How Much Do hCG injections Cost?

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injections are a popular way to deal with fertility issues and even as a weight-loss supplement as well.  This hormone will develop during the early stages of pregnancy and is responsible for maintaining the proper levels of progesterone, which is necessary for healthy gestations.

How much do hCG injections cost?

The costs of hCG injections will depend on your insurance coverage, the brand and where you purchase them.  On average, be prepared to spend about $5 to $20 for a one-month supply if your insurance were to cover it.  Health insurance policies will vary and most will classify these injections as fertility regulators; however, some insurance companies may even cover these injections if your doctor prescribed them for weight loss purposes.  Talk with your doctor and insurance company to discuss your options and the pricing.

If you don’t have insurance, then the costs will depend on the dosage and where you purchase.  Researching online pharmacies, the costs can be anywhere from $17 to $51.  For instance, 1,000 IU ampoules can cost about $20, while 10,000 IU ampoules of Novarel at a local pharmacy can cost $50.  1,000 IU vials will equal about eight dosages, which means the average injection, without any insurance, can cost about $2 to $3 per injection.  This won’t include the costs of visiting your doctor to receive the initial prescription.

According to members on BabyCenter, they had talked about what these injections would cost.  On this thread, most members had paid anywhere from $65 to $90 for a month’s supply of 10,000-unit injections.

hCG injections overview

When ordering online, hCG will come in a small, sterile vial which consists of a powder that looks similar to a tablet.  This unmixed powder will need to be refrigerated directly after it has been mixed.  This medicine will either be injected in the thigh or buttocks, but most of the time, your doctor will recommend what’s best suited for your situation.

The FDA has not approved the use of hCG injections for weight loss purposes, only for fertility purposes.

What are the extra costs?

Depending on the situation, you will need a prescription from your doctor since these injections are regulated and will require a prescription.  With that being said, the price quotes mentioned above won’t include the costs of a doctor’s office visit.

Shipping, if you were to purchase from an online pharmacy, may apply.

Tips to know:

When purchasing online, always make sure you’re purchasing from a reputable FDA registered lab.

How can I save money?

Check with your insurance company as they may cover it, depending on your situation.  According to GoodRx.com, 58% of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover this drug.

How Much Does a Black Angus Cow Cost?

The black angus cow is a breed of cattle used in beef production.  Most cattle will be black; however, a red color has emerged as of late.  In the United States, however, the Black Angus and Red Angus are both considered separate breeds, while the United Kingdom views both of these colors as the same.  Being the most common breed of beef cattle, there were more than 324,000 registered in 2005.

20130712-AMS-LSC-0415 by USDAgov, on Flickr
20130712-AMS-LSC-0415” (CC BY 2.0) by  USDAgov

How much does a black angus cow cost?

The cost will depend on the age, gender, the size, where it’s being purchased from and geographical location.  On average, plan on spending anywhere from $800 to as much as $3,000+ per, with bulls being 50 to 70 percent more than a cow.  An open Angus heifer calf, for example,  can cost anywhere from $1,400 to as much as $1,800, while a full grown Hereford bull can cost upwards of $3,400.

CattleRange.com, at the time of this writing, has hundreds of listings from farms located primarily in Texas and the surrounding regions.  Glancing at a few of these ads, most farmers were selling their black angus cows for about $800 to $1,800.  Some farmers would sell the cows individually, but some required a minimum order.

Another classified website, Ranch World Ads, had about 30 to 40 listings, with prices ranging from $1,100 to $2,100.

TypeAverage Price
Angus Bred Heifers$1,400 to $1,800
Bulls$2,500 to $5,000
Cows$1,200 to $1,500
Cows w/calves$1,300 to $3,000
Show-quality Bull$3,500 to $5,500

What is going to be included in the fee?

Reputable sellers should include any related paperwork, up-to-date vaccinations, a vet health checkup and a health guarantee in some circumstances.

With show-quality cattle, the seller may include a fertility test.

What are the extra costs?

A 1,400-pound cow, on average, will eat about 40 pounds of feed daily.  Farmandranchguide.com says if the hay was priced at $65 per ton, this would translate to about $1.40 per day.

Aside from the feed, you also need to factor in water, pen cleaning costs and any overhead if you were to have more than 20 cows on your property.  Vet visits, as with any animals, will need to be factored in.  Insurance and breeding expenses, if need be, will also need to be considered.  When all expenses are factored in, such as the pasture, feed, yardage, overhead and vet visits, the total costs could be close to $700+ per year.

