it but I figured at least I was paying them so they just kept cashing the checks.
Here's to a better February
Judy
We have a similar thing here in Ohio...and at our local hospital and urgent care, they ask you to fill out the paperwork when you register. The last time Bill was at the hospital for what we thought was a heart attack and for his follow up stress test, they ended up writing it all off based on our income. It was such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the low spend month! With everything you have had going on, you are doing AWESOME! :)
Glad to hear you were able to have your bill adjusted, Lena... makes you wonder how much they must overcharge to begin with!
ReplyDeleteI was pleased with my weekly spending. I find just the act of waiting to shop on only two days each week makes me REALLY think about my shopping list and what I can do without :)
I agree with the others well done. You guys are doing so good. It pays to ask doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteYou are truly amazing Lena! I am sure your husband rises up and calls you blessed!
ReplyDeleteI am participating but just with my allowance. Hubby takes care of our family finances and he does such a good job that I usually just keep my nose out of it! My allowance challenge is going really well so far. Last year I bombed out half way throug the month so am happy about this challenge:)
Nice to know that you can ask to have a hospital bill lowered! So very glad that you were able to cover the bill and still be able to save! You are doing great this month!
ReplyDeleteI love that you went "higher up" to ask! I find so many are very "uninterested" in ever helping or even hearing WHY you're asking, so i'm glad you got a discount!! :) We had a fabulous month I have to say, we have been greatly blessed this month! :)
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