Earlier this month, I posted an article on how to save lots of money on eyeglasses.  However, many people wear contacts, so today I am offering up a set of tips to help you save on contacts.

1. Get Your Prescription – The FTC issued the “Contact Lens Rule” in July 2004 that provides patients with certain rights.  Chief among them is that your ophthalmologist, optometrist, or licensed optician must provide you with a copy of your contact lens prescription.  With this in-hand, you can shop retailers or online stores for the best price available.
2. Leverage Your Flexible Spending Account – If your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use it to purchase contacts or other qualified healthcare expenses with pre-tax income.  In other words, this program allows you to use a portion of your income for health or childcare related expenses, without having to pay tax on that portion of your income.  If you spend $300 on contacts and your tax rate is 28%, the FSA will help you save about $80.
3. Ask for Samples – Many eye doctors will provide free trial lenses to patients in order to check the fit.  If your doctor suggests a few brand or type of lens, ask for a sample so you can try it before buying a full set.
4. Compare Prices – Locally, check big-box retailers like Walmart and Costco.  When comparision shopping, be sure to account for costs such as tax and shipping so that you are comparing each quote accurately.  Popular online sites include: 1-800 CONTACTS, Vision Direct, Lens.com, Coastal Contacts, Discount Contact Lenses
5. Price Matching – Many retailers will match competitor’s prices.  Don’t be shy about asking your favorite retailer if they will match the prices you have found while shopping.
6. Buy in Bulk – Some retailers offer discounts or rebates when you buy lenses in quantity.  If your finances allow it, consider buying in bulk to make the most of your money.
7. Look for Coupons and Rebates – When shopping, do a quick search to see if there are any coupons or rebates available for the lenses you need to purchase.  A quick “Google” can easily save you a few dollars in some cases.

And finally, be careful with your eyes.  It is not prudent to try and save money by using your contacts longer than the manufacturers recommendation.  Nor is it safe to reuse contact solution.

A slowing economy and higher prices for almost everything you buy is no excuse for slacking off on your fitness regime.  Being physically fit helps improve your current quality of life and also helps to prevent serious health issues later on down the road.  With that in mind, here are ten free or inexpensive things you can do to help keep yourself in shape:

• Calisthenics – Push-ups, jumping jacks, sit-ups and the like.  It turns out that all of those Phys-Ed exercises that you did as a kid are really good for you and require little in the way of additional equipment.  This article from Men's Fitness provides a couple of different routines to get you started.

• Resistance Bands – Bands are short lengths of surgical tubing with handles on each end that you can use to create resistance when exercising.  Fairly inexpensive, a full set will cost about $40 to $50, although individual bands can be purchased for about $10.  SPRI sells resistance bands and also has free exercise videos that demonstrate proper usage.  Bands are light, easy to store, and can provide frequent flyers with a means of working out while on the road.

• Go for a walk or run – Perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive options, walking or running can be done just about anywhere.  If you have the opportunity, visit a nearby park for a change of scenery.

• Tap into your employer’s perks – Some employers offer wellness or fitness programs to their employees at no or minimal cost.  And in some cases, companies actively encourage participation as it helps reduce their health insurance expenses.  Check with your HR contact to see what resources may be available to you.

• Hydrate – Health experts often advise us to drink more water.  Proper hydration is essential for proper body functions; and besides, water helps you feel full, so you will be less inclined to snack.  Keep a filled glass or water bottle in reach at all times.

• Eliminate trips to the snack machine – Cut out sugary sodas, candy bars, chips and other snacks that are empty calories but do a good job of emptying your wallet.

• Fitness Podcasts – A number of online publishers provide motivational fitness podcasts for free via iTunes or at their websites.  See the health category in the podcast section of iTunes for a list.  Some, but not all, of the topics covered include yoga, running, and walking.

• Go biking – A step up from running, biking is a great cardio exercise that can be a bit easier on your knees that running.  In addition, it allows you to cover longer distances and see more scenery than walking or running.

• Fitness videos  - Use Tivo to record fitness videos off of cable, or check your local library to see if they have DVDs or tapes that you can borrow.  In addition, a number of sites have started to post fitness videos to YouTube.  Click here for for a sample of the listings.

• Track your progress – Create a written journal to measure and track your progress.  If you prefer online tools, FitDay provides a free online diet and fitness journal.

For many older Americans, healthcare and associated medications can consume a large portion of their monthly budget.  Here are five tips that you can use to help save on prescription medication: