Brake Caliper Painting Cost
Painting your brake calipers will not only help protect the part from corrosion or brake dust, but it can look aesthetically pleasing as well.
How much does brake caliper painting cost?
The costs of paining brake calipers will greatly depend on whether you want to hire a professional to do the job or you plan on doing the job on your own.
Like anything, as you can imagine, painting your own brake calipers can be much cheaper, especially if you already have the necessary tools to remove the calipers. Going this route, buying both the cleaning supplies and the paint can cost about $20 to $40 for all of the supplies. For example, to clean the calipers, you will need a metal brush, sandpaper and a cleaning solution, such as a rubbing alcohol, to help remove any residue or rust which may be present at the time. Cleaning is so important because failing to do so can lead to the paint failing to stick as you apply it. A metal brush can cost about $10, sandpaper is about $5 and the cleaner, from our research, can cost another $10 or so, bringing the total for supplies to $25 on average.
If you want to avoid purchase all of the items necessary, then you can find highly rated kits, which include all of the supplies you need, for about $25 to $50.
As for hiring a professional, the costs will depend on who you hire, your geographical region and the current condition of your calipers. As long as your calipers are in good condition, then you should expect to see professional price quotes ranging anywhere from $250 to $500 for the entire job, including the prep work and paint. In some cases, upgrading the paint and/or adding decals, for example, could add to the total cost.
One member on TeslaMotorClub.com asked about the cost of brake caliper painting for his Tesla, and a few people responded, claiming they resceived quotes in the $400 and $450 range. Another member on the same website stated he paid $250 to have his calipers painted red.
How to paint brake calipers
The car is first jacked up and all four wheels are removed
Here, depending on the choice, the parts surrounding the calipers are masked off or the calipers are removed completely
All loose dirt and debris, using a sandpaper and a metal brush, will be removed to ensure the paint sticks
A cleaning solution, as mentioned above, is applied
Once cleaned, a primer, followed by the paint chose is applied
While optional, at this time, a logo or decal is adhered
After the calipers are primed, coated and any decals are applied, a clear coat is added for additional protection
All parts are re-installed/unmasked and the wheels are re-installed
Tips to know
Almost all of your major auto part stores, such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and Pep Boys, do not offer this service, meaning you will have to probably search for a local body shop in your area. While they do not provide the actual service, most of these retailers, however, will probably sell the supplies necessary to do the job at home.
Powder coating, in some cases, can be recommended as it does a much better job at resisting chips and scratches. However, if you did consider this option, do keep in mind that it will be much more labor intensive as it requires not only removing the calipers but the wheel and brake lines as well, meaning a higher labor rate. From the quotes we did research online, this could be about $100 to $250+ more than the estimates mentioned above.
If doing the job on your own, budget at least one hour per wheel for the cleaning, masking and painting if you leave them in place and about double this if you plan on removing them entirely, according to CarID.com. For the most professional look, the website highly recommends you remove the parts completely and spray paint them.
Most cars today will not have its calipers painted at the factory, meaning your vehicle will come untreated and unpainted.
Popular caliper paint colors offered by local body shops often include blue, red, green, black, yellow, silver and some, for an additional fee, can color match a color you have in mind.
CliqStudios Cabinets Cost
Since its launch in 2010, CliqStudios has helped guide more than 20,000 kitchen renovations with a customized kitchen plan designed just for you, offering affordable kitchen cabinet packages.
Working with a team of kitchen experts, the company, per its about us page, notes that each designer helps you individually by creating detailed floor plans, photo-quality renderings and 3D lifelike walk-throughs, giving the customer “tremendous” value on the company’s top-quality cabinets, allowing them to see what their kitchen will actually look like before making the big purchase.
How much do CliqStudios cabinets cost?
The CliqStudios official website touches upon the costs and noted that the majority of their customers in 2017 paid an average of $5,000 and $13,000, with the average cabinet sale somewhere in the $8,000 range. Since there are so many options available, the following factors can affect your price in the end: the cabinet door count, the number of drawers, the finish you choose, the size and the door design you pick out. With this information, the company will be able to provide a ballpark estimate, even without measurements.
Delivery charges may exist, but if you spend more than $2,500, then the standard delivery is free. Anything less than $2,500 may add another $250+ to the shipping quote depending on your delivery setup.
While this is just an estimate for the typical sized kitchen in the United States, the company does present three options to gather an accurate quote as there are so many factors that can affect your cost. Via this page, you can either contact the company directly for a free design a quote, or if you so choose, you can look for a ballpark estimate or even create your own quote via the official online catalog.
