20 Money-Saving Techniques for Parent-Child Study Abroad | Ways to Cut Costs Wisely Without Strain

When you think about parent-and-child study abroad, the first thing on your mind is probably the cost. Tuition, accommodation, flights, visas, insurance... all together, even a short stay can cost several hundred thousand yen, and a long stay can easily exceed JPY 1,000,000.

But in fact, **with a little ingenuity you can cut waste and keep costs down without lowering satisfaction**. Even without spending a lot, your child can learn English, experience a different culture, and strengthen family bonds.

Drawing on the voices of people who have been through it and practical tips from life on the ground, this article summarizes **20 practical techniques for saving money on parent-and-child study abroad without strain**.

From saving on flights and accommodation to everyday living tips, learning materials, and food costs, we introduce ways in which a bit of know-how can change your budget by tens of thousands of yen.

If you are planning parent-and-child study abroad and want to make it happen at the lowest cost possible, please use this as a reference.

Flights make up a large share of the cost of parent-and-child study abroad. In particular, during **Japan's long holiday seasons** such as summer, spring, and winter breaks, demand is concentrated and prices can more than double.

The key to saving is **shifting your departure period.** For example, even for the same destination,

• mid-May to June, after Golden Week
• October to November
• mid-January to February, right after the New Year holidays tend to see big drops in airfares.

In some cases, **just moving your departure from a weekend to a weekday saves JPY 10,000 to 20,000**. Comparing with a plus or minus 3 days range on a search site makes it easier to find the best-value dates.

If you fly with a low-cost carrier (LCC), it is also worth aiming for early-booking discounts and sale periods. In particular, with **Cebu Pacific and AirAsia**, booking a few months ahead can turn up one-way tickets for under JPY 10,000.

If your study timing is flexible, switching to the mindset of **building your schedule around the flight** can lead to major savings.

In parent-and-child study abroad, the choice of flight alone can change your costs dramatically. In recent years LCCs (Low Cost Carriers) have expanded their offerings, and in some cases **even two people, parent and child, can travel round trip for under JPY 100,000**.

Typical LCCs include:

• For the Philippines: **Cebu Pacific**
• For Southeast Asia: **AirAsia**
• Via Korea or Taiwan: **ZIPAIR and Scoot** are popular choices.

The biggest advantage of LCCs is **the freedom to choose only the services you need**. If you skip in-flight meals, checked baggage, and seat selection, you can keep the price quite low. However, parent-and-child study abroad tends to involve a lot of luggage, so the following tips will give you peace of mind.

• **Book checked baggage online in advance** (cheaper than at the airport)
• **Share one large suitcase** to spread out the weight
• **Lighten your carry-on backpack** so boarding goes smoothly

It is also important to **check for sale information**. If you sign up for newsletters and set up app notifications, you will not miss limited-time tickets such as one-way JPY 999 sales.

With just a little effort, **the cost of airfare can drop to less than half**. As the first step in saving money, using LCCs is a must.

The biggest costs of parent-and-child study abroad are accommodation and food. Staying in hotels typically runs around JPY 10,000 per night, which can exceed JPY 300,000 a month. On the other hand, choosing a **condominium or Airbnb with a kitchen** can cut the cost to less than half.

The appeal of a condominium is **the freedom it gives you in daily life**. Many units come with a rice cooker, microwave, and refrigerator, and since you can prepare your child's meals and lunch boxes yourself, you can dramatically cut eating-out costs.

In Cebu, for example,

• Eating out: 3 meals a day for 2 people, about PHP 1,500 to 2,000 (about JPY 4,000)
• Cooking at home: 2 to 3 meals a day for 2 people, about PHP 500 to 700 (about JPY 1,500)

This can add up to **a difference of more than JPY 70,000 a month**.

For longer stays, you can also sign monthly rental contracts, so it is worth looking for properties through local real estate agents, which are cheaper than Airbnb. If you choose accommodation affiliated with the local school, commuting is convenient and you can feel secure about safety.

For parent-and-child study abroad, **a lifestyle closer to home rather than a hotel** is both a **comfortable and economical** choice.

Language school tuition is one of the biggest expenses in parent-and-child study abroad. However, **by making good use of timing and campaigns, you can save tens of thousands of yen**.

Many language schools regularly run promotions such as the following.

