Cutting Down on Monthly Bills
Saving money isn’t just about getting discounts on individual purchases; it’s also about lowering your fixed monthly expenses. Bills for your phone, cable, internet, and insurance can often feel non-negotiable, but they rarely are. A little bit of time spent on the phone once a year can lead to substantial, recurring savings that benefit you every single month.
Conduct an Annual Bill Audit
Set aside an afternoon once a year to review all your recurring bills. Pull out your statements for your cable and internet package, your cell phone plan, and your home and auto insurance policies. Ask yourself a few questions. Are you paying for services you don’t use, like premium cable channels you never watch or an unlimited data plan when you mostly use Wi-Fi? Are your rates slowly creeping up year after year? This audit will arm you with the information you need to take action.
Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate
Customer retention is a huge priority for these companies. It is far cheaper for them to give a loyal customer a better deal than to find a new one. Use this to your advantage. Call the customer service number and be prepared to speak with the “retention” or “cancellations” department, as they often have the most power to offer discounts.
Use a polite but firm script. You might say, “Hello, I’ve been a loyal customer for over ten years, and I’m reviewing my budget. My monthly bill of $150 has become too high for my fixed income. I see your competitors are offering similar packages for $100. Are there any new promotions, loyalty discounts, or more affordable plans you can move me to? I would prefer to stay with your company, but I need to find a way to lower this cost.” This approach is respectful and shows you’ve done your homework. More often than not, you’ll be offered a better rate to keep you as a customer.
Bundle Services and Review Your Needs
Many providers offer a discount for “bundling” multiple services, such as your internet, television, and home phone. If you are using separate companies for these, inquire about the savings of consolidating them with one provider. At the same time, be honest about what you truly need. If you primarily watch a few local channels and a streaming service, you may not need a massive cable package. Downgrading to a more basic plan can save a significant amount each month.
Check for Low-Income Assistance Programs
Don’t overlook federal and state programs designed to help make essential services more affordable. Programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can provide a discount on monthly internet service for eligible households. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help with heating and cooling costs. These programs provide a critical safety net and can dramatically reduce your financial stress. For information on assistance programs that can help lower costs, visit Benefits.gov. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) also has resources for saving money.
For consumer advice and protection against bad deals, consult the CFPB. Major discount programs are often detailed by AARP.