Via AkronOhioMoms.com, the author noted that the prices, when she contacted them, started at $110.40 per linear foot.
According to this positive review on PissedConsumer.com, a reviewer said he was quoted $5,200 out the door, including delivery for 16 Dayton Shaker style cabinets. In comparison to his $10,000 quote at Lowe’s and $7,500 Home Depot quote, not including installation, he eventually said the company did live up to the savings promise of about 25 to 55 percent as mentioned on the official website.
How are these prices cheaper?
According to the company, the prices of their cabinets are cheaper for a few reasons. For one, they bundle their entire cabinet process in one package, meaning they bundled the supply chain, design studio and online store all in one to maximize the savings for their customers. Secondly, the company manufactures their own cabinets, even going as far to source their own lumber, primarily focusing on the most popular colors and designs customers often choose. In comparison to other cabinet companies, they do note that there’s no other retailer, dealer or company marking up their product. With no overhead essentially or no middleman dealer and handling the entire process, from start to finish, this savings is then passed on to the customer.
What’s included in the price?
From what we could research online, your purchase will come with the following:
- All cabinets are fully assembled and direct, meaning you work with the company from start to finish
- Cabinets arrive fully assembled
- Cabinets are created from 100 percent plywood box construction for that added strength and durability
- Since you work with a personal designer, all cabinets are custom built to order
- Built from either a hand selected cherry, oak or maple hardwoods
- Certified by KCMA and CARB2
- The company does provide a complimentary touch-up kit to help cover minor scratches and nicks
- Built in the USA and backed with a limited lifetime warranty
Stains and painted finish options
Door styles
Tips to know
Promising top-notch cabinetry that includes all of the quality upgrades with the exception of the premium constructed semi-cabinets, the company does note in the article that if you’re looking for an exotic wood or luxury electrical modifications, then the company isn’t for you.
One member on this BiggerPockets.com thread said the entire process, from start to finish, took about eight weeks to complete. This timeline included the design process, initial delivery and even a missing cabinet claim. The FAQ says to expect the same time frame, which says to allow about four to six weeks for production and delivery, but for the designer series, you should be prepared to spend up to seven weeks for the process.
The company does not offer a showroom, but you can order free samples via the website if interested.
For long-term care, the company recommends you wash and polish at least once or twice a year, preferably a light coat of a high-quality oil-based polish. Never use wax, polish or a paster that contains any silicone as this can build up, causing a residue that attracts dust that’s hard to remove. The company also states you should always refrain from using commercial detergents, powdered cleansers, sponge pads, “Magic” erasers, steel wool and spray polishes that contain silicones or petroleum solvents.
BidClerk Subscription Cost
BidClerk, a ConstructConnect company, is said to be a leader in providing construction data in the United States as well as Canada, with a mission to connect professionals in the construction field with business opportunities at all stages of the construction process.
According to the company’s about us page, they claim their proprietary research methods have allowed them to create multiple relationships with thousands of architects, contractors, governmental agencies, municipalities and engineers, which allows the company to create the most accurate picture of today’s current construction landscape.
Today, the note they offer more projects than any other lead service due to the comprehensive database.
How much does BidClerk cost?
In order to see the pricing, the costs of BidClerk will depend on a few factors: the market you want to sign up for, the number of counties you want and if you want to add additional premium add-ons such as adding additional markets, plans, complete contact information or adding the Canada market, to name a few.
From what we saw from the prices, the costs at the time of this publishing, on average, would cost $79.95 a month for one select market and would include unlimited access to all of the project details in that area only.
At the time of this publishing, the company was offering a 3-day trial as well for $5.95. Like most subscription services, your payment method on file would be billed automatically, regardless of the option you choose unless you cancel.
As for the upgrade options, it appeared they were available; however, if you wanted to take advantage of these, you would have to call the company directly for more information. If you were to choose these premium add-ons, then this could increase the costs.
What’s included in the fee?
The company notes that they add more than 400,000 projects each year with more than 1.1 million active contacts, allowing those who sign to get to work. As a member, the company offers access to the following features as part of the monthly fee:
Search features – Premium members have a variety of search options, including the powerful advanced search, allowing you to browse project details, contact information and collect data in a matter of minutes. Other search features include saving searches you can access at any time, advanced sorting methods, which can help you sort via specific metrics, and a search tag option, allowing you to set a filter of search tag options, which will then filter the results based on this data.
