About twice a year I sit down and figure out what my bills are each month how to lower them! I am going to give you a list of ideas of what to do and I suggest you give them all a try! I came up with this list on how to Lower Your Monthly Expenses! Lowering your expenses helps you a lot! Lets say you can save $100 a month! That is HUGE! Lets see what you can do and come back and let me know if I saved you any money! These are just a few things you can try!
Lower Your Monthly Expenses TODAY
1. IF you have any credit cards, then time to give them each a call. If you have been making on time payments ask them to re-evaluate your account and request a lower APR. The worse thing they can do is tell you “No” but a lot of times every few months you can negotiate a lower interest! This usually works if you have been making on time payments. I hope this helps lower your monthly expenses right away!
2. The HUGE cable and internet bill: Call them to get them lowered. You might have to get a less expensive plan. I have done this monthly and even picked up free channels along the way! This is a fun and easy way to lower your monthly expenses! If you have the movie channels and are only watching 2 movies a month it probably isn’t worth the extra money. Perhaps you can get rid of cable all together and try for Netflix. Hey you can even try for the free 30 day trial, then next month do the free Red Box trial. Then Hulu…then Amazon…and get about 3-4 months of FREE trials!
3. Telephone Bill: We just use our cell phones. Each year it is best to call them and re-evaluate. Are you paying for too many minutes, too much data, etc. Will you consider doing a cheaper plan (check in to TING they use a popular phone tower for their service but under a huge savings)? I read that you can lower your $200 bill to more than half!
4. Average Bill Pay: If you live in an are with 4 seasons, why pay more for gas and more for electric during different parts of the year. It stinks when you have a high month you didn’t expect! So call them and see if they can get you on a monthly average plan!
5. Entertainment and Eating Out: Okay ONLY eat out if you have a deal or coupon and don’t eat out more than once a week. This adds up so much. If you are wanting to lower your expenses, eat at home! Create a meal plan like E-meals.
What are your other ideas? I love comments!
Nick Elam says
Okay, these tips are helpful! Why? I am in my 20’s and am still figuring out how to balance life and bills in the most efficient way possible. I like these tips cause they really ask to you to take a half hour and ask yourself some questions about your spending habits and what you do or don’t really need. In a way it’s “life editing”. Getting rid of unnecessary data plans and TV services that are barely used…we all think big when we buy, so it’s important to slow yourself down and really think about your spending. Thank you for the tips! My credit card company is getting a phone call shortly!
Katie H says
For the cable one, cut it completely! Especially if you don’t watch much sports and can use an antenna. For Amazon, if you are in school be a student member of Amazon! You’ll pay have the yearly rate, and can still stream! Also someone on my fb recently made a great suggestion. Also for internet/tv/phone (if you can’t or do not want to cut) check the competitors out. Sometimes they’ll meet or beat competitor’s pricing to keep you as a customer! Shop around for car insurance every few years too to make sure you are getting the best rate/all the discounts you can (same for house/renters insurance). If you typically buy from Amazon, Target, etc, buy the gift cards from the grocery store that gives you double (or more!) fuel points. You’ll still spend the same amount,but you’ll save a ton on your gas for your vehicle! Don’t forget to sign up for any stores you frequent’s savings club or emails. Often you’ll get a coupon for a freebie, or extra coupons. I also use ebates and such to earn cash back for online shopping. I also buy most the toys for the kiddos I know from Kmart for free through their points! I got a $120 imaginext toy for less than $5 out of pocket between a sale, surprise points, and points I had won through their sweeps.