Here's the situation....both my dd's had dentist appointments yesterday, no cavities (thank God) but the oldest dd needs to see an oral surgeon because she has impacted wisdom teeth that will need to come out and our youngest dd needs to see an orthodontist because she has very crowded teeth and needs braces.....neither of which is covered by our dental insurance! Both dentists will accept payment plans for the work to be done but this will be 2 more monthly expenses that we really don't need. I need some tips on where I can cut back to help cushion the cost.

Grocery budget is usually the easiest to cut back on. Limit or stop eating out. Don't buy convenience foods-make as much as you can from scratch. Shop at places like Aldi's for all the basics then go elsewhere for items on your list (never leave the house without a list). Shop at bread outlet stores.

Can you cut back on your cable package.

When the weather gets better cut back on gas by walking anywhere you can.

Keep a detailed spending diary that way you know where every penny is going and what you can cut back on.

Drink coffee at home, avoid Starbucks altogether. If you work bring your lunch to work.

Cancel any magazine subscriptions and get them from the library.

Some other ideas are ....

Only full loads of laundry and wash with cold water
Check your hot water heater (if you own your home and check the setting ... many times people have the water temp too high if you have electric this will save money)
Don't go to the stores unless you need to ..... sometimes I would run in for 1 item and come out with many more than that
Check the pantry and do a pantry challenge meaning use the food that you have up
Consolidate your trips if you are able to so you use less gas
Use the library to borrow books, movies etc (some even have free passes for area attractions)
Take your lunch to work/school
If you like soda buy 2 liter bottles instead of cans
HTH

Thank you...those are some really great tips!

do you have a dental school in your area? we will be using a dental school it is about an 45-1hr drive for us but the savings is worth the gas to get there plus they take our insurance wich will only pay 500 for othodontics and they have generous payment plans.. i use there family dentitry for me and once the kids need braces thats where we will go(dh got his braces there and his teeth still look great)... if not definately utilize the tips the others gave its amazing when you write things down you can find a little extra here and there.

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SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.