Leflunomide Cost

Leflunomide, the generic version of Arava, is used for rheumatoid arthritis and is only available via prescription only.

How much does leflunomide cost?

The costs of leflunomide, as with most prescriptions, depend on the dosage prescribed, your health insurance policy and which pharmacy you use.  On average, from the research we did by calling local pharmacies, the costs ranged anywhere from $75 for (30) 10MG tablets to as much as $210 for (90) 20MG tablets without any health insurance coverage.  Refer to our table below for the averages we gathered from local pharmacies.

As for health insurance coverage, it appeared all Medicare policies, as well as most private health insurance companies, cover the medication, meaning you will only be responsible for your co-pay.  To know how much you’re responsible for, either talk with your health insurance company directly, see if they have an online drug database with prices or talk with your local pharmacy.

How did we get these numbers?  We called Walmart, Sam’s Club, CVS, Walgreens as well as access to the Costco drug directory to gather prices and come up with an estimate.  Granted, these are the prices for those without any health insurance coverage.

How to save on leflunomide

Third-party prescription coupons

Popular prescription coupon-based websites, such as GoodRX and Drugs.com, offer instant coupons you can print from your home.  To use the coupon, the process is quite simple.  First, you will want to search for the prescription, followed by selecting your dosage and the pharmacy you want to use.  Next to the pharmacy of choice, you will want to click the “get free coupon” button and bring this coupon into your local pharmacy for redemption.  Now, if you want to use the online coupon via these websites, you can either use the coupon or your private insurance, not both in combination.

90-day supply

As you can see from the averages noted above, the longer your prescription is initially, the more you can save per tablet.  If your doctor knows you will need the medication for more than 30 days, then it makes more sense to pay more upfront for a 90-day supply and ask your doctor for a 90-day supply.

Cheaper alternative

In the class of Antirheumatics, GoodRX does note there are cheaper alternatives you could discuss with your doctor.  Being in the same class that works in the same way, it could treat your condition at a much lower cost.  Talk with your doctor to see if there are less expensive options which may work for your condition.

Common leflunomide side effects

Most commonly noted side effects

• bloody/cloudy urine
• coughing
• difficult time breathing
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• dizziness
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• headaches
• a loss of appetite
• nausea
• sneezing
• a sore throat
• chest tightness
• yellow eyes or skin
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• Burning feeling in the chest and/or stomach
• burning or tingling sensation in the fingers or toes
• chest pain
• diarrhea
• fast heartbeat
• indigestion
• joint and/or muscle pain or stiffness
• stomach pain
• stomach area tenderness
• unusual tiredness

These side effects were sourced from the Mayo Clinic and are not considered to be a complete list.

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How Much Does LaserAway Cost?

Established in 2006, LaserAway, since opening its first location in Rancho Mirage, California, now operates 40+ locations, sprawling from California to New York.

Employing only highly trained professionals who are certified in laser procedures, LaserAway offers a variety of services ranging from hair to tattoo removal.

“NJ-Medical Spa” (CC BY 2.0) by GloriaMckelvy

How much does LaserAway cost?

As the company offers a variety of services, which we list below and found via the official website, it can be hard to offer an exact estimate since it will depend on the service required, the number of sessions you need, the current promotion and the location you choose as multiple locations are found throughout the United States, each with its own cost of living standard.

While the company does not specify prices on their website, you can request more information via the official website by giving out your name phone, email, city and what type of services you need.  You can also click on the service you’re interested in and see if there’s a coupon available for first-time customers.  For example, at the time of this publishing, the company offered a 25% laser resurfacing when you requested a free consultation.

With so many services offered, we combed the Internet and included our findings, along with the source below to hopefully give you an idea as to what you may need to budget for the company’s services.

LaserAway offerings

Botox –  FDA-approved, Botox helps smooth frown lines by relaxing the facial muscles up to four months after one injection.

Clear + Brillant – Patented laser technology which rejuvenates the skin from the inside out, leaving the skin looking youthful, all in one treatment.

CoolSculpting – Contours your body by freezing and crystalizing fat cells to eventually leave your body.

