by Hope
This is part 5 of my July series: How I Spent the House Proceeds.
As you all may remember last December I signed up for physical and dental insurance that began January 1 of this year. This coverage includes my two youngest children as well.
The health insurance has been used…multiple times. I’m very glad I did it. And for the push by the BAD community to do it.
The dental insurance, not so much. It’s cost me $41 per month and has not been used, even once. And not for lack of trying. We haven’t been able to find a dentist within a 30 mile radius of our tiny town or Princess’ apartment that would take it. And now we’ve tried in Texas as well, no luck! So I’m cancelling it as of this month.
Medical Expenses
I’ve got my typical medical expenses covered in my monthly budget. So I’m not including those here. They are already accounted for. Those include my anti-depressant Lexapro and a variety of supplements I take on a regular basis. And, of course, the insurance coverage which will be cut by more than half once I cancel the dental coverage that is worthless.
Chiropractor
First, when I probably unwisely decided to drive straight through from GA to TX in mid-May and spent 17 hours straight in the car without any proper rest. I ended up with a very tight neck and back. (I couldn’t car camp on that trip as my car was WAY, WAY full especially with two dogs versus my typical one.)
Chiropractic care has always been my go to. I had a great chiropractor in my tiny town. One of the things I miss most. He charged me $45 per visit, always fixed what was wrong, and didn’t require appointments. It was so easy.
When I woke up on my second day in Texas after my marathon drive, I knew I needed to find a chiropractor. For then and the future.
Total Spent: $190
Dentist
No dental insurance is not new for me. The kids and I have all gotten most of our dental care over the years at dental and dental hygienist schools. My parents have done the same for the last 10+ years that they’ve been here in TX. And after struggling for 5+ months to find a dentist who would take my insurance. I gave up.
I called the dentistry school in San Antonio expecting a month+ wait for an appointment. Nope, they got me in the next week. I got a full 360 xray, a full set of individual xrays, a thorough exam, and a deep cleaning.
Total Spent: $206
I’m kind of sad about leaving my chiropractor in Georgia. If I had a car while I was there with Beauty over the last couple of weeks, I definitely would have made a trip to be seen. But thankfully, the chiropractor I have visited in Texas is decent. Just not the same and costs more and does require a appointment and does try to upsell me on all sorts of other things. But when I’m desperate, I’ll go back.
Total accounted for in this series thusfar: $9,743. More to come…
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
