Making Cents: <a href="https://bitcomme.com/earnings-release-and-financial-results-q3-fy-2026/” title=”Earnings Release and Financial Results Q3 FY 2026″>Financial expert shares advice on medical debt
As summer winds down, back-to-school expenses pick up.
Kathryn McCall, CAPTRUST vice president and financial advisor, joined KCRA 3 on Wednesday morning to tell people in Northern California about what should be first on their list when it comes to saving money.
“Medical debt has become a big problem, and my advice there is to make sure that you’re actually paying attention to the itemized bill,” McCall said. “Confirm your insurance has paid their portion, and don’t be afraid to go back to the doctor and negotiate the actual bill. Most medical providers want to work with you, and they will put you on a payment plan to make it more affordable.”
This comes after a study by Fidelity Investments that Americans are only saving 3 to 4% of their income this year.
McCall also points to other ways to save money around the house that people may not realize.
“The peak hours during summer can make your regular utility activities like dishwasher, washer, and dryer 15 times more expensive if you do it during peak hours, which is 8 a.m. to midnight,” McCall said. “If you’re an early riser, you can actually save a lot of money on your utility bill early in the morning and get it done before 8 a.m., and you will actually pay half of the fraction.”
McCall mentioned that you can earn some extra cash just by cleaning your closet and selling your clothes.
“There are a ton of places now you can either do it online, and there are tons of shops here in Sacramento that will consign your clothes, and it’s a great way to clean out stuff before the fall and also make a little extra cash on the side,” she said.
Her last tip is urging those not using their PTO time to use it.
People don’t realize that using your PTO time, McCall said, is actually free money because your time is that money.
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