Project details – As for the project information, the company promises the right contacts, complete with full details such as the description of the project, the type of project, important dates and any related documents in relation to the project. It will also include additional information such as the phone number, fax, email, mailing address and more. This way, you will have all of the necessary information in order to place an accurate bid. Aside from this, you can also receive the crucial contact information for the person in charge for the project, location controls to help you pinpoint the exact location you’re willing to work, downloadable file options and the option to connect with the industry players via LinkedIn.
Premium features – To stay ahead of the competition, BidClerk also offers a mobile-friendly website, email reminder set up option, the ability to share project details, calendar export and a bidder’s directory, which offers you the chance to network with the bidder on projects.
BidClerk reviews – what do contractors think?
We found multiple threads on the ContractorTalk.com website and from what we did read in the threads, the reviews seemed to be mixed. Some contractors seemed to have great luck with it, finding the fees were worth it, while others said the jobs were too big and if you were a smaller fish in the pond, then you would find yourself competing with 50 other contractors. Based on these reviews, it appears will be highly dependent upon your area, what kind of jobs you’re looking for and how you plan on bidding on the project. For project listings, they seem to be there, but with so many factors, it’s hard to give a final review as to what people think of it overall.
On PissedConsumer.com, most complained about the billing practices.
JetSmarter Membership Cost
JetSmarter, considered a simpler way to flight, allows everyday travelers to take advantage of the thousands of private jets that are sitting on the runways dropping in value as well as those flying back home empty.
Through its innovative technology, JetSmarter has quickly become the largest private aviation community, with more passengers than any other company in the industry.
The company, as of today, flies from 170+ countries worldwide, connecting fliers with more than 100+ flights weekly.
How much does a JetSmarter membership cost?
The cost of JetSmarter will depend on the option you choose as the company offers two options as of today: the pay as you go options, where you book flights at non-member rates whenever you choose or sign up for a membership, where you pay a one-time initiation fee and annual membership fee, which all depends on how many people you want to add to your membership.
If you do decide to sign up for a membership, then the one-time initiation fees for both the individual and family will cost $3,000, while the annual membership for an individual is $4,950 while the family membership, up to four members, option is $9,950. Keep in mind that this is the fee for the membership only and will not pay for your flights; rather, a membership will offer discounted member pricing, priority flight availability, unlimited seat bookings for the cost of commercial, access to VIP events and more.
As for the flights, the costs, just like booking a commercial airline ticket, will greatly depend on the destination, travel date, the aircraft, what kind of flight you want (private vs. shared) and if you have a membership. The company, when you search for a fare estimate, does note that you do not need to be a member to book a flight, and if you do decide to book a flight, JetSmarter will act as an agent in creating a shared charter, acting as principal in buying and reselling the air transportation. The company does ask you to view the legal terms on the official website for more information. This feature opened to non-members is a new feature as of mid-2018, according to Forbes.com.
To give you an idea as to what some flights could cost, here were some of the estimates we were given at the time of this publishing without a membership. Remember, these fees can greatly vary and are subject to change.
| Destination | Starting Estimate (without membership) |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to New York, NY | - $550+ per seat - $3,900+ for shared charter - $10,325+ for private charter |
| Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA | - $200+ per seat - $10,200+ for private charter |
| Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY | - $2,000+ per seat - $7,950+ for shared charter - $20,600+ for private charter |
| Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA | - $1,900+ per seat - $9,980+ for shared charter - $17,800+ for private charter |
| Miami, FL to New York, NY | - $750+ per seat - $1,990+ for shared charter - $12,755+ for private charter |
| Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL | - $5,394+ for shared charter - $9,808+ for private charter |
| Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN | - $5,005+ for shared charter - $9,100+ for private charter |
| Atlanta, GA to New York, NY | - $600+ per seat - $3,980+ for shared charter - $10,199+ for private charter |
| Atlanta, GA to Orlando, FL | - $3,687+ for shared charter - $6,705+ for private charter |
| Chicago, IL to Washington DC | - $5,253+ for shared charter - $9,551+ for private charter |
NOTE: To see what you may pay for a flight, use the official fare estimate tool for up-to-date information.
How does it work?
JetSmarter offers two ways to fly, as mentioned: you can either find a flight directly, just like you would a commercial flight, essentially paying as you go for tickets or you could sign up for a membership plan, which we noted above, which will offer more perks than the pay-as-you-go plan such as flight discounts, priority flight availability, access to VIP events, partner benefits and 24/7 concierge.
