Drowning in Bills? Renegotiate Your Monthly Bills

Drowning in Bills? These Simple Changes May Help

Right now, you may be pouring over your budget trying to cut expenses. You’re probably taking an especially hard look at the bills that are the same amount month after month. You might be surprised to find out that it could be possible to lower those bills by doing a little bit of negotiating.

Home Entertainment

TV service providers are often willing to negotiate. Particularly if you’ve been a longtime customer, you may be able to lower your monthly bill merely by calling and asking if you’re eligible for any discounts. The available discounts might be higher if you are able to switch to a lower tier of service or commit to a contract of one year or more. It could also help if you’ve explored your other options — your existing provider may lower your bill to match an offer from another provider.

Internet

As with TV services, internet providers will frequently negotiate with customers. It can help to do research beforehand to see what offers you can get from other companies before you make the call to your current provider. Don’t forget about wireless services and other newer options in your area. Keep in mind that your best option for a discount may be switching either your TV or internet service so that you’re receiving both from the same company.

Car Insurance

It may even be possible to negotiate a lower auto insurance bill. Your current insurance company will usually be willing to review your coverage with you to make sure you’re not paying for more than you need, even if it’s just because you’re currently driving fewer miles than usual. It might also be worth checking premium quotes from other insurance companies, which you can do with an online tool.

Actions to Help You Save Money on Your Gas, Electric, and Water Bills

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average family in the U.S. spent more than $1,400 per year on their electric bill in 2020. Since then, gas, water, and energy prices have risen by 30%.
Though you can’t do much to change the price of energy, there are small changes you could make to reduce the energy you use.

7 Tips To Start Saving:

  1. Get an Electricity Audit
    Many electric companies offer a free audit where they do room-to-room inspections of your home and examine your electricity bills to help determine where you’re wasting energy.
    Even if your electric company doesn’t offer this service, you can perform a DIY home energy audit through the US Department of Energy website’s instructions.
  2. Adjust Your Thermostat
    By simply adjusting your thermostat seven to ten degrees, the Department of Energy postulates that you could save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling costs. In other words, keep your home a little bit warmer in the summer and a little cooler in the winter.
  3. Turn Down Your Water Heater
    Chances are your water heater is already set approximately twenty degrees above where you need it. Most water heater manufacturers set thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit when most households need them set at a maximum of 120. Setting your water heater to a lower temperature could save you hundreds of dollars every year.
  4. Turn Off and Unplug What You Aren’t Using
    Leaving things around your house plugged in or turned on, even when you aren’t using them, can unnecessarily drive up your electric bill. Start small by turning off the lights when you aren’t in the room or by unplugging appliances you aren’t using.
  5. Use Your Dishwasher
    It might sound a little strange to suggest running an appliance to save money on your electric bill, but that’s because dishwashers don’t use as much water today as they once did. The Department of Energy now regulates how much water they can use today.
  6. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
    Electricity use tends to be higher during certain times of the day and the year. Demand tends to be higher in the winter and summer months when people are running heaters and air conditioners. It also tends to be higher during the daytime and evening hours.
    Some electricity companies offer time-of-use plans, increasing rates during peak hours and decreasing them during off-peak hours. If you have one of these plans, you couldsave money by running larger appliances early in the morning or late at night.
  7. Change Your Air Filters
    Your air filter helps to catch any dirt, dust, pet hair, and even more, preventing it from making its way into your HVAC. However, if any of these pollutants infiltrate your HVAC system, it will decrease its efficiency. By replacing your filters, you could lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by anywhere from five to fifteen percent

Final Thoughts:

There are several steps that you could take to reduce your consumption and save money every month. Discover how much more you could save just by making a few simple adjustments every day.