• **Early bird discount**: 5 to 10% off if you apply 3 to 6 months before enrollment
• **Parent-and-child or pair discount**: discounts for parent and child, or two or more people, applying together
• **Long-stay discount**: lower tuition for applications of a certain length or more, such as 12 weeks or longer
• **Off-season discount**: special prices in low seasons (such as May to June and October to November)

For example, schools in Cebu sometimes offer very good deals, such as 4 weeks of tuition with 1 week free, or half-price accommodation when a parent and child enroll at the same time.

Also, the promotions offered differ depending on the study-abroad agency, so it is important to **get quotes from multiple agencies and compare them**.

For the latest information, check regularly:

• the school's official social media (Facebook and Instagram)
• study-abroad agencies' campaign pages
• posts and reviews from students currently studying there

and similar sources.

A small difference in timing can change **the total cost by nearly JPY 100,000**.

When withdrawing money for living expenses locally, it is easy to use the exchange counter at the airport, but **airport rates are generally about 5 to 10% less favorable**. If you exchange living expenses for two people all at once, that difference alone can mean a loss of several thousand yen to more than JPY 10,000.

We recommend using **licensed exchange counters inside large shopping malls in the city**. In Cebu, the exchange counters at Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, Robinsons Galleria, and similar places are safe, offer good rates, and are reliable because they have many users.

The key points for saving are as follows.

• At the airport, exchange only **the minimum for transportation and one day of living expenses**
• After arriving in the city, **compare rates at several exchange counters**
• **Always get a receipt** when exchanging (to prevent trouble)
• If the amount is large, **exchange in installments rather than all at once**

In recent years, using a **debit card that works overseas or a Wise (formerly TransferWise) card** keeps foreign exchange fees low and also reduces the risk of carrying a lot of cash.

Many people exchange money at the airport in the rush just after arrival, but if you simply wait a little, this is **a sure way to save money**.

In parent-and-child study abroad, the daily commute to school is also a significant cost. In particular, if you use taxis or Grab (a ride-hailing app), **even a few hundred pesos a day adds up to JPY 10,000 to 20,000 a month**. The simplest way to reduce this is **to live near the school**.

For example, if you live within a 5 to 10 minute walk,

• daily transportation costs drop to zero
• commuting stress is reduced
• you are covered on rainy days and in traffic jams and not only costs but also the comfort of daily life improve.

Even if walking distance is difficult, choosing a place **within 5 to 10 minutes one way by Grab** keeps each ride to about PHP 50 to 100 (about JPY 120 to 250). For longer stays, also check whether you can use **school shuttles or local shared transfers**.

When choosing a school, it is important to compare total cost, including **commute distance and location**, not just the low tuition. A difference of a few hundred yen a day becomes a major saving after one month.

Communication costs are also one of the fixed costs that are easy to overlook during parent-and-child study abroad. If you use your Japanese smartphone with roaming, you can be charged a high **JPY 2,000 or so per day**. To save money, **using a local SIM card** is strongly recommended.

In the Philippines (Cebu), the two main carriers are mainly

• **Globe**
• and **Smart**. SIM cards are easy to buy in airport arrival halls and shopping malls.

The approximate prices are as follows.

• SIM card itself: PHP 50 to 100 (about JPY 150 to 250)
• 30-day data plan: PHP 300 to 600 (about JPY 800 to 1,500)

In other words, you can get **a good connection for around JPY 1,000 a month**. If you use a lot of data, adding a plan is easy through apps such as GigaLife and GlobeOne.

Recently, if you use an **eSIM-compatible smartphone**, you can add a local line while keeping your Japanese number. Using a local SIM means

• online classes and navigation apps work smoothly
• parent and child can contact each other for free via LINE or Messenger
• you are covered even where Wi-Fi is unstable

so you save on communication costs and also gain **convenience and safety**.

For study abroad, insurance is essential in case of illness or accident. However, **full-coverage overseas insurance for a parent and child can cost JPY 20,000 to 50,000 per month**. The key to saving is to narrow down to the coverage you truly need.

The first thing to check is the **insurance that comes with your credit card**. Many recent cards (especially gold cards and above) include coverage such as injury treatment, illness treatment, and damage to personal belongings, either automatically or when you use the card to pay for travel.