To book a flight, you will use the fare estimate tool via the app or if you so choose, you can view pricing via the official fare estimate tool, inputting the destinations you wish to travel and glance at the pricing for the options for that particular route. For some routes, you may be able to pay for just one seat or in some cases, you can either partially share the charter or book one to yourself. On the app, it should present you with the type of jet on the route, the time, the date and the seats available along with the price.
Jericho Terrace Wedding Cost
Jericho Terrace, located in Mineola, New York, is said to be Long Island’s premier wedding and event venue and is ideal for those seeking a sleek, stylish and unforgettable wedding.
According to the venue, its offering of multiple ballrooms, selection of local Long Island vendors, and award-winning cuisine can all make any soon-to-be couple’s dream come to life.
How much does it cost to have a wedding at Jericho Terrace?
Like many wedding venues, the exact costs were not listed on the official website since so many factors can greatly affect the cost; instead, the company asks that you fill out the online form in order to receive a personalized quote from one of their representatives. However, like most of our research, we were able to find estimates based on multiple third-party resources we found online and include our findings below, with the average price for a total package being in the $105 to $150+ per person range. Again, these are just estimates and should be used as such.
As with any wedding venue, the costs will depend on the time of year you need the venue, the day of the week, your inclusions, the number of guests and any premium add-ons you wish to add to your package.
According to one member on this Weddingwire.com forum thread, for example, she stated she was quoted $105 per person, plus another 6% service charge and 8.625% tax, bringing the grand total to $121 per person for a Saturday wedding in June. With this quote, she would receive a cocktail hour with food, top-shelf liquor, a martini bar, 4-course dinner with five entree choices, five different wines, a wedding cake and a bridal attendant.
On this Yelp.com review, a bride stated she paid $14,000 for 100 guests or about $140 a person.
WeddingSpend.com was quoted anywhere from $100 to $125 per person for their package inside of the Penthouse room, a fee which would include the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. If you were to book a wedding here for 150 guests, the total venue cost would be around $22,000 in total as a safe budget.
What’s included in the fee?
According to WeddingWire.com, the reception site fee will include access to the bridal suite, all chinaware, an event planning coordinator, linens, tables, chairs, clean up, lighting/sound and parking access for guests. With limited information on the website, the venue does note that they will provide you with a personal event coordinator at no additional cost.
Aside from this, the fee range mentioned above should also include the food, beverage bar, hors-d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and possibly the wine and alcohol.
All ballrooms, as per the official venue website, notes will include a selection of different lighting effects to create the right ambiance for your event. Whether it’s setting one color for the wedding theme or creating a light show, the venue is able to accommodate the right atmosphere at no charge.
All rooms also include personalized video screens, allowing you the ability to display pictures in a montage and/or play video presentations.
Valet parking, a doorman, restroom attendants, cocktail centerpieces, a complimentary coat check and white-glove attendants are all available as well.
These inclusions can greatly vary, greatly depending on your circumstances. For this reason, we do recommend you talk with the event coordinator for a complete breakdown as to what would be included in your final price.
Ballroom options
- Penthouse Room
- Dome Room
- Skylight Room
- Skylight Terrace Room
- Oak Room
Cocktail room options
- Garden Room
- Terrace Room
Tips to know
To see which vendors the venue currently recommends, you can do so by visiting this list via the official website.
To see more pictures of the ballroom and cocktail room options, as well as descriptions and photos of each, we encourage you to visit the official website here to view more in detail.
JCPenney Eye Exam Cost
Multiple JCPenney locations offer eye exams for all ages with one of their independent state licensed Doctors of Optometry.
Aside from the exams, they also offer multiple designer frames, contact lenses, and sunglasses, truly making it a one-stop shop for your eye needs.
To date, the company boasts more than 350 full-service locations in 43 states.
How much does an eye exam cost at JCPenney?
The cost of an eye exam at JCPenney, like most retailers that have an ophthalmologist, will be able to set his or her own prices since the practice will be independently owned. Because of this, you will find that you will not be able to find the exact prices on the official JCPenney website; instead, you will either need to visit the vision center in person or call them over the phone to receive accurate information since the doctor can set the price. While you can book your eye appointment online via JCPenney, it did not specify the price once confirming the appointment.
With all of this being said, we did browse third-party resources online, such as Yelp, and were able to find that most eye exams, without any additional purchases, could range anywhere from $65 to $90 without insurance for a basic eye exam. This would not include the price of frames, contact lenses or additional treatments if you were to need it.
