Cut Prescription Drug Costs

Years ago, you may have never thought twice about taking the medicine that your physician prescribed for you. So why should you have to after retirement? The pharmaceutical companies offer many assistance plans that enable you to receive the medicine you need without zapping all your income!

There are lots of people at retirement age that are living on a fixed income and cannot afford all of these high price medicines. Here are a few ways to help you save some money on your prescription.

When the physician starts writing out a prescription for you to have filled, ask him if he would have any samples that he could supply you with. There are several drug companies that distribute samples to their doctors so they can hand them out to their patients. So take advantage of this one way to save a few dollars.

Also, many doctors' offices participate in drug savings plans and can possibly supply all your medications at no cost or at a minimum $5 or $10 a month co-payment.

Always ask about this possibility. It has saved my aunt hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in medicine costs over the long haul.

Since many drugs are so expensive, the drug companies have now made some equivalent generic brand drugs. When you go to your pharmacy to get your next prescription filled, consider asking for the generic brand. This strategy alone can save up to 50% on your prescriptions.

Another good way to save some money on your medicines would be to use over the counter medications. Ask your physician or pharmacist if any over the counter drugs would be close to your prescription and if you could possibly use them instead. These medicines are normally cheaper.

Comparison shopping for medicines may seem odd, but you may want to try it the next time. Medicine prices vary greatly among chain stores. And believe it or not, sometimes those small local drug stores have the best prices! It pays to check it out.

These are just a few ways to cut the costs of prescription drugs. Never just quit taking your medication without discussing it with your physician first. That could do you more harm than good. If you still have money issues, then ask around about a discount drug program or ask your doctor if you might be able to split your medication and take less.

Reduce Stress and Retire Happy

We look forward to retirement at the end of our career, happy in the thought of the next phase in our lives. We think the transition from set routines and busy work schedules will be an easy one, but retirement in itself can be stressful. Couples who have grown accustomed to being together on an infrequent basis now find the togetherness may cause unexpected stress. Retirement represents a radical change in expectations and, at times, a complete role reversal. It becomes increasingly difficult when one partner retires before the other, resulting in possible anger and resentment. Why should I have to go to work, while you stay home and enjoy life? Or, the partner who once stayed home alone now has someone invading his or her space.

With some forethought, understanding, and planning, there are ways to reduce stress and retire happy. Just because you now have the freedom and perhaps the financial resources to do exactly as you please, without planning, retirement will not be what you expected. Begin to plan retirement well before it arrives by discussing activities to share, the travel and entertainment you both enjoy, and the individual interests you expect to pursue.

Single people approaching retirement may also find themselves at loose ends, what to do with so much extra time. Think about the things you've always wanted to do and be happy in the thought of occupying yourself with a hobby, spending more time with family or friends, and even part-time work, following the leisurely schedule that only retirement allows. Reduce stress and plan on retiring happy.