Vision Insurance Work-Around: Tip-of-the-Day #318

If you have vision insurance and your plan only covers a fraction of the cost of new frames and lenses, there are ways to save money.

A couple of weeks ago I tried on some great frames at a local shop and they cost $225. With the lenses? Nearly $500. This particular optometrist was "out of network" and so it would have been an out of pocket cost to me. I wasn't willing to shell out that kind of cash for reading glasses but was also bummed out that I'd have to walk away from the one pair of frames that I'd found and really liked.

So, I went online and started hunting around for the pair I had found. I sourced them on Overstock.com for $99. Score! I ordered the glasses and then dropped by my local LensCrafters to get the lenses made.

My insurance works closely with LensCrafters and pays most of the cost of the lenses. The saleswoman at LensCrafters convinced me that I really need anti-glare (not sure if I was hoodwinked on that one) which tacked $130 onto my bill but, I was ultimately able to buy the glasses and the frames for $229 ALL IN instead of the $500 I was originally quoted. That's a huge savings!

Next time you're considering new lenses, you may also want to head over to Costco. I've heard that's the best way to go but I was not in the mood to fight traffic and lines yesterday. Just sayin'.

Enjoy a Creative "Gym" Membership: Tip-of-the-Day #317

I JUST discovered a new way to work out in San Francisco (note: also available in L.A., N.Y., Chicago and Boston). Not your mother's gym membership, ClassPass delivers access to the best boutique fitness classes in the city - Bar Method, BodyRok and beyond! There are over 1,000 classes available to members, including cycling, pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more.

For just $99 a month, ClassPass members get unlimited classes to use at studios in the ClassPass network. It's simple to reserve a spot at your favorite class, cancel it, or even put your membership on hold if you feel like you're not using it. Finally! A membership that makes sense for my schedule and my wallet.

Why this model is brilliant, IMO:

  1. Most of us belong to one gym and while the classes are exciting at first, the same schedule day in and day out gets old.
  2. I'm paying twice as much at my current gym for a fraction of the class options.
  3. Most gyms have membership commitments - ClassPass doesn't.

If my next job takes me back to the city (I'm currently enjoying all the benefits and beauty that Marin has to offer) I'm all over this alternative membership. Check it out! www.classpass.com. 

Volunteer to Save On Admission Cost: Tip-of-the-Day #316

Art festivals, Oktoberfest, concerts and opening galas are all fun and fabulous events to attend in any city. However, the price of admission can set you back a penny or two.

This Labor Day I volunteered for a shift at the annual Sausalito Art Festival and in doing so, gained free admittance. That was a $25 savings and I only had to "work" for two hours. The rest of the day was mine to enjoy.

The same thinking can be applied to any of your city's fun events. Call venues and find out if they need extra help at the door or at one of the booths. If the Christmas tree you have your eye on is going to break the bank, offer to volunteer at the lot in exchange for a discount or freebie. (Same goes for pumpkins!)

I often volunteer my time at events across the city. Beyond getting free admission it's also a great way to network with like minded people and feel good about the way you're spending a Saturday.

With the holiday season upon us, now is the time to get creative!