For example, on this Yelp.com review for the San Diego, California location, one reviewer said they paid $74 for just the exam without insurance, while another reviewer for the National City, Calfornia location stated she paid $89 without insurance.
If you have vision insurance, JCPenney Optical, via the official website, notes they accept thousands of vision care plans such as Avesis, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Spectera and Superior Vision. The screengrab below, for instance, displays most of the policies they accept as of this publishing; however, like anything, this can change over time, so we do encourage you that you go to the company’s official insurance page to see if they accept your plan.
What should you expect during the eye exam?
At first, your eye doctor will first want to explore your health history and vision by asking a few questions to see if you have any concerns/questions. Next, he or she will perform a visual acuity test, where you will read a standard eye chart to assign a numeric value to each eye, such as 20/20 for perfect vision, for example. The larger the bottom number is, then the worse your vision is considered to be.
From there, while optional, your doctor will want to place eye drops in your eyes to dilate them in order to look into each eye with an ophthalmoscope, an instrument that enables your eye doctor to see the internal structures of your eyes to check on the internal health.
After dilation, your eye doctor will then check the surface of your cornea, the outermost portion of your eye, to see if glaucoma is suspected. To determine, a pressure test will be used to help measure the pressure inside of the eyeball. Depending upon your health, your doctor may also recommend an eye test to determine color patterns and depth perception.
With all these tests combined, not necessarily in this order, your doctor will be able to determine your vision prescription as well as discuss any health problems that may persist, with a treatment plan recommended at this time.
JCPenney Optical reviews
Via PissedConsumer.com, more than 85+ visitors gave the company a 1.7 out of 5 rating, noting the bad service, poor quality and misleading prices. While many mentioned you could get the prices as advertised, the options seemed to be very “cheap,” and if you wanted to upgrade, the costs would sometimes triple or even quadruple. Remember, as noted earlier, each location is independently owned, meaning the service will vary from location to location, but as for the prices for the frames, this seems to be standard across the board and was often a common complaint among those who bought glasses here.
Yelp had multiple locations with many differing views for each location. For the most part, from what we did see, the average rating seemed to range anywhere from as little as a 1.5 to as high as a 4 out of five rating. The highest rated optical locations had reviewers boasting about the great customer service and low prices, whereas the lower rated stores talked, again, about the poor customer service, long wait times and bad prescriptions.
Tips to know
Not all JCPenney locations will have a vision center; to make sure your local location has a location, refer to the official store locator tool.
Be sure to check out the offers and discounts page listed on the website to see if you can take advantage of any special eye exam offer.
Indow Insert Windows Cost
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Indow window inserts, according to the company, are said to be the best way to insulate your windows, improving the quality of your life and are designed in a way to help reduce nearby noise, block drafts and help you save on your utility bills.
Manufacturing more than 60,000 of them since starting the business, the company, based in Portland, Oregon is proud of their product and price.
How much do Indow windows cost?
Via the official website, the company does note a price range, stating the prices can start at $288 for a 3’x4′ window or about $24 a square foot. While this is only an estimate, the pricing page goes onto say that you will want to fill out the free estimate form located on the website to get you in touch with a local Indow window dealer. Even if a dealer isn’t nearby, the company can still work you as you can buy directly from the factory via one of the specialists over the phone. Bob Vila says the company has 31 dealers in 19 states.
While that was the only pricing we could find on the official website, we did find multiple customers who did post their prices online. In the end, the price of the Indow window inserts will greatly depend on the grade you wanted to purchase, the dimensions of your windows and the shipping as it does vary on the location. Most people, from what we did see, paid an average of $20 to $37 per square foot for just the window.
Someone who claimed to work for the company responded on a MrMoneyMustache.com forum thread, claiming the standard grade starts at $20 a square foot, whereas the acoustic grade starts at $30 a square foot, but as for the shipping, she did note the shipping will vary by location, but the local dealers you work with would be able to take the width and height dimensions to determine your costs.
One commenter on this theCraftsmanBlog.com post stated he was quoted $5,000 for eight windows for his 1920s bungalow, a price that did include shipping, while another on the same thread noted he was quoted $780 for a 33 x 96 window and $550 for a 36 x 60.
Nicole Balch on MakingitLovely.com, via her Indow window review, did a good job talking about her install job and how the whole process worked in pictures. At the end of the post, she noted she paid $262 per window insert, excluding the shipping, measurement and installation fees.
