Generically Yours

The good thing about retirement is having the time to pursue all the things that you always wanted to do, like writing the Great American Novel, or traveling to Bora Bora on a tramp steamer. The bad news about retirement is that you now have less money to work with. Whoops. Saving money has become a priority--I constantly look for ways to economize by smart shopping, cost saving energy tips, and short cuts to get to where I want to go.



Pharmaceuticals for instance. Statistics say that one third of all prescriptions are never filled due to the high cost. I find that appalling. A couple of years ago, my doctor prescribed a well known drug which cost, at that time, well over $100.00 per month. Are you serious? I had no insurance drug plan, so I had only half the prescription filled--just enough to give me time to research other options.

• Research the Brand Name

he first thing I did was research the brand name prescription. What was the main ingredient? What was it supposed to accomplish? Was there a generic equivalent? I searched on the internet (how did I ever exist before Google?), and I found out that, yes, there was a generic medication. Whoo, hoo!

• Check with Your Physician

Of course, you absolutely need to check with your physician about using a generic equivalent to the brand name drug. Make sure you ask your physician about the efficacy of the generic prescription compared to the brand name--you want to make sure that the generic will help you every bit as much as the name brand.

Note: It is always good to have open communication with your doctor so you feel comfortable discussing anything that concerns you. You have the right to ask him or her about using cost cutting measures like "Can I use this generic in place of the brand name?" If he or she gives you the green light, then you can save yourself a bundle.

• Research "The Lists"

Now, some people have used the same pharmacy for years and are unwilling to change. And that's fine. Getting a generic prescription at your particular pharmacy will still save you lots of cash. However, if you really want to go for the gold, check "THE LIST". After I found the generic equivalent of my pricey brand name, I immediately went on the WalMart and Target websites to check out the drugs on the $4.00 list. These are medications that cost ONLY FOUR DOLLARS! The generic medication that I needed was on the list, and my story has a happy ending--instead of being socked $100 per month, I only pay $4! I am putting the savings toward writing workshops, travel, and spoiling my grandchildren.

Next: Negotiating Medical Care

Taking a Step, Falling Down, and Crashing Through Barriers

Well, the day is finally here-I am going to start an on-line class on how to become a freelance writer. I have put up many barriers to chasing the writing dream--I can't do it now because of work; I can't do it now because we have to look for a house; I can't do it now because I have to watch Ice Road Truckers on The History Channel. Aren't these just lame excuses? I think that the real reason for not taking the step is facing the fear of tripping and falling face first along the way. What if I can't write? What if I get writer's block? What if no one wants to read what I do write?



I watched a pledge drive on our local PBS channel about taking away barriers that keep you from realizing your dreams. Today I am going to crash through the barriers and take the first step. I may trip; I may fall; I may even get bruised a little or a lot. I think that the secret is to get up and keep moving. Take a deep breath and go!