For example,

• Sumitomo Mitsui Card Gold (NL)
• Rakuten Premium Card
• Epos Card (overseas travel insurance included automatically) and similar cards can provide sufficient coverage for short stays (30 to 90 days).

On top of that,

• if your stay exceeds 90 days
• if you want to cover periods without credit card coverage it is efficient to **take out short-term additional insurance month by month**.

For children, it is also worth checking items such as outpatient costs, infectious diseases, and dental problems. This is because, unlike adults, **pediatric visits and minor injuries are more frequent**.

While saving on insurance premiums, it is important to strike a balance within a range where you will not be stuck in an emergency. With credit card coverage plus short-term additional insurance, you can **secure peace of mind for a few thousand yen a month**.

In parent-and-child study abroad, **having parent and child attend the same school** brings significant benefits in both cost and support. In fact, many language schools offer parent-and-child programs, and in some cases **discounts on tuition and accommodation apply**.

For example,

• Some schools run promotions such as 10% off the parent's tuition when parent and child enroll at the same time,
• half-price accommodation for the second person,
• or sharing accommodation costs when staying in the same room.

In addition, when parent and child study at the same facility, daily life becomes more convenient, with

• no commuting costs (same building or within walking distance)
• schedules that are easy to match
• a child who can study with peace of mind and similar benefits.

At schools for parent-and-child study abroad such as those in Cebu, it is common for the parent to take a general English conversation course and the child a junior course, with classes at the same time. This lets you build an efficient schedule: **study during the day, and enjoy sightseeing and home cooking together in the afternoon**.

Depending on the school, there is also the option of the parent simply accompanying the child (no classes). In this case, **an SSP (Special Study Permit) is not required**, which saves tens of thousands of yen in local costs.

Having parent and child attend the same school is a well-balanced choice in terms of cost, safety, and daily life.

An expense that is easily overlooked during study abroad is **learning materials**. For a parent and child in particular, textbook costs of several hundred to several thousand yen per subject add up, and can exceed JPY 5,000 to 10,000 a month.

However, you do not necessarily have to buy new materials. The key to saving is to **make good use of used materials and sharing**.

At local schools, previous students will often pass on the materials they used for half price or less. Also, in Japanese community groups on Facebook and LINE, posts offering materials and school supplies for free or at a low price before returning home are frequently seen.

In addition, if parent and child are studying at the same English level, it is a good idea to **share materials**. For example, a child can use the materials the parent used for review, and the learning effect is still sufficient.

At schools that have introduced online materials, one option is to view them as PDFs to save on printing costs. If you bring one tablet, you can manage multiple materials digitally, which is convenient.

Even without buying new materials, **with some ingenuity the quality of learning does not change**. Putting the money saved on materials toward experiential learning and weekend activities is also a good use.

Since you are abroad, you will naturally want to enjoy leisure and sightseeing on weekends. However, **if you use paid tours and resorts every week, expenses pile up quickly.**

The key to saving is to **plan around spots you can enjoy for free or at low cost.**

In Cebu, for example,

• Nearby **free beaches and public resorts**
• **IT Park and the outdoor event plazas at Ayala Mall**
• **Local markets and night markets**
• **Cultural spots such as churches, parks, and observation decks**

There are plenty of **places where the family can spend a fulfilling day without spending money**.

Some schools also hold free weekend activities and local exchange events. Taking part in volunteer activities and cultural experiences also leads to improved English.

If you really want to join a paid tour, book directly on site or compare several tour companies to **save on online fees**. Looking for recommendations from local residents on social media is also effective.

Make memorable experiences while saving money. If you make good use of free spots, you will naturally develop **the ability to enjoy being abroad without spending money**.

Daily food costs account for a large share of life as a student abroad. If you keep eating out, it can come to about **PHP 1,500 to 2,000 per day (about JPY 4,000)** for two people. But by making good use of **local eateries (carinderias) and markets**, you can cut that cost to less than half.

In local areas like Cebu,

• at a carinderia (local eatery), a meal costs **PHP 100 to 150 (about JPY 300 to 400)**
• at markets, vegetables, fruit, and meat are **20 to 30% cheaper** than at supermarkets
• with a rice cooker and seasonings, cooking at home for **under JPY 1,000 per day** is possible

For example, simply eating fruit and bread bought at the market for breakfast, lunch at school, and home cooking for dinner can **save JPY 30,000 to 50,000 a month**.