Juvederm – Hyaluronic acid dermal filler that’s able to smooth out wrinkles and add volume to your nose and mouth area.  The only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler, one treatment can last as long as a year.

Laser hair removal – Uses Cynosure and Diode lasers, which are able to work with all skin types and tones.

Laser skin rejuvenation – A unique procedure which uses concentrated pulsating beams of light to remove scars, fine lines, wrinkles and irregular pigmentation.  So precise, even the most delicate areas can be treated.

Laser tattoo removal – Uses MedLite C Series and Harmony lasers, all of which work with all skin tones, helping minimize the risk of any complications by rapidly breaking up ink pigments.

Photo facials – Designed to remove wrinkles, large pores and brown spots by stimulating collagen production with the use of a series of gentle pulsed light treatments.

Thermage – Tightens, firms and lifts the skin via radiofrequency technology that helps stimulate collagen production.  One treatment can last up to one year.

VelaShape – Contours, slims, shapes and smooths your body by using a combination of mechanical massage, infrared light energy, bipolar radiofrequency and vacuum.  FDA-approved, VelaSahpe can firm, slim, shape and contour your skin in as little as four treatments, with no recovery time needed.

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Lakeshore Sport and Fitness Cost

Established in 1970, the Lakeshore Sport and Fitness, formerly known as the Lakeshore Athletic Club, has two locations in the Chicago, Illinois area, each offering state-of-the-art facilities, programs, classes and equipment.

Taken over by new owners in 2010, the new ownership team has slowly transformed the club’s programs and facilities.

“heavy weight” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Maik Meid

How much does a Lakeshore Sport and Fitness membership cost?

The official website of the club, LakeshoreSF.com doesn’t note the exact prices; rather they state they have three levels of membership, each with its own inclusions and pricing structure.  While the club didn’t offer the pricing, they asked that you fill out the simple contact information to have a gym representative contact you.

While the gym didn’t list the prices of the membership options, we did find a few members on the gym’s Yelp page, claiming the prices they paid, and according to the prices noted, it seemed a membership could range anywhere from $80 for a student to as much as $250+ a month for a family membership.

The deal wasn’t active at the time of this publishing, but did note a one-month membership had a $120 a month value, whereas the family one-month membership had a $234 value.

Chicago Mag, in its “Best Gyms Over $80 a Month” noted the price averaged $136 a month, with a one-time $199 initiation fee.

Additional costs to consider

Parking passes – At the Illinois Center, the club does offer two-hour parking passes for $6, $9 for three hours and $12 for eight-hour parking at the nearby Millennium Garage.

Childcare services – The FAQ states drop-in daycare is $10 per two-hour visit or $55 per month for unlimited passes.

Guest fees – The guest fees, as per the company’s FAQ page, is $17.50 for members or $35 for non-members, with some local hotel chains offering discounts.

Storage lockers – Base members can upgrade to a kit locker for $25.

Bike storage – Bike storage can be added to a Base member plan for an additional $35 per month.

Golf simulator – A $35 per hour rental fee applies to Base members.

Lakeshore Sport and Fitness membership options (Illinois Center)

Base – Cheapest option which offers unlimited access to the Illinois Center as well as a complimentary fitness assessment and complimentary training session.

Executive – The middle tiered option, the Executive membership includes all of the Base membership options, plus access to the Executive locker room, a private locker, the use of the bike storage area, as well as the complimentary use of the climbing wall, golf simulator and squash courts.

VIP – The highest tiered option, the VIP membership includes all of the Executive membership options, plus access to the VIP locker room, which is equipped with a sauna and whirlpool, a private full locker, laundry service and additional premium VIP locker room benefits.