Indow windows overview
The inserts are made from an acrylic glazing and edge with the company’s patented compression tube that’s designed to compress when pressed inside of your window, allowing it to hold the insert in place, all while keeping out the cold drafts, hot air and any noise outside. This tight seal, in turn, can help deliver a superior performance and ease of use, making it a great way to insulate your windows. As noted below, the company does offer a variety of grades, each with its own perks.
All windows will be custom fitted to your window’s exact measurements straight from the factory and to install, the products are pressed into place on the inside of the window frame to create a tight seal, without the need for any adhesives, nails or screws. These inserts will be used in conjunction with the windows already installed inside of the home.
During the measurement at your home, a dealer will use a laser-measuring process to make sure the product fits evenly within the window.
According to the company’s statistics and studies, Indow windows energy use was reduced by more than 20 percent, there was up to a 50 to 70 percent decrease in noise penetrating qualities, and the R-Value, which measures the thermal resistance of the material and effectiveness at keeping the outside out and the inside in, was rated an R-1.87, a rating that’s almost as good as a double-pane window.
Indow window grades
The company offers the following grade options: standard, acoustic, museum, privacy, commercial and sleep panel grades.
Acoustic: The acoustic inserts will use a slightly thicker panel than the standard grade and is primarily designed for those who want to reduce as much exterior noise as possible.
Blackout: The blackout inserts were designed for those who wanted to block out the noise and any light trying to make its way in.
Commerical: The commercial inserts, the strongest window grades in the line, have an extra coating over the acrylic, protecting it from scratches and abrasions.
Museum: The museum inserts will filter up to 98 percent of the UV rays, making it ideal for those who want to protect valuables on the inside since the sunlight, if not protected by the windows, can cause valuables to fade over time.
Privacy: The privacy windows, created from a translucent white acrylic, offers just that — privacy by allowing light in, but no prying eyes.
How Much Does Implanon Cost?
Implanon, a branded tiny plastic birth control device, about four centimeters long, is implanted beneath the skin, often inside of the upper arm.
When implanted, the device works by slowly releasing a female hormone known as progesterone into the bloodstream over a period of three years.
While the device will not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, it can work in three ways by temporarily preventing ovulation, thining the uterus room to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to it as well as thickening the discharge from within the cervix to prevent the sperm from reaching the uterus.
As long as the device is properly inserted, it is 99 percent effective in preventing a pregnancy.
How much does Implanon cost?
The cost of Implanon will greatly depend on the doctor you use and what type of insurance coverage you have as there’s a good chance your policy will cover a good portion of the procedure. With these factors in mind, the costs of Implanon without any insurance, from what we researched online, often was in the $600 to $850+ range for both the exam and implant and another $300 to $500~ to have it removed in the future. Again, these are price estimates for those who have no insurance coverage.
However, those who have health insurance or even federal assistance will find out they can often get the Implanon implant for as little as nothing as long as you go to a doctor in your insurance company’s network and meet the income eligibility requirements if on state/federal assistance. Even if you do not have any health insurance, Planned Parenthood, for instance, can work with you on a sliding income scale to help drop the costs.
This BlueCross BlueShield of Texas list, for instance, noted Implanon was covered.
How does Implanon work?
The tiny rod, once inserted, is able to release hormones, progestogen, daily into the bloodstream and does not contain any estrogen, making it a good choice for women who often struggle with estrogen. This hormone is similar to the natural hormone your body produces inside the ovaries. The device is simply designed to prevent the body from releasing eggs, stopping eggs from sticking to the womb and preventing any sperm from entering the uterus since the hormones will thicken the mucus at the cervix. Being 99.9% effective, it can last up to three years.
When implanted, it’s injected beneath the skin of the inner upper arm, either by your doctor or a trained nurse. During this process, a local anesthetic is used to avoid feeling any pain. Once injected, it can take up to seven days for the device to become effective.
The pros of Implanon
- A very convenient option since you do not have to remember to take anything
- It can last up to three years
- It’s known to be quite effective as long as properly inserted
- Can be easily removed in the future and fertility returns to normal
- Insertion is quick, taking an average of 1.1 minutes, according to Planned Parenthood
- No estrogen
- Able to use while breastfeeding
The cons of Implanon
- Will not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, meaning condoms should still be used
- It can alter the menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods or spotting
Implanon side effects
The most common side effects reported often include a changing bleeding pattern, making menstrual cycles either more often and/or irregular at odd times. According to the FPV, about 20 percent of women do report noting any bleeding at all, but even with frequent bleeding suspected, it may get better with time.