Local eateries are also **a place to practice ordering in English**, and a practical English experience for children. They are ideal for practicing everyday conversation, such as What is this dish? and Could you make it a little spicier?

The key points are:

• choose clean places with many customers coming and going
• a place where locals are lining up is a sign of a good choice
• always choose bottled water for drinks

With small habits like these, you can **enjoy your meals while saving**.

If you use taxis or Grab (a ride-hailing app) for every trip during parent-and-child study abroad, **PHP 200 to 300 per day (about JPY 500 to 800) adds up to more than JPY 10,000 to 20,000 a month**.

The key to saving is to **make good use of public transportation.**

In the Philippines (Cebu), the following options are available:

• **MyBus**: a large bus connecting the airport and major malls. Air-conditioned and comfortable, with fares of about PHP 25 to 40.
• **Jeepney**: the cheapest way to get around, with fares of about PHP 15 (about JPY 40) per ride on some routes.
• **Tricycle**: convenient for short distances, available for a few dozen pesos.

However, jeepneys and tricycles can feel a little difficult until you get used to them, so we recommend that the parent look up the routes at first, then try them with the child once you are comfortable. It is also key to **use them selectively**, such as taking Grab at night or in bad weather for safety.

Depending on the school or accommodation, **free shuttle buses or plans with transfers** may be available, so check in advance.

Beyond saving on transportation costs, using local transport is also **an experience that lets you feel local life and culture firsthand**.

During parent-and-child study abroad, even if you think you are buying a little at a time every day, you may find that you are spending **close to JPY 10,000 to 20,000 a month on daily necessities alone**. In particular, water, snacks, detergent, diapers, and sunscreen are generally **20 to 30% more expensive at convenience stores** than at supermarkets.

The key to saving is to **buy in bulk and make use of promotions (sales).**

In Cebu,

• large supermarkets such as **SM Supermarket, Robinsons, Landers, and S&R**
• and in-mall stores such as **Metro Supermarket and Ayala Supermarket** regularly run promotions like Buy 1 Take 1 (buy one, get one free) and 3 for 2 (three items for the price of two).

Buying in bulk is overwhelmingly cheaper especially for items like the following.

• **Water jugs** in 6L to 10L sizes
• Refill packs of detergent, shampoo, and body soap
• Snacks, instant foods, and beverages
• Consumables such as children's toys and stationery

Also, at **local markets (wet markets)**, you can sometimes get fruit, vegetables, eggs, and more for about half the supermarket price. By using each place wisely, you can **save JPY 3,000 to 5,000 per month**.

The trick is to keep track of what you use often and restock regularly. If you make bulk buying a habit, you save both time and money.

In parent-and-child study abroad, there are many cases where **the longer you stay, the better the deal**. This is because language schools, accommodations, and study-abroad agencies all offer **discount systems for long-term contracts**.

For example, the following discounts are common at language schools:

• 5% off tuition for 4 weeks or more
• 10% off tuition for 8 weeks or more
• Discounts on accommodation or meals for 12 weeks or more

By applying for a long stay rather than a short one, it is not unusual for **the average monthly cost to fall by tens of thousands of yen**.

Also, for accommodation, choosing a contract of 3 months or more rather than month-to-month rental can sometimes earn you a **5 to 15% discount** on rent. In direct negotiations with local owners, it is also worth **asking for a discount on the premise that you will stay long**.

In addition, long-stay discounts may apply to flights and insurance. For example, taking out overseas insurance for 3 months at once may be cheaper than paying month by month.

If you are planning a long stay, **signing contracts together and paying in a lump sum** tends to be cheaper overall. However, if there is a possibility of changing schools or extending, **check the refund policy in advance**.

Just applying for a slightly longer period can make a difference of tens of thousands of yen. Long-stay discounts are **one of the most reliable tips** for saving on parent-and-child study abroad.

Even for the same school, the same period, and the same plan, **costs can differ greatly depending on the agency you apply through**. This is because the promotions, fees, and support systems differ from agency to agency.

For example, one agency may be running

• a 10% tuition discount campaign,
• while another may offer something completely different, such as a free airport pick-up plus free learning materials.

