An aside: A Total Money Makeover

Let's face it - if we could all afford huge insurance premiums, we'd be paying them. In my case, really bad financial decisions in the past mean that I absolutely must live on a budget. 

I've heard financial counselors refer to "spending plans" because the word budget is so fraught with negative meaning. I wanted to find a way to rearrange my financial life along Christian principles; I wasn't looking to get rich quick, or even to get rich.

I found Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" - a plan that uses straightforward "baby steps" to help people achieve financial peace and freedom. Dave follows biblical principles like tithing, and he believes that money is meant for giving, spending and saving. Period. Money is a tool, nothing more. So far, I'm only on Step Two - the Debt Snowball. But I already have more financial peace than I've had in years. Thanks Dave!

Paying my "share" - joyfully!

I just got my Samaritan Ministries monthly newsletter. Each month, the ministry "assigns" me someone to whom I pay my $135 "share" (remember, it's not insurance, it's medical expense sharing). Usually I grab one of my stack of "get well soon" cards, pray about the particular illness or situation the person is going through, and then write out the check and a prayerful note. This month, my share is going to a couple who is expecting a baby in August!

Now, I always feel blessed to be able to send my share to a family who is paying for medical bills after an illness or injury. It feels really good to help a fellow believer or family in their time of need. This month, I get to share in another family's blessings! 

So - I need to buy a "you're expecting - congratulations" card... because "get well soon" just doesn't cut it, even if the expectant mother might be suffering from morning sickness!

Still very grateful for my insurance alternatives!! 

Visiting the doc just for fun

This week I visited Dr. Griffin just for the heck of it. I wanted to try a Vitamin B-12 shot (since so many people swear by them) and get a "tag" on my neck removed. 


Appointment was at 4pm - I got there early and went right in... Shot given, tag removed by 4:10... then to make sure I didn't react badly to the shot (I tend to get low blood pressure when I receive vaccines) Dr. Griffin sat and talked to me for the next 15 minutes... 


Where do you get that kind of service at a clinic or practice where you see a different P.A. every time? 


So far, loving my experiment in concierge medicine!