STARS: How I kept the pharmacies from shorting me on my pills

I realize the title really shows my age. Many of us need regular prescriptions for some sort of affliction. I need 4 currently and hope to knock that down to 2 by the end of this year.

I got shorted on a controlled substance I take and anyone knows if you don't get the proper dosage of that, those withdrawals can have dangerous effects. Here's how I mitigated that risk. Also, this will do for any pharmacy.

I bought myself a pill counter container 3 years ago after the incident and my doctor being kind enough to write me another prescription and trust me. I count my pills into that container everytime I get that particular medication. 

3 years later, I've only been shorted once and I caught them on it right away. They were courteous, admitted their mistake and gave me the proper amount. 

Moral of the story is treat your medications like your money. I know I don't ever leave the bank or ATM without counting my money. I also do not leave a pharmacy without counting my pills either and you shouldn't. 

STARS: Surviving High Gas Prices

I'm not flattered to say I have experienced these types of problems twice before I turn 44. It does give me field experience regarding how I have survived and thrived through many unprecedented times. 

I have learned to budget for gas higher than $3/gallon. It's now $4/gallon in my area and could increase to $5 soon. I consistently fill up at the halfway point. I have made sure I purchased gas efficient vehicles. If you can get a vehicle with an eco option, do it! It's a long term gas saver. 

I also enroll in every gas saving program I can: GasBuddy and Ingles Rewards are two of the ones that stay in my rotation. I was in Bi-Lo's program prior to them folding. I try to do my errands in one trip or while I am out on my work commute. I try to travel smarter and more strategically. 

I filled up at the pump just yesterday as gas hit the $4 mark and got $32.26. I am carving out a weekly budget of $85, $250/month. Therefore, I have already pre-planned for that. 

There are no two ways around this: it sucks. Many of us have to drive and thus have to get gas. Therefore you may as well save up, enroll in saver programs and be strategic. This too shall pass!