Hot stone massage. Chocolate body scrub. Lavender rose wrap. All sound lusciously decadent ... and expensive. But even the $14 billion spa industry isn’t immune to a skittish economy. Pressured to keep expenses low yet maintain customer levels, spas (both day and destination resort) continue to ramp … [Read more...] about 12 ways to save at spas
Health & Beauty
8 ways to get a cheap gym membership
The ever-increasing price of gym memberships may have you running for the hills, but if outdoor recreation doesn't give you everything you need in a fitness program then try these eight tips to get a great deal on a membership at a gym in your area. Try before you buy. With any … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get a cheap gym membership
How to find the right health insurance
With all you’ve heard about problems with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, you might think it’s not a good option for 2019 health insurance. Despite all the efforts by opponents to kill it, the ACA remains alive and is offering health insurance for 2020 under essentially the same … [Read more...] about How to find the right health insurance
Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Medicare open enrollment is a time each year during which people who are on Medicare can change their health plans or their prescription drug coverage for the following year. This year’s open enrollment period is from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Here are your benefit options: Original … [Read more...] about Medicare open enrollment: How to pick a plan
Get free stuff on your birthday
Blow out the candles for great birthday freebies as a member of these online loyalty eClubs. The month of your birthday you'll receive some sort of email you can exchange for your goodie. Many of these are valid during your entire birthday month, but be sure to read each coupon for the details. Some … [Read more...] about Get free stuff on your birthday
10 best diet books for eating healthy while saving money
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As much as I love bargains and writing about them, in my other life I'm a registered dietitian and thrive on helping people understand that deprivation does not equal healthy eating. If you're striving to lose weight or just eat healthier in this new year, you need to know that eating a wide variety … [Read more...] about 10 best diet books for eating healthy while saving money
HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Decoding the alphabet soup of health care
It's that time of year when we all seem to be mired in alphabet soup – and not the kind you eat. Open enrollment for benefits plans is here, and that includes choosing health insurance coverage. As employers and insurers shift more of the cost to users, the annual choice gets harder, whether you … [Read more...] about HMO vs. PPO vs. EPO vs. POS: Decoding the alphabet soup of health care
FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
It's open enrollment time in most workplaces, as well as for those who use the Affordable Care Act exchange, which means health care consumers are trying to make sense of the alphabet soup of the available benefits. One choice many face is how best to maximize the tax savings that come with some … [Read more...] about FSA vs. HSA: Which health-care tax savings is right for you?
Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are great way to save for future medical expenses and to reduce your current taxes. As we all face increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, one method to prepare is to open an HSA, which is like an IRA but offers a triple tax advantage. Your contribution is … [Read more...] about Health Savings Accounts: the triple tax advantage
Take a bite out of dental costs
More than half of Americans (nearly 130 million) go without dental coverage. For some it's just too expensive. Others believe dental insurance doesn't provide a great return on investment. But that tiny cavity can turn into serious health problems if left unattended. Yours truly has had so many root … [Read more...] about Take a bite out of dental costs
Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Eye exams and prescription eyeglasses can be pricey, and eye care might not be included in your insurance benefits package. But the health of your eyes is just as important as dental and other other medical procedures. Here are a few ways to save money on exams and eye wear, both glasses and contact … [Read more...] about Save money on eye exams and eye wear
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