Some farmers will deliver their cows within a certain distance for a fee.  This fee will depend on the distance being traveled and how many cows that need to be transported.  However, if you were to purchase all of their cows at the time of the listing, some may deliver for free.

Tips to know

Most of the listings you will see will often be put up by local farmers, with quantities ranging from 20 to as much as 125.  Some sellers will require you to purchase the whole group, whereas others may allow you to hand-pick a few out of the group.  Generally, the more you purchase, the more incentives you may receive such as free shipping.

Angus cows, when found on the market, will be about two to eight years old, with the fair majority weighing anywhere from 1,100 to 1,300 pounds.  Sellers will almost always list this information inside their classified ad.

How can I save money?

Almost all listings will be negotiable and won’t be considered the final price.  Don’t be afraid to haggle to knock at least 10 to 20 percent off the final bill.

How Much Does Entropion Surgery for Dogs Cost?

Entropion has been documented in many dog breeds such as the Pug, Chow Chow and Saint Bernard.  Usually present by the age of six or eight months, this common condition can cause problems to the eye that may lead to an eye removal.  This disease will cause the eyelids to roll inward, which can then lead to pain and swelling in the eyes because of the scraping of the eyelashes against the eyeballs.  The cost of the surgery will vary depending on the severity of the surgery, the vet, and where you live.

Entropion will usually happen to the lower eyelid, all or a portion of the eyelid folds, and it can either happen in both or one eye only.  Eventually, if it were left untreated, it could cause painful corneal ulcers, which could lead to a loss of vision, scarring or even blindness.

DSC00772 by Hey Paul, on Flickr
DSC00772” (CC BY 2.0) by Hey Paul

How much does it cost for entropion surgery?

On average, the procedure is going to vary anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,500 depending on the situation.  A general vet will usually cost about $350 to $550, while an ophthalmologist could charge $500 to $1,500.

According to EmbracePetInsurance.com, the costs can be anywhere from $300 to as much as $1,500.

A forum member on Basset.net claimed that a vet said it would cost anywhere from $600 to $800.

Entropion surgery overview

In most cases, your veterinarian should be able to perform the procedure; however, in some complex cases, an ophthalmologist may be required.

Before your vet even considers the procedure, he or she will first administer local anesthetic eye drops and will perform a basic eye exam.  If the vet notices any abrasions or ulcers inside the cornea, then they may perform what’s known as a fluorescient test, a test where a drop is placed on the cornea, and these drops will adhere to any present damage.

An entropion involves the eyelashes rubbing the eye because the lower lid does not have any lashes.  With a number of surgical corrections out there, a vet will generally remove a tiny strip of the skin and muscle near the affected portion of the eyelid, and from there, they will suture the skin while your pet is under a general anesthesia.  Other techniques include tightening the lower eyelid, but the problem with this is that many have seen this procedure as ineffective.  It will come down to your vet and your preferences as to which treatment will work for your pet.

What are the extra costs?

After the surgery has been performed, medication will be prescribed for up to four weeks.  This is generally a simple painkiller to help your animal relax during the recovery process.  It should take upwards of three weeks for a full recovery.

The vet will most likely want a few follow-up visits a few weeks after the surgery to make sure your pet is healing correctly.  During this time, your vet will continue to take an eye exam to track the progress. This may or may not be included in the estimates your vet provides.

Tips to know:

Common symptoms may include red eyes, inflammation near the eye, squinting, tearing, eye discharge, ulcers or a depressed-like state.

If a dog has been diagnosed with this type of condition, do not attempt to breed the dog.  Breeding the dog will only lead to problems down the road with new litters since it is usually a genetic trait.

If you are finding that your dog or cat is constantly itching its eyes, you may want to consider switching its food.  Low-grade foods can often lead to excessive scratching, and many owners often think that their animal has this type of condition, but in reality, your pet is suffering from a small allergic reaction.

This type of condition tends to be very popular with breeds such as the Akita, Pekingese, English Bulldog, Pomeranian, Pug, English bulldog, Labradors, Irish Setters and the Great Dane.

Oftentimes, this condition does not appear alone.  In fact, nine times out of 10, it can occur with other eye diseases.

