Comments on: What Would You Do? Drive 12 Hours to Save $440?

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:34:36 +0000

In reply to Spender2saver. I completely agree that the stress of driving makes the decision to stay put a little easier. I am worried that I might get bad news and then be forced to sit in the car all alone for six hours contemplating the results. Seems to make much more sense to stay close to my family so I have their support. Thanks for weighing in!

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:32:30 +0000

In reply to Newlyweds on a Budget. I love how you broke down the cost per hour. When you add in the number of hours wasted over night and away from my family the amount per hour drops even lower. When you type it out in black and white it does make the choice a little easier to swallow. I am definitely leaning towards staying put.

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:28:05 +0000

In reply to Beatrice. I'm leaning towards staying. The drive would take at least six hours each way, then a wasted night at home while everyone else in my family is swimming and playing. Not to mention I'm a bit afraid of getting bad results and then driving six hours back in the car alone. If nothing else it seems like the family support would be worth the extra price I might have to pay.

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 12:25:39 +0000

In reply to Little Miss Moneybags. It is possible that the procedure would need to be repeated, but that test would most likely not need to be performed within the same three week window. I am a bit concerned about the competency of the technician. I know that going home would guarantee an expert.

By: Spender2saver

Spender2saver — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 05:35:15 +0000

I don’t know what the procedure is or the implications of it. What i would suggest is suck up the cost as the stress of driving back and forth, that too alone and then going through the entire test is more hassle than $440. Sometimes peace of mind is worth much much more than mere monetary concerns. But that’s my take as i hate to go to doctors, stresses me out.
Since you are frugal in every areas of your life and comfortably placed financially, you can definitely call this a need for your mental well-being rather than splurge. Yep, I am an enabler…

By: Newlyweds on a Budget

Newlyweds on a Budget — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 21:04:08 +0000

I think you are in a secure enough financial position that you could comfortably afford the $440. That being said, I know you’re frugal. Maybe treat this as the one splurge in your life?
At $440 for 12 hours of driving time, plus the 3+ hours for the procedure, your time is costing you $29 an hour, not including the time you will spend away while you’re sleeping. Is your time worth more or less than that?

By: Beatrice

Beatrice — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 16:43:07 +0000

If I was faced with this choice, I would suck it up and pay the extra $440 to be able to go to a local out-of-network provider. The prospect of driving alone for 12 hours for a short procedure is too unsavory for me. Is saving $440 really worth that boring, long haul drive and the opportunity cost of forgoing valuable beach time with your family? Tough decision but I’d dole out the extra $.

By: Little Miss Moneybags

Little Miss Moneybags — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 01:54:50 +0000

Is there any reason that taking the test at home would have non-financial benefits for you? For example, is there a chance the test might have to be repeated? Might the at-home provider have an established relationship with your main doctor, so the records would be easier to transfer or faster to receive?

I think I would lean towards saving the money and doing it at home, but it really is a close call, especially if there are no other reasons beside financially. Your time at the beach has a value, too!