This Week’s Money Map:

• 🤫 Health insurance fine print: What to do when premiums spike

• 🥩 Why steak costs so much (and how to keep enjoying it without overspending)

• 🐶 How pet insurance can save you thousands on vet bills

• 💳 Turn credit card rewards into real value (or free vacations)

🤫 Health insurance fine print: What to do when premiums spike

Health insurance is one of those things you sign up for hoping never to think about again, until the bill, the copay, or the “this isn’t covered” letter arrives. Let’s change that. With premiums expected to jump significantly in 2026 — especially if expanded tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expire — it’s more important than ever to keep costs under control.

Before open enrollment, take 10 minutes to compare plans online directly rather than relying solely on agents. Independent comparison tools give you a clearer, unbiased look at what’s really available and can help you spot the most affordable health insurance options in your state.

Look beyond the deductible
Most people fixate on their deductible, the amount you pay before coverage kicks in. But the more telling figure is your maximum out-of-pocket limit (MOOP), the true ceiling on your annual spending for covered care.

Example: If your deductible is $1,500 but your MOOP is $9,000 and you face a $75,000 hospital bill, you’ll still pay only $9,000 total before insurance takes over.

So when comparing plans, don’t get distracted by a low deductible that hides a high MOOP. Always review both numbers together to understand your real exposure.

Check the fine print on networks
A plan’s network determines where you can get care without extra charges. Even if your main doctor is in-network, the specialist or anesthesiologist in the same hospital might not be, and that’s where unexpected “balance bills” appear.

Before choosing a plan, call your preferred hospital or clinic and confirm whether all affiliated providers are in-network. This quick step can prevent major billing surprises later.

Use hidden benefits you’re already paying for
Many plans include wellness perks that go unused, things like free preventive screenings, gym reimbursements, diet counseling, or smoking-cessation programs. They’re often buried in your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC).

Also, check drug costs both inside and outside your plan’s pharmacy network. Generic prescriptions can sometimes be cheaper out-of-pocket at discount pharmacies than through your insurance copay. A quick comparison can save you real money over the year.

Don’t let agents choose for you
Insurance agents can be helpful, but they often earn higher commissions from pricier plans or unnecessary add-ons. That doesn’t mean they’re dishonest, just that incentives don’t always align with your best interests. Before talking to an agent:

• Get a few online quotes on our own

• Focus on core coverage that matches your health and budget, not extras

• Ask for the base premium first, then evaluate whether any add-ons are truly worth the cost

Review your plan every year
Set a calendar reminder before open enrollment and compare your current coverage against new marketplace plans. This yearly habit helps you avoid creeping costs — especially as premium increases roll out nationwide.

With the right information, you can navigate the health insurance system confidently and keep more of your money where it belongs: in your pocket, not the insurer’s.

🥩 Why steak costs so much (and how to keep enjoying it without overspending)

Steak night used to be a weekly staple. Now, even a basic cut can feel like a splurge. The price climb isn’t your imagination, beef has become one of the most expensive proteins on the American table. But understanding why can help you shop smarter and still enjoy it guilt-free.

Real reason prices have jumped
It’s more than just inflation. Beef prices have been rising for years, but the jump since 2023 is sharper, largely due to supply and production issues. The U.S. cattle herd is now at its smallest since the early 1950s. Droughts in key ranching states like Texas and Oklahoma forced ranchers to thin herds, and rebuilding them takes years.

At the same time, feed costs — corn, soy, and hay — remain high, along with fuel, cold-storage, and labor. Every step from pasture to plate costs more.

As of 2025, choice-grade beef averages around $8.20 per pound, while pork runs closer to $4.50, and chicken hovers near $2.00–2.50. That means steak is now roughly three to four times the price of chicken, a big shift for household budgets.

Premium preferences push prices higher
The modern steak buyer isn’t just looking for “beef.” Demand for grass-fed, organic, and dry-aged cuts has grown steadily, and these options are more expensive to produce.

A dry-aged ribeye, for example, can spend 30 days in a temperature-controlled chamber — that’s a month of storage, refrigeration, and shrinkage before it ever hits a pan. 

Restaurant prices reflect rising costs
At restaurants, the gap between grocery and menu price feels even wider. A ribeye that costs about $15 at the store can appear as a $45 entrée at a steakhouse. That’s not price-gouging, it’s overhead. Higher wages, energy bills, and food costs mean restaurants are simply passing along their rising expenses.

Still, it’s a reminder that cooking at home delivers the same satisfaction at a fraction of the cost.

Smart ways to save without skipping
You don’t have to give up steak to stay on budget, just rethink how you buy and cook it.

• Choose underrated cuts: Flank, skirt, hanger, and flat iron steaks are flavorful and tender when cooked right — often half the price of ribeye or filet.

• Buy in bulk and freeze: Family packs or warehouse clubs usually cost less per pound. Cut, label, and freeze portions flat for easy storage.

• Use marinades: Acid-based marinades (think vinegar, citrus, soy sauce, and garlic) can tenderize tougher, cheaper cuts beautifully.

• Cook it yourself: A cast-iron pan, some salt, and timing can turn a $12 grocery steak into something that tastes like a restaurant meal.

