One of my favorite ways to save money isn’t clipping coupons, it’s reviewing the bills I’m already paying every month to see if they can be lower. Most of us set up a bill once and never look at it again, even though prices, promotions, and better deals change constantly. A little review goes a long way.
Bills Worth Reviewing
These are the recurring bills I check most often, since they tend to have the most room to negotiate or shop around:
- Cell phone. Carriers regularly run promotions for new customers, and calling to ask about current plans as an existing customer can sometimes get you the same deal.
- Internet. Providers often have lower promotional rates that aren’t advertised unless you ask, especially if you mention you’re considering switching.
- Car insurance. Rates change often based on your driving record, location, and even your credit, so comparing quotes every year or two can turn up real savings.
- Homeowners or renters insurance. Bundling with your auto insurance, or simply shopping around, can lower this bill without reducing your coverage.
- Streaming services. It’s easy to accumulate subscriptions you barely use. Reviewing them alongside a full subscription audit can free up real money.
- Gym memberships. If you’re not using it regularly, ask about a cheaper tier, a freeze, or cancel altogether.
- Credit card interest. If you carry a balance, calling to ask for a lower rate, or looking into a balance transfer, can meaningfully cut what you pay in interest.
- Bank fees. Many monthly maintenance fees can be waived by meeting a minimum balance or switching to a no-fee account entirely.
- Cable. If you still pay for cable, it’s worth comparing the total cost against streaming alternatives at least once a year.
My Favorite Trick
Every six to twelve months, I go through my bills, compare current prices online, or simply call customer service and ask if there are any promotions or discounts available. Companies rarely offer their best rate automatically. You usually have to ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I say when I call to negotiate a bill?
Simply ask if there are any current promotions, discounts, or loyalty offers available, and mention you’re comparing options. Being polite and direct usually gets the best results.
How often should I review my bills?
Every six to twelve months is a good rule of thumb, since promotions and pricing change often and a bill that was competitive last year may not be anymore.
Is it worth switching providers to save a little money?
It depends on the savings and any switching costs involved, but even a modest monthly reduction adds up significantly over a year, so it’s usually worth at least checking.
Once you’ve trimmed your bills, put the extra cash to work with a few more habits from my 10 simple ways I save money, and take two minutes to run the settlement quiz to see if you’re owed money you didn’t know about.
