No one can escape bills, they are a part of every day adult life. But when was the last time you really analyzed each of your bills and tried to get them reduced or eliminated? Most people tend to think the fees are set, and sometimes they are. But more times than not they can be reduced by making a simple phone call. Here are the best ways to reduce your bills.
Can anything be eliminated?
First thing’s first – take a look at all the bills you’ve been paying for years and ask yourself “is it absolutely necessary that I continue to pay for this?” Of course it is imperative that you pay your rent or your electric bill, but can you do without cable? Can you let your gardener go and mow the lawn yourself? How about that gym membership? Are you using it enough to justify the expense? The simple act of analyzing every single bill and asking if what you’re paying for is a want or a need can help you cut some expenses and save money.
Start making phone calls
Now that you’ve eliminated some of the unnecessary bills it’s time to start focusing on the bills you have left. Pick up the phone and call your cell phone provider, internet company, insurance companies, etc. Tell them money is tight and you’d like to know if anything can be done to reduce your bills. They may be able to apply some program or credit to your bill that you didn’t even know existed. They might look at everything that’s part of your plan and suggest some things you can cut, or they might offer you a less expensive plan that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles but will still suit your needs.
Last resort
If the only answer you’re given is that there’s nothing they can do, there is one last resort. Tell them you’d like to speak to their cancellation department. Most places have trained their cancellation department staff to retain as many accounts as possible. Once transferred, you may finally be offered a discount or deal just to prevent you from cancelling. Even if you’re not offered anything, take the opportunity to find out what their cancellation policy is and if there are any penalties for cancelling early. Then start shopping around for a better deal elsewhere.
I challenge you not to get set in your ways and continue to pay all your bills without questioning them just because it’s what you’re used to. Click To TweetDo your research
Of course when it comes to your water or electric bill there isn’t much shopping around you can do. You are pretty much at their mercy and if they aren’t willing to help you bring down your bill you won’t have many other options, but at least you tried. However, when it comes to cell phone providers or insurance companies, if they aren’t willing to work with you I recommend you do some research and see if you can find a better deal elsewhere. Just be sure to consider early cancellation fees which might or might not be worth it depending on how much they will cost you and how much switching to a different provider is going to save you.
Don’t get set in your ways
Most people think a bill is a bill and nothing can be done about it. It’s just part of life, and they pay it month after month because they always have. But I challenge you not to get set in your ways and continue to pay all your bills without questioning them just because it’s what you’re used to. Ask yourself whether you’re paying for a want or a need. Then eliminate the wants until you’ve met your financial goals. Start making phone calls to see if you can reduce your bills. Do your research and start shopping around to see if you can find a lower rate elsewhere. By doing a combination of all these things, you might just find yourself saving hundreds of dollars every month!
Try it today and comment or send me an email telling me how much you were able to save. I’d love to hear your bill reduction success story!