How can I save money?

Call a few different vets in your area to see what they charge.  As long as you know for certain this is the procedure your pet requires, most offices will be able to give you a ballpark quote over the phone if you simply tell them the type of animal and the extent of the condition.

While you may think that your dog has this type of disease, this is not always the case.  By consulting with the vet, you may find that there are other affordable options out there you can take advantage.

To prevent large bills in the future, consider signing up for a pet insurance policy.  Some can be very affordable and can save the headache of a major bill.  See:  “How much does pet insurance cost?“.  Even though pet insurance will cost a monthly or yearly premium, it can also save you a lot of money if something major happens to your pet.

How Much Does an Angioplasty Cost?

An angioplasty is a very common procedure done to restore the blood flow through the heart’s artery.  This procedure is often used to reduce chest pain, which is commonly caused by a reduced blood flow or to minimize the damage done to a heart muscle due to a heart attack, and it is estimated one in three people who suffer from Coronary Artery Disease will undergo this procedure.  There is a range of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, depending on your severity and condition.

Hospital by matsuyuki, on Flickr
Hospital” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by matsuyuki

How much does an angioplasty cost?

The cost of an angioplasty depends on the surgeon, the hospital, the extent of the condition, if a stent/s is required, your insurance and the geographical location.  On average, the procedure, without any sort of health insurance, can cost anywhere from $25,000 to as much as $125,000 in the United States.  This price, if a stent is required, can go up.  While this price range is quite large, we had found a fair majority of the hospitals out there charged $15,000 to $38,000 without insurance.

This Fox News article said an elective angioplasty has become increasingly common at hospitals, and according to researchers at Duke University Medical School, they had found the average price was $23,991 in surgery-equipped hospitals, whereas the price in a non-surgery hospital was $25,460.   The reason the non-surgery hospital was higher was due to the fact these hospitals used intensive care units for post care, and patients who were treated inside this setting were often readmitted nine months later.

A study by the California Public Interest Research Group found average angioplasty in California ranged from $44,000 to $144,000.

Angioplasty overview

An angioplasty, according to MedGurus.org, is a non-surgical procedure which will require no cuts or stitches.  During the procedure, it will clear or unblock the arteries that are causing the chest pain in the first place.  This procedure will be performed by a cardiologist and vascular surgeon, who will insert a catheter through a wire into the narrow blood vessels via a very small incision in the leg, arm or wrist through a small catheter, followed by a balloon, which will be inflated to expand the vessel to clear any plaque inside the vessel.  Lastly, the balloon will be deflated, withdrawn and will, depending on the case, take up to three hours to perform.  This procedure will require no anesthesia, but you will be sedated

To determine which procedure will work best for your situation, your cardiologist will look at your current blood flow, your medical history, if you have experienced a heart attack and/or your chest pain frequencies.  Generally, this procedure won’t be recommended for those who have a severe blockage, a weak heart, multiple diseased blood vessels and/or if you currently have diabetes.

The average patient will stay at the hospital for one day, and most can resume normal activities within a week.

Type of angioplasty procedures

Balloon

During this procedure, a balloon-tipped-like catheter will be used to push the plaque against the arterial wall, allowing the blood to flow into the artery.

Stent

A stent, which is a small wire metal-like mesh tube, will be inserted into the blocked artery, with the help of the balloon catheter to create a smooth blood flow within the vessel.  Depending on your medical condition, a stent may be used to reduce the risk of blockage in the future.

Cutting balloon

This special catheter, unlike the balloon angioplasty mentioned prior, will have a special tip with about three to five blades.  When inserted into the artery, the blades will be activated, cutting away the plaque against the artery wall.

What are the extra costs?

Before your scheduled surgery, you can expect a medical history and physical exam.  During this time, your doctor will perform a coronary angiogram to see your blockages and if it can be treated with this procedure.  With this procedure, a liquid-like dye will be injected into your arteries through a catheter, either through your arm, wrist or groin.  As the dye fills the arteries, it will become visible on an x-ray or video, showing your doctor where the arteries may be blocked.  If a blockage is found, then they may perform the procedure while you’re being catheterized.

If a stent is required, medication may be prescribed for up to a year to prevent future blood clots from happening.

How can I save money?

The best way to save money for medical procedures is to make sure you involve your insurance provider.  If you do not have any sort of insurance provider, consider using services such as ehealthinsurance.com to help you find a policy in your area.