• Check local butchers: They sometimes undercut supermarkets and offer fresher cuts or custom trimming.

If you plan your purchases, try new cuts, and cook at home, you can still enjoy great steak without feeling like you’re overpaying. It’s less about giving something up, and more about being intentional with how you buy and enjoy what’s on your plate.

🐶 How pet insurance can save you thousands on vet bills

If you think health insurance is expensive, wait until you see a vet bill without pet insurance. A single accident or illness can wipe out your savings faster than a tail wag. Here’s why more pet parents are turning to insurance.

Real cost of care
• Emergency surgery for a swallowed toy: $3,000–7,000
• Cancer treatment: $5,000–10,000
• Hip dysplasia surgery: $6,000–12,000
• “Routine” diagnostics like X-rays or MRIs: $500–6,000

Without coverage, these numbers land squarely on your wallet. Think of an affordable pet insurance as a financial safety net. Instead of facing a sudden $2,000 vet bill without warning, you pay a predictable monthly amount that can save you thousands over time. And for breeds prone to health issues, insurance can be a real lifesaver.

What pet insurance usually covers
• Accidents: Broken bones, swallowed objects, poisoning
• Illnesses: Cancer, infections, chronic conditions like arthritis
• Diagnostics and medicines: X-rays, MRIs, prescription drugs
• Optional add-ons: Preventive care (vaccines, flea/tick meds, dental cleanings)

What it doesn’t cover
• Pre-existing conditions (anything your pet had before coverage)
• Routine checkups, unless you pay for a wellness rider
• Cosmetic procedures like tail docking or declawing

When pet insurance makes sense
• Young pets — Enrolling early locks in lower premiums and avoids pre-existing condition exclusions.
• High-risk breeds — Bulldogs, German Shepherds, and large breeds prone to hereditary issues benefit the most from pet insurance.
• If you lack a rainy-day fund — Insurance can act as a buffer so you don’t have to choose between treatment and affordability.

How to save on pet insurance

1. Compare quotes online: Rates vary by provider, pet age, and ZIP code.

2. Shop early: Premiums are cheaper for younger, healthier pets. Enroll before pre-existing conditions kick in.

3. Customize your plan: Higher deductibles and lower reimbursement rates keep premiums affordable.

4. Look for discounts: Multi-pet, military, or annual payment discounts can shave 5–15% off.

With pet insurance, you’ll never have to wonder, “Can I afford this surgery?” Instead, the focus stays where it belongs: helping your furry friend get better fast.

💳 Turn credit card rewards into real value (or free vacations)

If you’ve been swiping, tapping, and paying bills with your rewards card, congrats! You’ve already done the hard part. But most people are sitting on thousands of points that are basically collecting dust (or worse — being cashed out for pennies on the dollar). Let’s fix that. 

Wrong ways to use your points
Look, nobody’s judging — we’ve all done the lazy redemption once or twice. But here’s what drains your value the fastest:

1. Statement credits or gift cards — It’s quick and easy, but it’s also the financial equivalent of trading gold for nickels. Most cards only give you $0.005 to $0.01 per point this way. That means 10,000 points (which could be a $150+ flight) gets you a measly $50 credit. Ouch.

2. Shopping through your card’s portal — Buying a blender or sneakers directly through your card’s rewards site? You’re overpaying, every time. Retail prices are often inflated, and you’ll usually get 30–50% less value per point than if you transferred to a travel partner.

3. Last-minute travel redemptions — Trying to book a last-minute trip with points through your card’s portal is like showing up to a Black Friday sale at noon. The same seat or hotel room can cost twice as many points compared to booking early or transferring strategically.

Right ways to redeem
Want your points to hit like a bonus paycheck? Here’s the insider playbook:

1. Transfer to travel partners — the secret multiplier
This is where the magic happens. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points let you move points to airlines and hotels. When you find the right partner, your points can double or even triple in value.

For example: 60,000 Amex points transferred to All Nippon Airways (ANA) can score a round-trip business-class ticket to Japan worth over $3,000!

2. Hit the “sweet spots” — Every program has hidden gems.
✈️ Hyatt often gives the best hotel value (think $800/night resorts for 25,000 points).
✈️ Singapore KrisFlyer or ANA are legends for first-class seats at a fraction of what U.S. airlines charge.
✈️ Virgin Atlantic and Delta? Great for flying Delta One for half the points if you book right.

3. Redeem when prices spike (but points stay flat) — Cash prices go up during peak season — but point redemption rates often don’t. If that summer flight to Hawaii jumps from $500 to $1,000, and the award still costs 35,000 points? Boom — you just doubled your value.

4. Mix cash + points like a pro — If you don’t have enough points for a full redemption, use a combo payment. You’ll stretch your balance further and still get to travel without draining your stash to zero.

Treat your points like real money — because they are
Every point has a dollar value, and your job is to make each one work harder.

✔️ Don’t cash them out for convenience.
✔️ Use them for high-value travel or premium experiences.
✔️ Keep an eye on transfer bonuses — banks often add 10–40% extra points when you move them to select partners.

So stop letting your rewards rot. Learn the game, time your redemptions, and watch your next vacation or luxury hotel stay cost you exactly zero dollars!

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips and mindset shifts to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

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