Lakeshore Sport and Fitness membership options (Lincoln Park)

• Young Adult (18-29 years old)
• Individual (30+ years old)
• Single Parent (One parent with at least one child)
• Couple (Husband/wife or domestic partnership)
• Family
• Student Flex (college students)

Illinois Center club amenities

Located in the heart of Chicago’s East Loop, the Illinois Center offers more than 120,000 square feet of space, including

• the tallest rock climbing wall in the country
• eight-lane indoor pool
• basketball court
• golf and putting green simulator
• rooftop deck with pool and workout area
• members lounge
• functional motion floor
• group fitness studio
• group cycling, yoga and pilates studio
• five squash courts
• indoor running track
• cardio equipment
• weight machines
• boxing studio
• LakeshorePT, a concierge physical therapy practice
• Executive and VIP locker room options

Lincoln Park club amenities

The Lakeshore campus, sprawling more than 3.5 acres in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, offers more than 185,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor sport and fitness space, including:

• eight tennis courts
• two swimming pools
• indoor running track
• cardio studios
• free weight room and weight machines
• powerlifting, aerobic, dance, pilates, yoga and group cycling studio
• basketball courts
• volleyball courts
• youth complex
• locker rooms
• skating rink
• physical therapy salon

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Labradorite Countertop Cost

Labradorite, a semi-precious gemstone, has started to gain popularity over the years, often used as an alternative to the already popular granite countertops.

Aside from countertop usage, these slabs can also be used as a kitchen backsplash, sink material and even tile.

How much does labradorite cost per square foot?

Since labradorite counters are rather new to the market, it’s hard to find pricing online, but when we contacted a few manufacturers, they did note it was one of the most expensive countertop material on the market today and the costs would greatly vary depending on the slab size, the colors you wanted and who you purchased it from.  With these factors in mind, the costs could range anywhere from $55 to more than $170+ per square foot for just the material.   When talking with wholesalers, we did find quite the pricing discrepancy among most, hence the vast price range.

As this countertop material should be installed by a contractor, it’s hard to offer an estimate as to how much it could cost you since so many factors are involved such as your home setup and the complexity of the install.  For this reason, we recommend you use the free quote comparison tool — HomeAdvisor.com.  With this tool, you can explain your job, and with this information, licensed contractors in your area will contact you with a free, no-obligation quote.  No credit card is needed.

On this Houzz.com forum thread, for example, members talked about the quotes they received, with one person stating they paid as little as $30 wholesale, whereas another stated they were quoted as much as $200 per square foot, a quote that included installation.

The Wall Street Journal, in an interview with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Gem Surfaces, noted that the labradorite counters were the most popular product and cost an average of $295 a square foot.

We did find one supplier online, SlabMarket.com, that listed two offerings at the time of this publishing for $22 to $40 per square foot.

Labradorite popular surface finish options

• Antique
• Brushed
• Bush Hammered
• Chiseled
• Flamed
• Grooved
• Honed
• Mushroom
• Natural Split
• Pickling
• Pineapple
• Polished
• Sandblasted
• Sawn
• Tumbled

Labradorite popular color options

• Beige
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Cream
• Gray
• Green
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• White
• Yellow

Labradorite thicknesses

• 10mm
• 12mm
• 16mm
• 20mm
• 23mm
• 25mm
• 30mm

Usually, manufacturers can customize thicknesses as per your request as well.

Tips to know

As labradorite can be used as jewelry, experts highly recommend you research your manufacturer before making the purchase as cheaper options will not make for a great slab since it can chip easier than granite.

As mentioned, since it can chip easier than granite materials, it’s highly advisable you hire a professional contractor to install it.

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La Venta Inn Wedding Cost

Located in the hills above the Palos Verdes Peninsula just outside of Los Angeles, California, the La Venta Inn, an affordable wedding venue option in Southern California, offers a beautifully restored Spanish villa from the 1920s, offering the “best of California.”

The first estate built on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in 1923, this private estate, updated as of late, still maintains its vintage charm and elegance.

How much does a La Venta Inn wedding cost?

According to the official website, we didn’t find any information in regards to the official pricing plans; rather, they asked soon-to-be couples to contact them via the online contact form on the official website.  On this form, they ask for the desired event date, the guest count, how you found out about them and a few details about the event.  As with most wedding venues, the number of guests and the time of year/day of the week will all affect your quote.

