Guess that copay!
Yesterday, I got a message in my patient portal. Due to an insurance mix-up where two policies overlapped for just a few weeks, I’m on the hook for a four-figure bill. (The explanation involves primary coverage, secondary coverage, and not recognizing that two insurance policies are not always better than one.) “Can we charge it to the card on file?” Lol… sob.
Open enrollment is coming up. (See here to get the exact dates for your state.) You’ll get a short window to make big, often confusing decisions about your 2026 health coverage. It’s basically The Price Is Right, but instead of guessing the cost of three cars and a hot tub, you’re trying to predict whether you’ll need two urgent care visits, five therapy sessions, or a surprise MRI.
And for a lot of us, health costs are likely to become a much bigger share of the household budget in the next year.
ICYMI, the government is not open. Shutdown talks are hinging on whether to keep or scrap financial assistance for millions of people on health care plans through the Affordable Care Act. If Congress lets those subsidies expire, premiums for those on Marketplace plans could more than double.
If you have coverage through your job, you may be in for sticker shock, too. Employers are expecting nearly a 10% hike in insurance costs for 2026 — and they’ll likely be passing on at least some of those costs to workers.
What You Can Do:
Know your numbers. Every year, this financial planner audits what she actually spent on health care — copays, prescriptions, out-of-network expenses, etc. — to pick a plan that matches her reality. Do it now, so you’re not scrambling on Nov 1.
Look at the full package. If you have employer-sponsored coverage, go to the info sessions and make sure you’re taking advantage of all the extras that come with a health plan. These are the kinds of cost-saving perks you may not know about.
Call your doctor’s office. At the end of the day, no matter which plan you pick, you’ll probably get a bill that you’re not expecting. Call your provider or hospital billing department and use this script to negotiate it down.
— Anna “Winner, Winner” Davies
Read More
If simply manifesting more money isn’t growing your savings account… This two-step psychological trick will do it.
Your FYP knows you’re redecorating. Interior designers want you to ignore these five trends. *Reads #3 and raises hand.*
The good news? Mortgage rates are down year-over-year. The better news? These eight tricks can nudge your rate even lower.
ChatGPT can now spend your money for you. Prompt: Do not bankrupt me.
Your emails are stressing out your younger coworkers. Here’s why.
Pro tip: That friend whose closet is filled with secondhand and vintage finds has a “WhatsApp girl.”
Out: The Lipstick Index. In: The Sugar Daddy Deficit.
Silicon Valley’s hottest new work perk is…
Let's Get Invested
By 2030, women are expected to control $34 trillion in wealth. But more than half of us still aren’t investing — often because we weren’t taught or shown that you don’t need thousands to begin.
Let’s change that. Over at Skimm+, our membership-only hub, we’re building the smart investing content to help you get ahead. And we’re not doing it alone. On Oct 16, we’re holding a live event with Skimm Money favorite Farnoosh Torabi, who will answer questions, share strategies, and help all of us become more financially literate.This event costs $25 for non-members, but Skimm+ members get it for free. In fact, members get all of our monthly events for free! And we have some good ones planned for this year.
Plus, expert-backed scripts for tough conversations, templates and custom-built AI tools to help you grow your wealth, and a community of women who aren’t afraid to spill the secrets of how they’ve made it work.
Interested? Get one month, on us, here and RSVP for free!
Brewing Up Cozy Season
If making tea means throwing a mug in the microwave, let us tell you: There’s a better way. Here are three kettles worth putting on your counter.
The Intro: Hamilton Beach Electric Tea Kettle ($37.95)
No bells, no whistles, just fast, hot water. Flip the switch, let it boil, and it shuts off automatically. Stainless steel, BPA-free, and wallet-friendly. What it doesn’t have: fancy temp settings. What it does: get the job done.
The Pour-Over Connoisseur: Cosori Original Electric Gooseneck Kettle ($59.49)
Editor-approved. Five temperature presets make tea purists happy, and the gooseneck spout is perfect for pour-overs. Stainless steel construction plus a “hold temp” feature means you can linger over cup #2.
For When Princess Catherine (or your mom) is Coming Over: Breville IQ Kettle Water Heater ($179.95)
Sleek, long-lasting, and a little extra. Five temp settings, a steam-safe lid, and a “keep warm” button to keep the royal treatment going. If you want a kettle that looks as good as it works, this one’s it.
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
Prime Day deals are already happening. Grab this cordless Shark vacuum that works on pet hair for 50% off.
Speaking of early Prime Day deals, you can also get an Amazon Fire tablet for 50% off.
For more of the best sales to shop this week, click here.
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
Subscribe to Skimm Money
Your source for the biggest financial headlines and trends, and how they affect your wallet.