To save money, it is important to **request quotes from at least 3 agencies** and compare the breakdowns in detail. The points to check in particular are as follows:

• **Whether tuition, accommodation, and local payments such as the SSP are included**
• **Whether there is an agency fee (whether the support is free)**
• **Whether campaigns and discount codes can be applied**
• **Refund policy and support period**

It also gives peace of mind to check reviews and social media posts on whether the support was actually attentive and how the agency handled trouble on site.

Depending on the agency, there are also many cases **cheaper than applying directly**. For parent-and-child study abroad in particular, you can request school, accommodation, transfers, and living support all at once, so choosing a trustworthy agency can **save both money and time**.

Taking the trouble to compare carefully and choose with care ultimately leads to savings.

In parent-and-child study abroad, the **initial cost of household goods** such as furniture, appliances, and children's school supplies is a surprisingly large burden. Buying everything new costs **at least JPY 20,000 to 50,000**.

However, locally, students about to return home and long-term residents often pass on furniture, appliances, toys, and other items that are still usable **at low prices or for free**.

The usual places to look are as follows:

• **Facebook groups (for example, Cebu Japanese bulletin boards)**
• **Bulletin boards at schools and student dorms**
• **LINE communities and groups of local residents**

In these communities, posts such as pre-departure sales and items to give away or buy are frequent, and you can get tables, electric fans, kitchenware, children's toys, and more for **half price or less**.

Also, in countries such as the Philippines, **secondhand shops** are common. You can sometimes find not only furniture and appliances but also strollers and school supplies.

When you are done, **passing items on to the next student** before you return home reduces waste and helps other families.

Items do not have to be new; clean and usable is enough. **Making good use of reuse culture leads to both savings and environmental consideration.**

During parent-and-child study abroad, children are excited by the new environment, and there are more occasions when they ask for shopping and snacks. However, **giving money without setting any rules is a cause of unconscious overspending**.

The key to saving is to **decide on an allowance system in advance.**

We recommend

• **a weekly style, giving a fixed amount each week**
• **an achievement-based rule, gradually increasing the amount for helping out or studying**

For example, setting goals such as up to PHP 300 this week, or an extra PHP 50 if you do your homework every day, lets your child enjoy learning to manage money.

Also, **getting into the habit of checking prices together when shopping** naturally builds the sense of how much is left if you buy this.

This is not just about saving; it is also **an important opportunity for money education**. Using local currency abroad also helps your child learn how to read numbers and exchange words in English.

Prevent wasteful spending and turn it into a learning opportunity. It is **real-life money education** that is possible precisely because you are studying abroad as a parent and child.

During parent-and-child study abroad, not only studying but also experiences of meeting local culture and people are important learning. However, if you frequently use tours and paid experiences, **expenses quickly add up**. What we recommend in such cases are **local events you can join for free or at low cost**.

In places like Cebu, many free events are held by malls, tourism offices, and language schools. For example:

• **Kids workshops at shopping malls (English activities)**
• **Cultural festivals, dance festivals, and music events**
• **Volunteer activities (cleaning, supporting children, and so on)**
• **Weekend club activities and English conversation cafes hosted by language schools**

These are free or cost only a few hundred pesos (a few hundred yen) to join, and are mostly easy for both children and adults to enjoy.

Tips for gathering information:

• Search for terms like Cebu free event using the **Facebook Events feature**
• Follow **mall official social media** (Ayala, SM, and so on)
• Check **local school bulletin boards and LINE groups**

These free events are not just play; they are also very effective as **places to practice using English naturally**.

Learn while having fun, and expand your interaction with local people. It is a two-birds-with-one-stone saving technique: gaining more experiences without spending money.

When returning home after parent-and-child study abroad, many people worry about what to do with furniture, appliances, and household goods. But **it is a waste to just throw them away!** By reselling them wisely, you can **recover several thousand to tens of thousands of yen**.

In the Philippines and similar places, there is an established culture of students selling their belongings before returning home, and there are services that work like a local version of Mercari.

The main methods are as follows:

• **Facebook Marketplace**: the most users, and transactions can be made safely
• **Bulletin boards and LINE groups of Japanese communities**
• **Post a pre-departure sale notice on the school bulletin board**

Items well suited to resale include:

• Appliances such as electric fans, kettles, and rice cookers
• Furniture such as desks, chairs, and storage boxes
• Toys, English learning materials, and picture books
• Miscellaneous goods and unused consumables

The best time to start posting items to give away or sell is **2 to 3 weeks before returning home**. If you post early, you are more likely to find people who will buy in bulk.