While we did not find estimates online, Wedding-Spot.com stated a rental for exclusive use can start as low as $3,500, depending on the day, time and the season of the event, whereas the food and ceremony for the event, which is supplied by the venue, could average anywhere from $176 to $274 per person in total, all depending on your menu setup.  Again, like any wedding venue, adding a full premium open bar could cost much more than a non-alcohol wedding with a buffet-like food setup.

HereComestheGuide.com, on the other hand, estimates $4,000 to $10,000 per event, with meals starting at $70+ per person when priced separately and beverages starting at $16 per person.   The ceremony only fee is said to be about $2,250 per event.

How did we get these quotes?  We combined third-party resources, as cited above, as well as a few others, and created an average.  Remember, this is an average only.  To receive an exact quote, please contact the venue via the contact form above for more information and exact prices.

What’s included in the estimate?

The La Venta Inn, via its official website, noted the following inclusions, with no hidden costs:

• Exclusive use of the entire venue
• Complimentary parking onsite
• Event coordinator
• Two invitations for an exclusive taste of the company’s caterer, New York Food Company
• Catering by the New York Food Company
• All dining and cocktail tables
• Chiavari chairs
• All china, flatware and glassware
• Linens of your choice
• Hardwood dance floor
• Patio heaters (as needed)
• LED lighting
• Sound system with wireless microphone

Ceremony and reception setup

The La Venta Inn, as per its official description, offers a courtyard ideal for cocktails, a Great Room, which features a giant stone fireplace, Spanish architecture, domed ceilings and windows throughout overlooking the ocean, the outside terrace, which overlooks the gardens onsite, and lastly, the outdoor designated ceremony area, created for ocean-view weddings.

The maximum capacity for both indoor and outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions is 250 guests and all events must end by 10:00 p.m.

Couples must use the catering provided by the venue; however, VenueReport.com notes you can bring your own alcohol to decrease the costs.

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Serpentine Belt Replacement Cost

The serpentine belt, sometimes referred to as the drive belt, winds its way through the front of your car’s engine like a snake, essentially replacing the multiple belts that were used in older vehicles.

Responsible for driving your car’s components, such as the a/c compressor, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump, to name a few, if the serpentine belt broke, then some of these systems may shut down because of it as the belt is responsible for sending power to each of these systems via your car’s air injection pump.

Failing to replace it could likely lead to a hefty car repair bill in the future.

“Reinstalling serpentine belt” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by osunick

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt?

The costs of replacing a serpentine belt greatly depends on the make/model of the car you drive, the mechanic you hire and where you live.  For just the parts, most serpentine belts retail for , but if you needed to hire a mechanic to replace it, then the costs could increase to anywhere from the shop minimum, often around $75 to as much as $200 if the part is difficult to access and/or install for both the parts and the professional install.

RepairPal.com notes the average cost of a serpentine belt replacement can cost anywhere from $76 to $164, with labor estimates in the $35 and $100 range, whereas parts could cost $41 to $64.

A few members on Slickdeals.net talked about the costs they had paid for their serpentine belt, with one member saying he was quoted $240 at Midas and $160 at a dealer, while a local shop was the cheapest at $75.  Another member on the forum thread said they paid $20 for the part at Autozone and it took about 20 minutes to replace it on their own, noting it was a pretty easy job.

How did we get these estimates?  We browsed hundreds of message boards and third-party quote engines to gather an estimate, offering you a glimpse as to what you should pay for both labor and parts.

What is the serpentine belt?

The serpentine belt, as you could tell in the introduction, has many roles to fill as it has to more than just spin while the car is running.  Aside from moving, it has to generate the car’s electricity, assist with the power steering, keep your cabin cool while driving and even keep itself cool.  As it’s spinning, it’s driving the pulleys for the other systems, including the air conditioner, alternator, cooling fan, power steering, and the water pump.  Working with the several components attached to the belt – the alternator, which recharges the car battery and powers the car’s electrical system as well as the water pump, which circulates the coolant, the air conditioner compressor and the power steering pump, in older vehicles, multiple belts could be found attached to the components noted; however, today, there’s usually one serpentine belt to get the job done.

