We all know, there is a Frugalista way to do everything- even getting sick. Follow my short steps and you will in fact save money (and maybe loose a few pounds) in the process.
ACKNOWLDGE THE SICKNESS EARLY
After a few days of being sick- acknowledge it! Go and see a doctor so you don’t wind up sick as a dog in a cold waiting room somewhere or (even worse!) sitting in the hospital ER already dreading the $100 or more co-pay you’re going to pay. Seeing your doctor early will get you on meds and healing faster resulting in less sick time and less time in pain.
After a few days of being sick- acknowledge it! Go and see a doctor so you don’t wind up sick as a dog in a cold waiting room somewhere or (even worse!) sitting in the hospital ER already dreading the $100 or more co-pay you’re going to pay. Seeing your doctor early will get you on meds and healing faster resulting in less sick time and less time in pain.
BUY GENERIC
Whether your doctor prescribes you medication or just recommends you take a certain OTC drug- buy generic. If the doctor gives you a name brand pill, ask the pharmacist if there is a generic and if you can substitute that for the name brand. Usually, pharmacies have a $3 or $4 dollar program for generics so take full advantage if you can. Also, if the doctor recommends taking a zinc or other Over-the-Counter drug, there is usually a generic. Let me tell you, IT’S THE SAME THING! It’s usually even made by the same company and usually about half of the price! Same thing goes for tissues and cough drops, OJ, etc.
Whether your doctor prescribes you medication or just recommends you take a certain OTC drug- buy generic. If the doctor gives you a name brand pill, ask the pharmacist if there is a generic and if you can substitute that for the name brand. Usually, pharmacies have a $3 or $4 dollar program for generics so take full advantage if you can. Also, if the doctor recommends taking a zinc or other Over-the-Counter drug, there is usually a generic. Let me tell you, IT’S THE SAME THING! It’s usually even made by the same company and usually about half of the price! Same thing goes for tissues and cough drops, OJ, etc.
CUT DOWN ON SICK DAYS
Sometimes, with a little sniffle and some not so subtle begging- your boss may let you work from home in lieu of taking a sick day. If this is the case, seriously work from home. Don’t just sit around and respond/send the occasional email. Start or finish a project and show your superiors that you can juggle the work load. If you have to take a nap in the middle of the day- email your boss and be honest about taking the time off in the middle of the day. Even of you take half of a sick day- it’s better to have that time to fall back on at a later date. If you have a job where you don’t have paid sick days, try to go into work if you can. If you feel well enough and are not contagious, get up and try to work. It’s better to go home after a few hours then giving up a full day of work when you could have worked for a few hours. Be honest and let your boss know that you are not feeling well when you get in a promise to “try and make it through the day”. If you can’t, at least you tried and didn’t give up a whole day’s worth of pay.
So, there is it Frugalistas! Your guide to getting sick- and getting better for less! May you colds be fleeting and your flu’s be few.
Sometimes, with a little sniffle and some not so subtle begging- your boss may let you work from home in lieu of taking a sick day. If this is the case, seriously work from home. Don’t just sit around and respond/send the occasional email. Start or finish a project and show your superiors that you can juggle the work load. If you have to take a nap in the middle of the day- email your boss and be honest about taking the time off in the middle of the day. Even of you take half of a sick day- it’s better to have that time to fall back on at a later date. If you have a job where you don’t have paid sick days, try to go into work if you can. If you feel well enough and are not contagious, get up and try to work. It’s better to go home after a few hours then giving up a full day of work when you could have worked for a few hours. Be honest and let your boss know that you are not feeling well when you get in a promise to “try and make it through the day”. If you can’t, at least you tried and didn’t give up a whole day’s worth of pay.
So, there is it Frugalistas! Your guide to getting sick- and getting better for less! May you colds be fleeting and your flu’s be few.
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