Also, passing items on cheaply to the next person who will study abroad helps spread **community ties and a circle of gratitude**.

Making good use of everything to the end and turning what you used into value is also a hallmark of an experienced study-abroad saver.

Parent-and-child study abroad is an irreplaceable experience that supports a child's growth and deepens family bonds. However, the financial burden is large, and many families cannot take the first step.

The 20 saving techniques introduced here are all **realistic methods you can practice without strain**. By accumulating a little ingenuity, you can even achieve **savings in the hundreds of thousands of yen** in total.

Three points in particular are worth keeping in mind:

• **Compare the timing, school, and accommodation carefully before departure**
• **Adopt a local way of living once you are there**
• **The purpose of saving is not to endure hardship but to put the money toward experiences**

The true goal of saving is not just to spend less money, but **to gain more learning and more memories**.

If you put in a little effort, you can learn more freely and more richly. That is the key to bringing out the full appeal of parent-and-child study abroad.

Please use these 20 tips as a reference to build a study-abroad plan that suits your family. Save wisely, and make study abroad an experience that stays in your heart.

By choosing your departure timing, using LCCs, staying in a self-catering condominium, and combining long-stay and parent-and-child discounts, you can cut tens of thousands to well over JPY 100,000 per month compared with the same conditions of a hotel stay plus a legacy carrier.

The best times to aim for are **mid-January to February, May to June, and October to November**, which avoid Japan's long holiday periods. Just shifting from a weekend departure to a weekday departure can also lower the price.

There is no problem if you add checked baggage in advance and distribute the weight across suitcases. Choose in-flight meals and seat selection only as needed. The trick is to use app notifications so you do not miss sales.

For long stays, a **condominium with a kitchen plus self-catering** is advantageous. Food costs drop to one half to one third, and laundry facilities also keep laundry costs down.

Regularly check the school's official social media, agencies' campaign pages, and communities of current students. Compare in your quotes whether **early-bird, parent-and-child, long-stay, and off-season discounts** apply.

Exchange only the minimum at the airport. After arrival, compare rates at licensed exchange counters in city malls. Combining an overseas-compatible debit card or a Wise card can lower fees.

The best approach is to **live near the school**. If that is difficult, aim for a 5 to 10 minute ride by Grab. Also check whether a school shuttle or shared transfer is available.

Use a prepaid SIM (eSIM possible) from a local carrier. Around JPY 1,000 a month secures enough data. Roaming tends to be expensive.

The standard approach is **credit card coverage plus short-term additional coverage only as needed**. Taking into account stays over 90 days and how often children visit the doctor, design coverage mainly around illness treatment, rescuer expenses, and personal belongings.

This is possible depending on the school and country. With accompaniment only, tuition and some local costs (for example, the study permit) become unnecessary, which can save tens of thousands of yen.

Save by using secondhand handovers, items passed down from senior students, PDF materials, and parent-and-child sharing. When you return home, pass items on to the next student to keep them circulating.

Make use of free beaches and parks, free mall events, and school activities. For paid tours, book directly on site or compare multiple companies to keep fees down.

Combine local eateries and markets with home cooking. Choose clean places, and be thorough about choosing bottled water for drinks.

It is worth using during the day and on major routes (such as large buses). At night and in rain, switch to a ride-hailing app. The basic approach is to balance safety and savings.

Convenience stores are expensive. Use large supermarket promotions (such as Buy 1 Take 1), membership stores, and markets selectively, and save time and money by buying in bulk.

Tuition and rent tend to go down, so the total is advantageous. However, be sure to check the **refund policy**. If there is a possibility of changing schools, also consider paying in installments.

Compare **total cost, perks, fees, local support, and refund conditions** under the same conditions with at least 3 agencies. Even for the same school, conditions can differ.

Facebook Marketplace, groups of Japanese residents, and school bulletin boards. When you return home, announcing the resale early increases the amount you recover.

Make it a rule with a fixed weekly allowance plus an achievement-based bonus. Check prices together when shopping, and use it as an opportunity for money education.

Safety always comes first. Avoiding dangerous times and areas and choosing reliable transportation and accommodation ultimately helps you avoid medical costs and the cost of trouble.