Serpentine belt repair process

First, to ensure the serpentine belt is, indeed, the culprit, your mechanic will first want to visually inspect the belt for any wear, tear and/or cracks.  This is usually spotted within the belt’s grooves.  On newer vehicles with an automatic belt tensioner, then there’s usually a gauge that displays how much of the belt has been stretched.

After the belt is confirmed to be the problem, the tensioner is loosened, allowing the belt to slack so that the mechanic can successfully remove it.   Once removed, the new belt is routed over the accessories and the tensioner is released to put tension on the new belt.  The car is then started to make sure the belt routes the way it should and any necessary adjustments are made at this time.

The entire process is relatively fast, often taking a seasoned mechanic less than 20 minutes to replace.

Bad serpentine belt symptoms

• If your serpentine belt does break, then it will often be hard to turn the steering wheel
• During the colder mornings, squealing noises may come from the engine when starting the car and/or taking sharp turns
• Other common symptoms may include an overheated engine and/or illuminated battery light on the dashboard
• Slapping sounds coming from the engine compartment often means the belt has slipped and needs to be readjusted
• Ineffective air conditioning can also be a sign of a poor serpentine belt

How long does a serpentine belt last?

Typically, your serpentine belt is inspected every oil change, but on average, most belts crack and/or eventually wear down every 100,000 miles.  Today, these belts are made to last much longer than ones built in the past due to the advancements in rubber technology.  While the belts can last up to 100,000 miles, there may be a time when the belt needs to be adjusted or manually tensioned.

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Banfield Wellness Plan Cost

The Banfield Wellness Plan, offered by the Banfield Pet Hospitals located inside of most PetSmart locations, is a one-of-a-kind pet health care solution customized for your pet’s needs.

These plans are not considered to be an insurance policy; rather, they are deemed to be affordable packages of recommended preventative care services that can help you save money over your pet’s lifetime.

“Petsmart + Bandfield” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by CMH_90

How much does a Banfield wellness plan cost?

The cost of a Banfield wellness plan greatly depends on the type of pet you have, the breed, age, weight, health, the type of plan you want to purchase as the company offers a variety of options, and if you want additional premium optional add-ons, all of which we will explain below.   Depending on these factors, most 12-month plans range anywhere from $26 to $48 per month, with the prices increasing by as much as $35+ a month if you were to add the premium add-ons.

From our research, you can receive a ballpark estimate if you follow this link and click on the “explore your custom plan” button.  From there, you will be asked your zip code, the type of pet you have, your pet’s name, gender, age, weight, breed, spay/neuter status and if your pet has bad breath.  With this information, the hospital will then offer you a ballpark estimate based on the plan and add-on options you choose.

How did you find these averages?  The official website, as mentioned above, allowed us to gather estimated quotes when we included information for both dogs and cats.  Keep in mind that these are just estimates only and your results could vary.  For exact pricing, we highly recommend you either contact the hospital directly or fill out the form located on the official website for a customized plan quote.

How does the plan work?

The Optimum wellness plans are designed to provide preventative care, ranging from exams to vaccinations, diagnostics, dental care, proper nutrition and more, all of which we go into great detail below.  Again, as noted, these plans are not insurance policies, meaning they will not include treatment for any unforeseen circumstances; however, for plan holders, discounts can apply if any treatments, outside of the plan, was needed.  In order to use the plan, you must visit a Banfield hospital location.

Types of plans offered

Puppy Wellness Plans

These wellness plans are designed for puppies younger than six months old and two offerings are available:  the Early Care plan and the Early Care Plus plan.  These plans include the following inclusions:

• Two comprehensive physical exams annually
• All recommended routine vaccinations
• Diagnostic testing
• Three fecal exams a year
• Four deworming appointments a year
• Unlimited office visits
• Spay or Neuter (only in the Plus plan)
• 5% (Early Care) to 10% (Early Care Plus) discount on most services and products