Many hospitals do offer large discounts to those who pay up front.  Talk with the hospital’s finance department to see if you can qualify for this sort of discount.

How Much Does Gravestone Engraving Cost?

Gravestone engraving is the process of engraving a tombstone with a message, date of birth, and date of death of a deceased person.  Most engraving can be completely customized to your standards:  You will be able to choose the wording, the font, the size, and whether you want any type of picture or emblem on the tombstone.  The cost of engraving a tombstone will widely vary depending on who is performing the engraving, the size of the tombstone and the amount of engraving that has to be done.

Robin Lynne Simmons gravestone by Avicennasis3000, on Flickr
Robin Lynne Simmons gravestone” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Avicennasis3000

How much does gravestone engraving cost?

On average, plan on spending anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,500 for an average engraving job.  The prices will widely fluctuate depending on the type of stone being engraved on and the number of letters that are going to be engraved.  Most companies will mainly charge based on the number of letters that will be on the tombstone.  Some professionals may charge per word.

For example, a 25-word engraving job on a granite tombstone could cost $200 to $350 while a larger job that has inscriptions on both the front and back could cost upwards of $1,000.  If you wanted something simple such as, “In Loving Memory Of…,” this could cost around $350.

To play it safe with your budget, plan on spending at least $20 per letter.  This should often include the traveling fees, cemetery permits, and more.

Monument Lettering, for instance, starts their charges at $395 for up to 20 letters and/or numbers, with extra engraving costing $9 per character.  Hand carved or hand-drawn lettering, if you were to need this option, could be an additional charge as well.

Hravestone engraving overview

Before the engraving starts, the company will want to know details such as the size of the tombstone, the type of material from which it is made, and what needs to be placed on the stone.  Once the ordering information has been acquired, it will be engraved.  It will typically take up to eight weeks for you to receive it, but this will all depend on how busy the shop is.

Once the process has been done, a proof shot will be sent to your residence, and from there, you can approve the engraving shot.  Once approved, the stone will be engraved and then be sent to the specified cemetery for installation.  Most companies can also do the engraving on site if the stone has already been installed.

What are the extra costs?

If an edit needs to be done in the future, most companies will go directly to the cemetery.  If this is the case, plan on paying a travel surcharge in addition to the typical engraving fees.

Aside from edits, repairs may be required too.  This can include a cracked stone or a simple restoration.  Repairs generally cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

Some cemeteries may charge a fee to have an engraver come on site and do work.  There are many times when a permit may be required for the engravers to come on site.  On average, the cemetery may require fees that range from $100 to $300.

Photoengraving such as ceramic steel photo and tri-tone photo can be considered an additional expense.

If you want the engraving expedited, this could cost a few hundred more.

Tips to know:

Some cemeteries have strict rules when it comes to the lettering that is used.  Make sure that the cemetery in which you are having the stone installed will accept the type of lettering that you want to use.  If a cemetery has rules like this, they will probably also have rules about the size.

Before an engraving job is done, make sure that you know what areas the company serves.  If you choose a company that is too far away, it may cost you more.

How can I save money?

Since engraving can get rather expensive, many companies offer monthly payment plans.  Inquire about this type of plan to see if it is something that you can afford.  Because something like this is a necessity that occurs in a time of crisis, most companies will be willing to work with you.

There are many tombstones that you can purchase that are already engraved by general statements such as “In Loving Memory.”   These stones would only need names and dates added, saving you a lot of money in the end.

How Much Does an Angora Rabbit Cost?

The Angora rabbit is a domestic rabbit often bred for its wool and is considered one of the oldest domesticated rabbits originating from Ankara, historically known as Angora.

devil bunny by emmajanehw, on Flickr
devil bunny” (CC BY 2.0) by  emmajanehw

How much does an angora rabbit cost?

The price of an Angora rabbit will depend on the age, breed, gender, quality and where it’s being adopted.  On average, the price of an Angora rabbit can range anywhere from $80 to as much as $225.

On Hobbly, an online classified website, there were close to 100+ listings at the time of this writing, with prices ranging from $25 to $110+

Burke’s Backyard says the average Angora can cost about $50 to $75.

Angora rabbit overview

Its body is short, compact, well-rounded, and on average, it can weigh up to three pounds and measures close to three inches in length.