Other reported side effects include bloating, changes to the skin, headaches, sore breasts, weight gain and/or mood changes. In extremely rare cases, if the implant were inserted too deep, a minor surgery may be required to remove it.
As with any side effects, always consult with your doctor with any questions/concerns.
Implanon reviews
Over 1,600 members on Drugs.com gave the implant a 6.1 out of 10, with many of the negative reviews complaining about the side effects such as feeling aggravated, a change in attitude and/or irregular menstrual cycle.
EverydayHealth.com members, about 125+ of them, gave the implant a 2.5 out of five rating, with the positive reviewers noting it was working, even though there were some side effects, but as for the negative reviews, just like the Drugs.com members, were the side effects such as mood swings, irregular periods and weight gain/loss, to name a few.
Implanon vs Nexplanon – the difference?
Like Implanon, Nexplanon is also an implant, but there are two key differences, according to Bedsider.org. For starters, the Nexplanon is said to be radiopaque, which simply means it’s easier for your health care provider to make sure the implant is in the right place after being inserted as the implant can show up in CT scans, x-rays, ultrasound scanning and MRIs. The second key difference, the insertion, is said to be much quicker for Nexplanon due to a new applicator, but Implanon is said to be painless as well, so some may not agree this is a big difference.
IdentoGO Fingerprinting Cost
IdentoGO by IDEMIA provides a variety of identity-related services nationwide at its safe and convenient locations to help securely capture and transmit electronic fingerprints for verification purposes.
Whether it’s for licensing, employment or other verification purposes, additional services are also available, such as identity history checks, fingerprint cars and passport photos.
How much does IdentoGO fingerprinting cost?
The costs of IdentoGO fingerprinting greatly depends on the reason for your visit as the company offers a variety of services in relation to fingerprinting services.
For example, if you were to use IdentoGO for the TSA PreCheck service, then you will only need to pay the membership fee for your TSA PreCheck service and IdentoGO will provide the fingerprints as part of the price from what we read on some Yelp reviews. The same can be said about those who are applying for TWIC® or HAZMAT. Since the company is a government contractor, the fingerprint fees, if you decide to use this company, will be rolled into the membership fee and you will not be charged extra for the fingerprints.
However, if you simply need fingerprints for employment purposes and are not part of enrolling in any membership in relation to a government program, then the fingerprint service seems to be in the $10 to $25 per fingerprint range based on the location you choose.
For instance, on this Yelp page for the Seattle, Washington location, a disgruntled reviewer noted she had to pay $23 for her fingerprints for her teaching position.
Another person on another Yelp thread noted they paid about $10 for their fingerprints and the state received the prints almost instantly when he checked.
For the Pennsylvania Department of Education workers, the federal criminal history background check, according to the terms, noted the applicant would pay a $22.60 fee to Identogo as well as a criminal history record.
The Texas Board of Nursing, via its criminal background check terms, noted the cost of the fingerprint service would be $10.
What kind of fingerprinting does the company provide?
According to the FAQ on the official website, the company provides Live Scan fingerprint services for a variety of programs, including adoption, attorneys, banking, childcare, construction, licensing, education, permits for firearms, financial, healthcare, human services, insurance, management, pharmaceuticals, real estate, social service, state employment and transportation, to name a few. The services do vary by state and this is not a full list of the services that they provide. Follow the link prior to see which services are available at your local IndentoGO center.
What is Live Scan fingerprinting?
The Live Scan fingerprinting service captures your fingerprint electronically with the company’s advanced Live Scan machine. With this machine, no ink or card is required since your finger is rolled across a plate and then scanned into a system — a system that is said to be much more accurate than the old ink and roll method. Almost instantaneously, in some cases, the company can then send your fingerprint to the company in question. Instead of weeks, the company notes the fingerprint results can be done in as little as a few days.
Tips to know
To find an IdentoGO location, refer to this official search engine on the website.
To set an IdentoGO appointment, the company asks you set an online appointment via its online website by selecting a time, date and location that suits your schedule. At some locations, walk-ins may be welcomed, but the appointments will always take priority. If unsure, call or check online to see if your local location offers walk-in appointments.
How Much Does TSA PreCheck Cost?
The TSA PreCheck program, offered by the Transportation Security Administration, allows you to go through the physical screening portion of the airport without the need of removing your shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
Paying a small fee, which we will discuss below, 93 percent of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than five minutes in line.
