3 Better Ways to Reduce Monthly Bills

Written by: Chris O'Shea | savvymoney.com

Quick tips for cutting monthly expenses.

Monthly bills can be a budget crusher. They are usually small costs that add up into big chunks that can make it difficult to stay afloat financially. With that in mind, here are some ways to reduce your monthly costs.

1. Cut Back

There’s a good chance you’re paying for some things that you don’t even use. Here are some ways to cut back:

• Get your bank and credit card statements
• See what services, memberships, and subscriptions you can eliminate
• Cut any services that you don’t need or haven’t used in months

Remember, this isn’t a permanent change. You can always add them back later down the road if you find that you miss them.

2. Contact Companies

Another way to reduce your monthly bills is to call the companies and lenders and ask for deals and discounts. This can work with the following:

• Cell phone provider
• Cable TV or Satellite provider
• Car Insurance
• Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance
• Credit card companies
• Internet provider
• Utilities (only if there are multiple options in the market)

Most of the time, there are deals to be had; you simply need to ask. If they don’t present a discount, threaten to leave for another provider. That will likely do the trick.

3. Pay Down Debt

It’s hard to manage monthly bills when you’re also dealing with debt.

• Pick a debt payment strategy and stick with it.
• We suggest the avalanche method, where you pay down the highest interest debt first.
• The most important thing, though, is picking a strategy that works for you.

Do One Thing: Reduce your monthly bills by cutting out services that you don’t or rarely use.