The coat can come in a variety of colors, ranging from white, which is the most common, to one color all over or a shaded-like pattern.

Its temperament, as explained by their owners, is said to be docile, very friendly and placid.  Most will get along with other pets as long as they are introduced properly.

When healthy, the average Angora can live six to 10 years.

What are the extra costs?

A rabbit cage, which is, at a minimum, at least 30x36x18, should be made with wire mesh.  Of course, this is just the minimum recommendation, and the sky really is the limited.  Be prepared to spend anywhere from $30 on a cage found at a local yard sale to as much as a few hundred dollars for a customized setup.  A good option, at least according to The Cage Coop, is to build a customized cage.

Aside from the cage, a play yard that’s fenced in is highly recommended to allow your rabbit to run around and help wear down their nails to maintain its body tone.  This yard, if you decided to build one, should be enclosed, and, at a minimum, should be about 30 to 40 square feet in size.  This exercise pen should be covered from top to bottom and have buried wire to prevent it from escaping.

Angora rabbits often eat hay, high fiber/protein pellets, fresh vegetables and fruit.  It is recommended they have a high protein diet to ensure their wool coat can grow nice and thick.  Every day, each rabbit, on average, should receive at least one-fourth cup of food.  Plan on budgeting around $25 per month for food, vegetables, fruits and the hay.

Like a cat, a rabbit will use pellet litter inside the litter box when using the bathroom.  Litter, on average, can cost about $5 to $10 per month.

Due to its thicker coat, it is recommended you groom it weekly with a small tooth comb and a pair of scissors.  These grooming supplies should be a one-time cost but may need to be replaced if the comb and/or scissors were to become dull.  These supplies, in the beginning, should cost about $50 to $100.

Health costs are usually at a minim; however, if your rabbit were to come down with an illness, then medication and a doctor’s visit may be necessary.

An Angora can be desexed for about $75 to $150.

Shipping, if you can’t purchase locally, may be an additional charge to consider.  The costs will depend on the mode of transportation and how far it has to be traveled.  On average, shipping will be in the $100 range.  On top of this shipping fee, an airline-approved crate may need to be purchased separately at about $40 to $65 per carrier.

Tips to know:

Failing to groom your rabbit’s hair can often lead to what is known as “wool block.

Every 90 days or so, you will have to more than likely harvest the wool.  To know when the wool is ready to harvest, you will want to look for loose wool that starts to stack behind the rabbit.  If you don’t plan on using the wool, consider selling it as you can often make about $6 per ounce.   Each year, on average, you can expect about 20 ounces worth of wool.  If you’re the crafty type, consider creating your own crafts to sell for a profit.

One of the most common health problems these rabbits encounter is due to swallowing too much hair.  While most rabbits will swallow hair, it will often pass through their digestive tract; if too much is swallowed, however, it can clog and cause different health issues.

How can I save money?

Consider checking a local rescue or animal shelter as you can commonly find rabbits up for adoption for a low cost.  Do keep in mind, however, that finding an Angora can be hard.

How Much Does Plywood Cost?

Plywood is manufactured from the thin layers of wood veneer that is glued together.  This engineered wood is medium in density and reduces the tendency to split when nailed at its edges.  It can also help reduce expansion and shrinkage, offering better stability when compared to other materials.

Pine Plywood by Design Build Love, on Flickr
Pine Plywood” (CC BY 2.0) by  Design Build Love

How much does plywood cost?

The cost of a sheet of plywood will depend on the size and where it’s purchased.  Depending on the thickness, plywood can cost anywhere from $5 to as much as $55 for a 4×8 sheet.  For example, a 4×8 that 1/4″ thick can cost $6, while a 4×8 that is 11/32″ thick can cost around $15.  See our chart below to give you a better idea of what you may pay at a local hardware store.

At Home Depot, for example, they offer more than 150 types of plywood on its website, with prices ranging anywhere from $12 to $50 per board for its top sellers.  Lowe’s, on the other hand, has prices ranging anywhere from $15 to $50 for the most popular 4-by-8 sheets.

Do It Yourself says the average sheet of plywood can cost $10 to $50.

ThicknessPrice Range (for a 4x8 sheet)
15/32"$15 to $35
23/32"$15 to $40
11/32"$7 to $14
15/32"$10 to $18
19/32"$10 to $20
1/4"$6 to $25
7/16"$5 to $10
1/2"$6 to $11
19/32"$7 to $14

NOTE:  All price ranges above are for a 4×8 sheet that is standard with no alterations.