Dog Wellness Plans

As a next step up from the puppy wellness plan, the dog plan is designed for dogs older than six months and works in a way to offer all of the recommended preventative service care throughout the dog’s life.   Three dog wellness plans are available:  Essential Wellness, Active Prevention, and the Special Care plan, with each offering its own inclusions, including:

• Two comprehensive physical exams annually
• Unlimited office visit
• All recommended routine vaccinations
• Diagnostic testing
• Two fecal exams a year
• Two deworming appointments a year
• Dental cleaning (Active Prevention and Special Care only)
• Urine testing (Active Prevention and Special Care only)
• Preventative x-rays, up to three views per year (Special Care only)
• Eye pressure test (Special Care only)
• Electrocardiograms (Special Care only)
• 10% (Essential Wellness), 15% (Active Prevention) or 20% (Special Care) off Banfield services and products

Kitten Wellness Plan

Like the puppy wellness plan, the kitten wellness plan is designed for kittens younger the six months and two offerings are available:  the Early Care plan and the Early Care Plus plan.  These plans include the following inclusions:

• Two comprehensive physical exams annually
• All recommended routine vaccinations
• Diagnostic testing
• Three fecal exams a year
• Four deworming appointments a year
• Unlimited office visits
• Spay or Neuter (only in the Plus plan)
• 5% (Early Care) to 10% (Early Care Plus) discount on most services and products

Cat Wellness Plan

Designed for cats older than six months, just like the dog wellness plan, this plan is designed to help your cat evolve health over their lifetime.  Three cat twellness plans are available:  Essential Wellness, Active Prevention, and the Special Care plan, with each offering its own inclusions, including:

• Two comprehensive physical exams annually
• Unlimited office visit
• All recommended routine vaccinations
• Diagnostic testing
• Two fecal exams a year
• Two deworming appointments a year
• Dental cleaning (Active Prevention and Special Care only)
• Urine testing (Active Prevention and Special Care only)
• Additional diagnostic testing (Special Care only)
• Electrocardiograms (Special Care only)
• 10% (Essential Wellness), 15% (Active Prevention) or 20% (Special Care) off Banfield services and products

Additional options available

The prices mentioned above include the base price for the wellness plans only and doesn’t include any of the additional offerings the pet hospital offers.  Available optional options, as per the company’s website, includes the following:

• Parasite control options, offering a full range of options to help protect your dog from any fleas, ticks, heartworms or any other harmful parasites
• DNA testing option, only available through Banfield, which can test for more than 140 genetic disease mutations, detecting more than 250 breeds, types and varieties
• Spay/neuter option if your pet hasn’t had the procedure yet, allowing you to spread the payments of the procedure into the plan price
• Additional dental options, which is often recommended for certain breeds that need more than one cleaning annually
• A chronic care option to help your pet if they suffer from diabetes, ear infections or kidney failure/disease, to name a few

Tips to know

• Your plan will be automatically renewed after your initial 12 months expire.
• Most parasite add-ons do have limitations based on your dog’s age and weight, and the additional dental add-ons can only be added to a plan that already includes a dental cleaning.

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PetSmart Microchip Cost

The Banfield Pet Hospital, located inside of most PetSmart locations, offers microchip services for both your cat and pet.  To find a location, you can do so by clicking here.

“Petsmart + Bandfield” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by CMH_90

How much does it cost to microchip a dog or cat at PetSmart?

The costs to microchip your dog or cat at a local PetSmart really came down to the location you choose and if you’re an Optimum Wellness Plan member, but from the calls we made, it appeared the costs were mostly the same unless they were offering some sort of promotion at the time.  Depending on these promotions, the costs could range anywhere from as little as $35 to about $80, plus an office examination fee in some cases, but to be certain of the costs at the time, we highly recommend you contact your local PetSmart for exact information since Optimum Wellness Plan members, for example, could save up to 20%.

For example, at the time of this publishing, we found a $10 off microchip services coupon via the official website, and we also found a free examination for first-time customers as well.  Chances are if you’re a first-time customer, you can bypass the exam fee and only pay for the microchip in most cases.

Aside from the initial implantation, we did find that there is also an annual fee of about $20, according to some reviewers on Yelp.   Again, this couldn’t be confirmed as everyone will experience different plans and price points, so it’s best to visit or call a local location for more information.