The program was established in 2001 and was designed to allow low-risk passengers to expedite their time in the security line.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
The costs of the TSA PreCheck program will depend greatly on how you plan on applying for a membership. If you plan on signing up via the official website, then you the costs are about $85 for a five-year membership.
Now, keep in mind that if you pay the fee, it does not mean you will be automatically in the program since the TSA will need to run a background check and confirm your membership. If the TSA rejects your application for some reason, then you will not receive a refund.
This fee, however, can be much less or even free through certain credit cards or loyalty programs we talk about later in this guide.
It’s said that if you hold either Delta Platinum or Diamond status, then you can choose a $100 voucher for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for Platinum members or a $200 voucher for both programs as a Diamond member.
According to the TSA, the following credit cards and loyalty programs will either cover the entire fee, provide a statement credit or allow members to use their points toward a membership:
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
- Capital One® Venture® Card
- Certain American Express® Credit Cards
- Chase Sapphire ReserveSM
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World EliteTM MasterCard®
- Citi Prestige® Card
- Club Carlson
- Diners Club® Carte Blanche® Corporate Card
- Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi
- IHG® Rewards Club
- Marriott Rewards®
- MasterCard® Black Card™
- MasterCard® Gold Card™
- Orbitz Rewards®
- SunTrust Travel Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
- UnitedSM Explorer Card
- United MileagePlus®
- US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- US Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card
Which airports and airlines participate?
200+ airports participate in the program, including the top 30 airports in the United States. If you do become a member, the airport needs to participate in the program in order for you to take advantage. Follow the link to see if your airport qualifies.
As for airlines, a full list can be found here, with most major airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest participating.
What are the benefits?
If you have been at the airport before, then you already know the struggle of taking off your belt, shoes, jacket along with pulling your laptop out of the bag. With TSA PreCheck, you can leave on any light outwear, jackets, belts and also keep your liquids and laptops inside of your bag. Essentially, this makes carrying on luggage much easier as you do not need to take everything out and back in again once you get past the security checkpoint. Even if you do have TSA PreCheck, the TSA can still randomly pick you out and pull you for an extra screening.
How does it work?
To start the program, you will first need to sign up for the program via the official website and fill out the application, including personal information such as your citizenship, date of birth, address and immigration documentation if necessary. This entire process will take about 15 minutes to complete. If the TSA decides to approve you, your account will remain active for five years, but when the five years expire, you will have the option of keeping it if you choose to do so.
After you fill out the application, you will also have to complete an in-person appointment at one of the 350+ enrollment centers, providing your photo ID and a proof of citizenship. You will also be asked a few questions related to your traveling and fingerprinted as well.
At this time, as long as the TSA approves you, about two to three weeks later, you will then receive what’s known as your “Known Traveler Number” and with this, you will then be able to use the designated TSA PreCheck security lines at participating airports.
With this Known Traveler Number, you will then need to add it to your reservation when booking a flight, usually online, but some airlines may force you to do it over the phone. In the case of a frequent flyer, some airlines allow you to add your number to your profile, adding it automatically to all reservations. With this information, “TSA PreCheck” will be printed on your boarding pass, allowing to access the designated lines.
For those traveling with children younger than 12, then children are eligible to use the line without a membership.
The entire process can take less than four weeks on average.
Who is eligible?
To fly, you need to be a United States citizen or lawful resident and successfully pass a background check.
Aside from the background check, there are disqualifying offenses that will automatically deny your application. Incomplete or false information can disqualify you as well.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
The Global Entry program allows you to go through the expedited screening process as you re-enter the United States from a foreign country. Administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you are provided access to the TSA PreCheck program if you are a Global Entry member, but it doesn’t guarantee you access. For both, the enrollment process is similar, including the interview process, online application and the fee — about $100.
TSA PreCheck vs. NEXUS
NEXUS will offer you access to both PreCheck and the Global Entry program and is known as a joint program between Canada and the United States, allowing efficient travel between the two countries. In addition to this, NEXUS, unlike PreCheck, will not provide expedited entry into Canada.
TSA PreCheck vs. SENTRI
SENTRI, quite similar to NEXUS, offers expedited entry into Mexico and again, like NEXUS, SENTRI will be required to take advantage of the opportunity.
TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR
CLEAR does not work in conjunction with the Global Entry program or PreCheck since it works in partnership with airport security authorities. With CLEAR, you can simply skip the identification line and will then need to proceed either to the regular TSA physical screening line or the PreCheck line if you have a membership.