TypeThicknessAverage Price (4x8)
Hardboards1/8$10 to $15
Hardboards1/4$15 to $20
Treated3/8$40 to $50
Treated1/2$50 to $65
Treated3/4$60 to $75
Hardwood (birch or oak)1/4$20 to $40
Hardwood (birch or oak)1/2$50 to $60
Hardwood (birch or oak)3/4$60 to $75
Sanded1/4$25 to $35
Sanded3/8$30 to $40
Sanded1/2$35 to $45
Sanded3/4$40 to $50
Sanded (fir)1/2$70 to $80
Sanded (fir)3/4$80 to $90
Sanded (maple)1/4$40 to $50
Sanded (maple)3/4$65 to $75
Sanded (cherry)1/4$40 to $50
Sanded (cherry)3/4$65 to $75
Sheathings (pine)3/8$11 to $20
Sheathings (pine)1/2$15 to $20
Sheathings (CDX pine)5/8$15 to $21
Sheathings (structurewood osb)7/16$10 to $15
Sheathings (structurewood osb)5/8$15 to $20
Sheathings (structurewood osb)1/2$10 to $15



Plywood overview

Buying plywood can be overwhelming, and most of the plywood found at local big box retailers, according to EzWoodShop.com, will be for roofing purposes, building garages or covering a bathroom floor.

Plywood can come from different trees, and the sheets of plywood, as noted in our table above, are available in various sizes.  Popular wood species includes alder, aspen, birch, cedar, cherry, douglas fir, fir, hickory, mahogany, maple, oak, pine, red oak, southern pine, walnut and white oak.  However, if you were to purchase plywood locally, most retailers will only carry plywood in demand, which is often three to four species such as oak, birch or mahogany.

Like any wood, it can also come in various thicknesses and different grades.  The most common sizes in the United States are 3/4″, 1/2″ and 1/4″.

What are the extra costs?

Plywood that is already sanded or made from a different type of wood can cost 30 percent more than raw plywood.  For example, oak and birch will cost more than a standard OSB plywood.

As mentioned, most stores will only carry three to five species, and if the type of plywood isn’t being carried by your store, you may have to special order it for an additional fee.

If you have no way to transport your sheets of plywood to your home or construction site, most stores will offer delivery for an extra charge.

Tips to know:

The variety of plywood can be rather overwhelming.  Whether you are going to use plywood for your cabinets or for something outside your home, be sure to know what the differences are going to be when purchasing the materials.  If possible, try to do your homework online first as you may find that many local employees do not know as much as you would want them to know.  Choose the type, size, and thickness according to the job that you are doing, not necessarily the price as all plywood isn’t created equally.

How can I save money?

Plywood is often on sale at local hardware stores, so watch the ads closely to find the best deal.

Most hardware stores offer a store credit card.  If you are going to be buying a lot of plywood and other building material, you may want to sign up for one.  You can usually get 10 to 25% off your purchase just for signing up for a credit card.

How Much Does an Umbrella Cost?

An umbrella is a folding canopy supported by either a wood or metal rib, which is mounted on a metal or plastic pole.  This umbrella is designed to protect someone from the sunlight or rain, and the world, the term “umbrella” refers to a device designed to protect someone from the rain.

umbrella by Ralph Hockens, on Flickr
umbrella” (CC BY 2.0) by  Ralph Hockens

How much does an umbrella cost?

The cost of an umbrella will depend on the brand, the type, materials it’s made from and where it’s purchased at.  On average, an umbrella can cost anywhere from $5 to as much as $200+ for a higher end one.  Most purchases, however, will be in the $10 to $35 range.

A higher-end brand, such as Louis Vuitton, retails for $350 to $650+.

A golf umbrella, which is a handheld umbrella that can collapse and is much larger than an average one, usually 60 to 70 inches across. for example, can range anywhere from $8 to as much as $45.  The popular Totes Signature Golf Umbrella, for instance, retails for $35 to $45.

An umbrella designed for the beach can cost anywhere from $10 to as much as $145.  Higher-end beach umbrellas will be made of a plated steel while the cheaper ones will come equipped with a steel pole to place in the sand.

A clear umbrella can cost anywhere from $4 to as much as $50.