How microchipping works

A microchip is a permanent form of identification, about the size of a grain of rice.  Implanted beneath the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, it’s able to store a unique code that can only be detected by a scanner at most shelters and vet offices.  This code, when retrieved, is then matched to a pet-recovery database, which will share the pet owner’s contact information, showing them who the pet belongs to.

The entire procedure is virtually painless, similar to a vaccination and will take less than seconds as it’s implanted between the shoulder blades.  After the chip is implanted, you will then have to create an account with the pet-recovery database the vet used and input your contact information.  Since there are multiple brands of microchips on the market, this process can vary, but it’s so important you keep this contact information up-to-date.

Pet Microchipping overview

What it does

• The microchips used are about the size of a grain of rice and have very small electrical components
• They are used to pick up a string of unique numbers, which are then connected to a database with the owner’s contact information
• Statistics show an increased chance of finding your pet in the case of running away
• Most vet offices and even shelters have a universal scanner on hand that’s able to scan a microchip, connecting it to the database
• The entire process takes seconds, with most pets not even flinching during the procedure
• Microchipping is permanent, and these chips are even hard to find during a surgical procedure

What it doesn’t do

• It is not a GPS, where you’re able to track your pet in real-time
• It will not broadcast a signal and no power source is needed
• There’s no guarantee your pet will come home as the person who does find your pet needs to bring it into a shelter or vet’s office to scan
• All microchips are not created equally as there are different brands
• This is not considered a surgery
• Microchips are hard to remove if need be

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Quinceanera Dress Cost

Your Quinceañera is your day to shine and honor both your faith and to celebrate your 15th birthday.

As part of your Quinceañera, the dress is one of the many items you will need to budget for on your special day and could be one of the most important decisions you make.

“Fotografos en Denver” (Public Domain) by FotografosExpertos

How much does a Quinceañera dress cost?

The cost of a Quinceañera dress, like buying any dress, will greatly depend on the brand, materials, where you live, the design and where you purchase it.  The fabric used, any alterations needed and the craftsmanship can affect the total price as well.  As dresses can vary in quality, it can be hard to offer a definite price, but from what we did research, the average person paid anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for their dress, with some reported paying less and even much more than this price range.

BestBridalPrices.com, a division of Frew’s Bridal, offered more than 85 Quinceañera dresses, with the average price ranging anywhere from $550 to $900.

Another retailer we found, Peaches Boutique, had similar prices as well.

Qbydavinci.com, in its budgeting for a Quinceañera guide, stated the cost of a dress would greatly depend on your theme and venue and recommended you should budget around $200 to $1,000 for a dress while keeping your eyes peeled for a seasonal sale at your local retailer.  They also stated that while you could spend a lot of money on your dress, it doesn’t guarantee you will look more beautiful on your special day.

Additional costs to think about

Decorative touches

Some girls often consider decorative touches, including a decorated silk, embroidered or pattern stain, or rhinestones, all of which can add to the fabric material costs.  Depending on your choice, this could add anywhere from $15 to more than $135+ a yard.

Accessories

Jewelry and additional accessories, all depending on what you want to wear with your dress, can easily reach into the hundreds, if not thousands.  A simple pair of diamond earrings, for example, could cost a good couple hundred of dollars.

Alterations

A hemming, often needed for most, can range anywhere from as little as $50 for a simple job to as much as $250 for a multi-layered dress, for example.

A bodice alteration can cost anywhere from $50 to $100.

Adding a bustle, depending on the layers needed, can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 from the quotes we received.

Shipping

Some online retailers may charge a shipping charge if you were to purchase your dress online.  Even if you purchased in person, some stores may have a rush shipping fee if you needed it ASAP.  All shipping policies vary, so it’s best to talk with the store directly for more information.

The fabric options

According to quinceanera.com, most dresses will be made of the following materials:  chiffon, satin, silk, taffeta, tulle and velvet, each of which can affect the price, as we explain below:

Taffeta:  Crisp and smooth to the touch, taffeta fabric is a plain-woven fabric made from silk and can range anywhere from $6 to $13 per yard.

