I asked for advice on purchasing glasses, but I didn’t follow much of it.  I didn’t purchase direct from my optometrist (the selection was not very good), but did go to Lens Crafters.  I didn’t shop around beyond that.  I didn’t go to Costco (not a member) or Walmart (quite far from my apartment).  I was too chicken to purchase online, and wasn’t encouraged by this negative post at My Two Dollars about $39 glasses.

The advice I received was totally sensible and applies to almost everything–shop around for a good deal.  I only shopped at two places.

What kind of deal did I get?  My frames were about $220 and the lenses were a whopping $310 because they recommended polycarbonate lightweight lenses and a scratch resistant coating.  I did not get the thinnest lenses and I did not get anti-glare.  For being an AAA member (thanks mom and dad!) I got a 30% discount to bring it down to $370.  My insurance will cover $100 towards lenses and $70 towards frames.  So that leaves me to cover $200 out of my health savings account (pre tax dollars).

Did I get ripped off?  My last pair of glasses were from Walmart and I had them a whopping 8 years.  I never loved them, even when I first got them.  These ones, I love.  I better love them, right?

I think the trouble is, I need to start better tracking my Health Savings account money.  Since it comes out of my paycheck before I ever see it, it doesn’t feel like a big hit to spend $200 of it.  However, once it gets to a certain balance, i can cut back on the contributions significantly.  It is, quite obviously, real money, but I haven’t been treating it as such.  Hmmm….