I agree on the shopping. Where we are now there is a Food4Less store fairly near by. There prices are definitely cheaper, but not a place I would care to buy meat or fish. What I noticed is that their dry food, like salad dressing have an expiration date which is much closer than what it would be in a regular supermarket. But as an example a bottle of Ken's salad dressing that normally sells for $3.49 in a regular grocery store is $1.79 there. But you better use it up in about 4 months, or it's expired.
Also, there produce is a lot cheaper, but sometimes questionable, but more often it's oK. We already cut out cable tv, and regular phone. Got a Ooma for house ($4.95 and a $15 mo. cell phone)
Frugal_1982, that $15 mo. for your furnace insurance is sweet. We have something similar here, but the monthly cost is closer to $45 a month.
Yes, the medical is a real problem here in the states. Especially when one needs medical care. (sounds kinda funny doesn't it) And dental is similar to ransom money. I have a tooth that broke off and is below the gum line now. Have to see oral surgeon for that. He wants $1,450 to extract it. (Been thinking, if I could just find the right set of pliers, maybe I could do it myself.
) The Novocaine would be the tricky part. Which reminds me. There's a hilarious Dentist sketch from the old Carol Burnett show that you should see if you haven't.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Q9T8i4FkNVo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Dental is not included in our medical. Maybe large corporations have it with their plans. Don't know, as we have always had to buy our own.
Your resourcefulness with your Home Depot book, and Habitat for Humanity purchases is again commendable. My son is on the timid side and not likely to very demanding. He had a room mate once, who really took advantage of him, and would up not paying his rent. Maybe others would be better. He is just afraid to say anything unpleasant to anyone.