Tulle:  Light in weight, with a very fine netting, tulle fabric is usually starched and is your cheapest option, ranging anywhere from $3 to $8 per yard.

Satin:  Due to the higher number of floats on the fabric, a satin material often has a higher luster, ranging anywhere from $5 to $13 per yard.  However, out of most of the fabric options listed here, it isn’t known to be the most durable option, however.

Silk:  Considered to be the most comfortable option, silk fabric, on average, can range about $20 to $30 per yard, but being the most expensive option, can make it the most luxurious looking.

Velvet:  A woven tufted fabric, where the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short and dense look, often found in your vintage-like dresses.  The cost of velvet fabric can vary greatly, anywhere from $20 to as much as $35 per yard.

Tips to know

If you plan on tailoring your dress, be careful with your fabric selection as you wouldn’t want a heavier fabric during the warm summer months or a lighter dress during the middle of the winter.

If you find a dress that you deem to be too plain, keep in mind you can add embroidery or even beadwork to create a look you envisioned.

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Goldfish Swim School Cost

The Goldfish Swim School, according to the official website, is said to be the premier swim school for kids ages four months 12 years old.

Using a holistic philosophy, the “Science of SwimPlay®” is said to help build life skills both in and outside of the water by using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment.

“Niall at his swim lesson” (CC BY 2.0) by GraceFamily

How much does the Goldfish Swim School cost?

Since each Goldfish Swim School is franchised owned, each franchise can set their own pricing structure in a way; however, when we contacted five schools, we found the tuition really wasn’t much of a difference in comparison to other schools across the United States.  It really came down to your geographical region and the type of class you wanted to sign up for.  Since there were a variety of options available, we broke them down in our table below for easy viewing.

How did we get these averages?  We either visited the official school’s website as some did list the official prices on their website, such as this one located in Fishers, Indiana, as well as contacted a few locations via phone and email to gather an average.  For most locations, however, you could visit the official website, type in your zip code and find a local school’s information or you can click the “pricing” tab at the top of the website.  Remember, your results will vary since each location can set their own pricing.  Use this as an estimate only.

Types of programs offered

Swim Lessons

The company’s swim lessons are designed for children ranging from as young as four months to as old as 12 years old, including infant, toddler and advanced lessons, to name a few.  All swim lessons are designed to make swim fun by implementing the company’s holistic philosophy, the “Science of SwimPlay®.”   Classes are offered year round and start at a 4:1 teacher-to-student ratio and classes can be as small as a 1:1 setting, as noted in the table above.

Swim Force

All students, typically ages five through 12 who are able to progress through the Pro Level swim courses, are able to join the Swim Force team, which is said to be a unique opportunity which provides children the motivation they require to help improve their swimming skills as well as build their character through the heart of the company’s “Golden Experience.”  In this program, students learn how to improve upon the four major strokes:  backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.  Classes meet once a week for one hour, with a one-hour swim meet held once every quarter.

Jump Start Clinic

A unique program designed for families who want to get their children into the water as soon as they can.  Introducing kids to the fundamentals of water safety, clinics generally last four or five days in a row, with each lesson lasting 30 minutes, focusing on everything from water safety to fine-tuning strokes.  The company, according to the program’s description, does note the clinics are very effective, with most students seeing great improvement in as little as five days.

Family Swim

The open family swim hours are designed for children and families who either want to swim for fun while watching their child or help practice their child’s techniques they learned in class.  It’s also great for families who want to try out the company’s swimming pool before committing to a program.

Goldfish swim school locations

At the time of this publishing, the company had 88 locations, which you can search for here or glance at the graphic below to get a good idea as to where the schools are located throughout the United States.

Tips to know

You can sign up for swim lessons anytime throughout the year as the company offers continuous lessons rather than session-based.  The company believes your child should attend year-round to help your child maintain and improve their swimming skills and water safety.

To register for classes, you can either do so by calling a local location or you can visit a location in person for a registration form.

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