Tooth Delay

My mouth is numb from having a cavity refilled this morning. But it sounds like dentists are in more pain than their patients.

From a unscientific survey that covered several practices, I've learned that many people are putting off dental appointments as a way to save money during the recession. Offices are trying to combat this by actively calling patients, reminding them that it's time for a checkup.

While I understand the need to save some cash, delaying a checkup could result in future discomfort and a big repair bill later on.

For those who are going to the dentist on your regular schedule, be prepared to be pitched a variety of "extra" services like teeth whitening. Before you agree to any procedures, make sure to check whether your insurance will cover the work.

Objects May Be Smaller Than They Appear

The other night I reached for a can of tuna which I had bought in the past week. After I took it out of my pantry, I remembered that I still had some older cans of tuna, leftovers from last year's hurricane season. When I pulled those cans out to check the expiration date, I noticed that something seemed different.

After looking closely I realized that the old can contained six ounces of the fish while the new one only has five. If I hadn't of done a side by side comparison, I doubt I ever would have figured this out. I, like many, don't spend a lot of time thinking about tuna.

Product shrinkage is something that's coming to our supermarkets. Everything has been scaled down a little bit as manufacturers try to deal with the recession. They've got two choices: shrink the size or raise the price. As I'm sure the current price point has been researched a good bit, we get smaller stuff.

It is funny that it's common to see a label that says, 30% more, but you never see one that says, 16% less. I plan to be a more attentive shopper in the future.