The Roundup
|A collection of interesting and informative items from around the Internet.
3 Steps to End the Health Insurance Nightmare
Health care spending sits atop the expenditure pile for both individuals and governments.
Granted, if you have health insurance, especially through employer provided plans, you likely don’t feel a significant financial hit since costs are disguised. Employers cover a large part of the annual premium, while the employee pays a small percentage to have some “skin in the game.” And co-pays hide the actual office visit or procedure costs.
Make no mistake, though, health care costs are high and growing. Which is putting a strain on employers – who pass along increased premiums to employees – which decreases an employee’s available income, and the budgets of government health care programs continue to explode.
The primary reason? Who knows how much health care really costs?! This article provides some good suggestions to help get the costs of health care under control. If only our elected officials would take constructive action.
Coming Soon: The Worst Investing Returns in 30 Years
Occasionally, we at Savings Beagle will give an update on returns of the major indices of the U.S. stock market. Our goal is the enlighten everyone that stocks, and their returns, have a significant impact on everyone, not just “the rich.” Personal retirement accounts, 401(k)s as well as public and private pensions are all tied to stocks. If returns don’t increase at a 7-8% pace annually, that’s not good.
This article doesn’t paint a rosy picture.
United MileagePlus Dining Promotion
The United Airlines MileagePlus Dining program has come out with a really nice promotion. Not only can you earn up to 5,000 United miles when you join (new members only) but you’re automatically provided VIP status right away, allowing you to earn 5 miles per dollar spent at restaurants that are part of the dining program.
If you’re not a member, and you have any interest in earning United MileagePlus miles, jump on this promotion.
American Airlines “Miles for Milestones”
American Airlines is giving 350 miles to AAdvantage members simply for signing up for their latest promotion, “Miles for Milestones.” In addition to getting 350 miles, you’ll be entered for a chance to win 350,000 miles to celebrate their 35th anniversary. Once entered, you’ll have the opportunity to earn another 350 miles by sharing the promotion via social media.
A simple way to add miles to your AAdvantage account. If for no other reason, use the promotion to restart the 18-month expiration clock on your AAdvantage miles.
image courtesy of Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net
Thanks for including my health insurance article in your round up!
The Time article looks interesting, going to check it out now.
You’re very welcome. It was a great piece with really good insights.