Patio umbrellas tend to be on the higher end, costing anywhere from $30 to as much as $200.  At Ikea, for example, they sell patio umbrellas for $49 to $189.

At Walmart, for example, most of the umbrellas they list sells for $10 to $20.




Umbrella overview

You will find umbrellas can come in a variety of prices and can be found anywhere from a local discount store to a higher end department store such as Macy’s.

A hand-held umbrella, no matter which type you purchase, should have a type of handle, either made from metal, plastic or wood, which is usually straight or bent for easy handling.

Popular brands include Totes, Rainlax, Kolumbo, Rainkist, Crown Coast, Rain-Mate, RainStoppers, G4Free and LifeTek.

How Much Does a YMCA Membership Cost?

The YMCA started in the 1800s as the Young Men’s Christian Association.  Although the YMCA has changed a lot over time, it still has the basic focus of bettering people in the area.  The goal of the Y is to nurture the potential of kids, to help people lead a healthier life, and to support neighbors while strengthening the surrounding communities.  Through these values, YMCA has become a popular destination for people who want to lead a more fulfilling life.  In order to fulfill all of the goals set by the YMCA, however, funds are needed to run each program.  For this reason, there are membership dues that are necessary in order to be part of the programs offered by the Y.

YMCA by nayukim, on Flickr
YMCA” (CC BY 2.0) by nayukim

How much does the YMCA membership cost?

The cost to join YMCA will depend on where you live and the type of membership you want to sign up for.  On average, plan on spending anywhere from $30 to as much as $120 per month.  These prices will widely vary depending on how many people are going to use the membership (see chart below.)  Most clubs will charge a one-time initiation fee, which, depending on when you sign up, can be anywhere from $0 to more than $150+

Daily passes. if you only want to visit for the day, can range anywhere from $4 for a youth to $12 for a family.  A single adult can cost around $8 for the day.

According to the YMCA, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 depending on if you are an adult, single-parent family or a family.  The monthly fee, after paying the initial joining fee, can cost you $50 to $81.

Type>Average Monthly Dues
Youth (under 18)$30 to $50
Adult$40 to $90
Couple (Married Legally)$60 to $100
Senior Couple$40 to $70
Single Parent with Family$90 to $150
Family$90 to $200
Senior Adult$20 to $50

Inside our table below, we researched a handful of YMCA facilities located throughout the United States and listed the prices of what members were paying:

Geographical LocationAverage Price (per month)
Alexandria, VA$100
Ann Arbor, MI$33
Austin, TX$72 (couple)
Berwyn, PA$109
Boston, MA$80 (single)
Brooklyn, NY$50
Charlestown, MA$30 (single)
Denver, CO$50
Detroit, MI$55 (single)
Goodyear, AZ$92
Huntington Beach, CA$35 (single)
Katy, TX$85
Lakewood, OH$40 (single) / $60 (couple)
Murrieta, CA$32 (single)
New York, NY$98 (single)
North Royalton, OH$60
Reading, MA$50 (single) / $85 (family)
Royal Oak, MI$65 (couple)
San Antonio, TX$40
San Jose, CA$60
Silver Spring, MD$80 (family)
St. Louis, MO$35
Washington, DC$105 for basic (no classes included)

NOTE:  These prices were sourced from various resources online and are subject to change.  These quotes should only be used as an estimate, and we highly encourage you contact your local gym for an exact quote.

What are the extra costs?

As stated above, be prepared to spend upwards of $150 on a one-time initiation fee to get you started with a membership.

Most YMCA facilities offer a childcare option for an additional fee.  From our research, this seems to be an additional $15 to $25 per month.

Additional programs, such as classes for adults, can be extra, depending on the location.  Classes, depending on which one/s you want to take, can cost another $20 to $100 extra.

The YMCA also offers many programs for kids such as days camps and different sports programs.  If your child takes part in a camp or sports program, there will be an additional fee.  This fee covers things such as uniforms, referees, workers, coaches, and equipment.  From our research, a summer camp can cost $600 to $900+ for a two-week program, but again, this will greatly depend upon the location.

Some YMCA locations, if they offer a swimming pool, can offer swimming lessons.  If available, swimming lessons as the YMCA can cost about $10 to $15 per class, but some locations may want you to purchase these classes in blocks.

