Terms of Use 

You wouldn’t go into a car dealership and offer to pay full sticker price on a car would you?  Just as you would negotiate for a better car deal, there are other monthly expenses you may just be able to reduce by using your negotiating skills.

Cell Phones

Monthly cell phone plans can be expensive, especially if you have multiple lines or unlimited data on your account.  Try these cost-cutting steps: 

  • Look at your current plan and monthly usage. Reduce or eliminate data or services you don’t use
  • Look at other carriers' rates to see whether you could save money by switching
  • Contact your carrier and request a rate reduction.  Be sure to mention how long you’ve been a customer and that you’d rather not leave
  • Inquire about any promotions or limited-time offers available with your current provider
  • If your current carrier can't lower your monthly costs or a different carrier has a better deal, be prepared to make the switch  

Cable

Perhaps you've been considering dropping cable all together in favor of streaming services like Hulu, Sling, Amazon Prime, etc.  Cable providers realize this risk to their business and may be eager to retain your business.  Try these cost-cutting steps:
  • Look into other cable companies in your area to see if they offer lower fees
  • Contact your carrier and request a rate reduction.  Be sure to mention how long you've been a customer and that you'd rather not leave
  • Inquire about any promotions or limited-time offers available with your current provider
  • If your current carrier can't lower your monthly costs, be prepared to switch carriers or cut your cable service in favor of streaming services

Credit Cards

If you have a high interest rate on any of your credit cards, and you are unable to pay off your balance each month, credit card companies may work with you to lower minimum monthly payments, interest rate charged and even the total balance owed.
  • Look over all of your bills.  Based on your budget, what amount of monthly credit card payment can you realistically commit to? 
  • Contact your credit card company and discuss your situation, then request assistance
  • Consider whether you should seek help from a credit counselor depending on the severity of your debt

Auto Insurance

There are lots of insurance companies competing for your business.  It pays to check your policy against others at least annually to ensure you're getting the very best deal.  Try these cost cutting steps:  
  • Based on where you live, find out what level of coverage is required for bodily injury and property damage
  • If your premiums equal 10% or more of your car's value, consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on the vehicle.  Of course, be prepared with cash available should you get into an accident
  • Request quotes for a new policy from one or more insurers.  You can do so quickly online. 
  • Consider whether a pay-by-mile insurance plan may be right for you

Medical Bills

Even with health insurance, you know there are out-of-pocket costs associated with your healthcare.  
  • If you have a high-deductible policy, explain this to the medical provider at the time of service
  • Ask whether a cash option, rather than going through insurance, may save you money 
  • Once you've received a bill, contact the provider and ask for a reduction in the unpaid balance or a repayment option
  • Comparison shop when possible to see what other providers charge for a medical procedure before you set the appointment