My July monthly spending so far is at $1086.06 with all of my usual bills paid, except my cell phone. My grocery spending so far is at $55.85. I will need to make one more shop, but just for a few things so I’m hoping to stay under $70 for the month.
Many years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my neck. I manage it mostly with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory meds, stretching exercises every day, and using a heating pad when necessary. But over the past few months the pain and stiffness has really been increasing, and my usual methods just weren’t working so well anymore. My doctor ordered an MRI since it had been many years since I had one. I wasn’t surprised that it has progressed to include moderate stenosis, and I have a herniated disk. The arthritis is very pronounced. I was given a script for a much stronger anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxer and to consider physical therapy to start with. This isn’t something that will ever get any better, and it will most likely continue to get worse as I age. So, finding effective ways to manage the pain is very important to my quality of life.
Financially, my health insurance covers the PT, but I would have a $25 co-pay for each visit. If I go once a week that’s $100 a month expense. But it’s worth it. I went to PT a few years back for this issue and I remember that it really helped. I will try and pay for this out of my monthly earnings and not dip into savings to pay for it, but it stretches my already very tight budget even more.
My earnings from Swagbucks and My Points is now even more important. But it has been getting a bit harder to earn as they have cut out some activities that were easy money makers. It is taking me more time to earn the same amount of money each month. I will keep plugging along with it, because I really rely on this income, but I am starting to explore some other ways to make money from home. I really, really do not want to go back to working for an employer.
I had lunch out yesterday with my family and we had a great time. I also got together with some former co-workers for lunch last week. It seems that quite a few people have either retired or joined the ranks of those who joined the “great resignation”. The college really needs some fresh leadership who is open to considering more flexible schedules and hybrid work from home models.
I have started researching some new cell phone plans but have not made a decision about switching yet. Since I no longer have a home phone, having reliable cell service is my most important consideration when deciding who to go with.
The weather here continues to be hot and humid with some really severe storms that seem to pop up almost every day. Next week’s forecast doesn’t look any better.
July 17th, 2022 at 07:35 pm 1658086542
You don’t spend a lot, so the minimum spend might not be easy for you, but I charge my Medicare, my cable, my cell phone, house insurance as well as pretty much everything I spend so it can add up. Remembering to close accounts before any fees kick in can be tricky too, but a couple hundred dollars would pay for some of your PT.
I saw that Amber is writing articles in exchange for gift cards. I don’t know who she writes for, but maybe she would share.
I sometimes think we are all going to need to take a part time job just to keep the economy running with unemployment so low!
July 17th, 2022 at 10:48 pm 1658098084
July 19th, 2022 at 12:00 am 1658188832
I think PT is good for you and I'm glad you are going to do it, even if you have to sacrifice in other ways. One thing you might ask is once you have gone a few times, if there is another place that offers PT, but it is more self directed. I seem to remember a place here in my city that once you go through so many regular PT sessions, one could transfer there and pay $3 copay and do most of it self directed. Of course this was before Covid so who knows it that even exists.
July 19th, 2022 at 03:00 am 1658199636