Personal trainers, depending on how many sessions you purchase, can cost about $50 to $60 per session, or in bulk, about $350 per eight sessions.

Tips to know:

The YMCA offers a wide variety of classes, programs, and facilities.  For example, some Ys may have a pool while others do not.  Each YMCA will differ in regards to what they offer, so make sure you decide what is important to you and then research which YMCA can offer it.  When you become a member, make sure you ask whether you can use any YMCA facility or if you are only allowed to use one.

How can I save money?

Pay your annual dues up front.  When you pay by the month, you can often pay $100 to $200 more throughout the year than you have to.

If you meet certain income requirements, some YMCA facilities will be more than happy to offer a discount.  Those who qualify for low income, at least from what we have seen, will be about 20 to 70 percent less than that of those who don’t qualify.

Just like any other gym chain, look for special deals.  There are many times where the Y will offer to waive the sign-up fees if you sign up during a specific time.

YMCA can provide a taste of how their organization works.  To find out more about your local club, you can visit the location and apply for a free trial membership if available.

Corporate, student, senior citizens and military discounts do apply at most locations.

How Much Does Ombre Hair Cost?

Ombre hair became a phenomenon in the early 2000s when the popular celebrities, such as Aaliyah and Jennifer Hudson, had her hair dyed in a gradual fade from the roots to a lighter color near the tips.  Originally, the hair gradually lightened from dark to light; however, it has expanded to other techniques.  This trend, depending on the length of your hair, will create a “dipped” and lightened look.

My Hair Ombre by [NjN]`Drama Queen, on Flickr
My Hair Ombre” (CC BY 2.0) by  [NjN]`Drama Queen

How much does ombre hair cost?

The cost of ombre hair will depend on the length of your hair, the amount of work that needs to be put in, the salon, the stylist you use and where you live.  On average, ombre hair at a salon can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 for a partial application to $90 to $250 for a full application.  A trendy salon in the heart of New  York City could be closer to $250 or more, whereas a salon in the middle of a rural neighborhood could be much less.

If you were to do it at home, the DIY approach will cost about $15 to $20 for the bottle, comb and directions.  Most salons, from what we researched, would price in two ways:  they would either charge it as a partial highlight or as a blending add-on, which would be another $30 to $50 on top of the average cut and washing fee.

BehindtheChair.com listed a handful of answers from their Facebook fans in regards to this question, and according to most answers, the prices could range anywhere from $110 to $180 at most salons.

We researched a few salons across the United States that listed prices on their websites and included the ballpark quotes in our table below:

Geographical LocationAverage Price
Chicago, IL$95 to $150
Los Angeles, CA$145 to $180
Miami, FL$120 to $200
New York, NY$150 to $225
San Francisco, CA$115 to $250
Seattle, WA$125 to $185



Ombre hair overview

The quotes mentioned above should include the cut, followed by the color placement to bring the “Ombre dye” look together. Ombre hair can come in a variety of different styles and colors.  Basically, if you can think of a color and blend, it can be done. Popular color blends, for instance, can range from a dark chocolate look to a caramel coated color.  Others prefer off the wall colors such as purple, red, blue, pink and grey.

Most salons will first wash your hair to get rid of anything that could interfere with the coloring process.  They will then apply the blended colors, let it set, and rinse it out.  Your hair will then be dried and styled.

What are the extra costs?

Some salons will include the hair dye while others may charge you an additional fee for the colors.  Generally, the darker the color is going to be, the higher the prices are going to be.

As mentioned above, if the salon charges this as an “add-on,” then you will have to pay for the cut and wash if necessary.

Don’t forget the tip. An average tip is usually 15 to 20 percent of the total.

Tips to know:

HelloBeautiful.com recommend choosing one to three colors to shade to create the ultimate “Ombre” effect.  In the warmer months, they recommend a lighter and vibrant shade, whereas, in the winter months, it’s best to choose a cooler ash tone.

How can I save money?

To save money, try talking with a few salons over the phone or by visiting their websites.  Some salons, for example, may offer packaged prices for having your hair colored at the same time.  Most of the time, these salons will be more than happy to give a quote over the phone.  Going to your local salon will almost always be less than going to a name-brand salon the local celebrities use.

Anyone can do highlights; however, if you have never done it before, you may want to recruit a family member or friend to help you with the process.  As noted above, most DIY kits can cost less than $20.

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