Courtney C. Lipsey Do you need to add more money to your budget? Start by evaluating ways to reduce your bills.
You can save money on anything from groceries to homeowners’ insurance by making small changes. Rent, car loans, and home loan payments are big-ticket items that require extra work, but they can help you save.
How to reduce your monthly bills in the following categories:
Housing
It’s harder to reduce your housing costs than, say, your grocery bill. But it can lead to big savings. Find out how to save money on rent, homeowners insurance, and home loans.
Home Loan
1. Refinance the home loan. You can save hundreds of dollars a month by lowering your interest rate by a few percentage points. You’ll get the best rates if your score looks good. Compare rates and fees with multiple lenders.
Rent
2. You could save hundreds of dollars on your rent if you downsize from a three-bedroom flat to a smaller two-bedroom apartment. You may have to share a room with someone or lose a spare bedroom in the short term.
3. Consider getting a roommate.
4. Negotiate with your landlord if moving is not an option. You may get a lower rent if you sign a longer-term lease or do your repairs.
Homeowners Insurance
5. Compare quotes. You can get the best coverage at the lowest price by shopping around.
6. Bundle your home and auto insurance. This can reduce your premiums by 5% to 30%, depending on your insurer and location.
7. Ask your insurer if there are any discounts available. You may be able to save money by paying your insurance in full, enrolling for electronic payments, or installing a home alarm system.
Utilities
You can save money by looking at your monthly utilities. Signing up for automatic payments, or even small steps, can result in significant savings.
Pay TV and Internet
8. You can save money by canceling services that you don’t use. You can save money by canceling unused services.
Consider binge-watching a few shows and then canceling a service if there are only a few. You can also take advantage of the free trials, which allow you to watch whatever you want for a limited time without having to commit to paying.
Still connected? Learn how to reduce your cable bill.
9. Bundle pay TV and Internet. Bundling your internet and delivering TV services can reduce costs. You can also lower your internet costs if you switch to a slower speed tier or buy a modem instead of renting one from your service provider.
Mobile phone
10. You can either change or cancel your insurance. Ask your provider if there is a more affordable plan. Standard insurance is usually cheaper than premium plans and may be enough.
11. Switch to a new plan or provider. Look at your data usage and strategy, then compare it to other carriers or your own. You can reduce your mobile bill by switching to a pre-paid service.
Electricity, Heat and Water
12. Use your heater or air conditioning only when necessary. Turn on the unit briefly to warm or cool the room. Be sure to turn it off when you leave the house.
13. Unplug devices when you’re not using them. Unplug your appliances, such as toasters, air fryers, and computers, when not in use when not in use.
Are you struggling to make ends meet?
Find out how to save money on a limited budget. This includes getting help and negotiating with providers.
Transport
Budgets tend to include transportation costs in the “needs’ category. Spend less on transportation each month to make more room in your monthly budget.
Payment for car
14. Refinance your car loan. By obtaining a lower interest rate or by extending your loan term, you can reduce your monthly car payment. You will need to have a history of timely payments for six to twelve months.
15. You can use the money from selling your vehicle to pay back your loan. Buy a cheaper model. A used car will not lose its value as fast as a brand-new vehicle.
If you choose a new car, keep all costs, including petrol, insurance, payment for the vehicle, registration, and repairs, below 20% of what you earn.
16. You can use the money you save on monthly insurance, petrol, parking, and maintenance costs to pay for public transportation (more below) or the occasional Uber ride. You can use the money you save on monthly insurance costs, fuel, parking, and maintenance to pay for public transportation and an occasional Uber.
Auto insurance
17. You can lower your insurance rates by increasing your deductible.
18. Reduce your coverage. An older vehicle may not require comprehensive coverage. You may only need third-party auto insurance.
19. Ask for discounts. Ask about discounts.
Food
Try switching to store brands at the grocery store to reduce your food costs. Also, take advantage of happy hours when dining out.
Groceries
20. Create a list of your shopping. If you plan, it’s less likely that you will overspend. You can also look for coupons to save more money on your groceries.
21. Choose the no-frills brands. Generics and store brands can help you save money even when shopping in more expensive stores.
22. Sign up for your favorite store’s loyalty program and download its app if available.
Dine out
23. Check out the specials. These can include happy hours, Taco Tuesdays, and other promotions.
24. Split or skip the main. You can save $5-$10 by ordering an entree. You can also save money by sharing a main dish with a friend or date.
Debt
You can reduce your debt repayments. You can lower your monthly payment by refinancing debt or consolidating it.
Charge card debt
25. Ask for a reduced interest rate. If you have a good credit rating and a history of timely payments, your credit card provider may lower the rate.
26. You can transfer your balance to a card that offers 0% interest, or you can open a new card with the same offer. You can pay off your balance with either card, and you won’t have to pay interest for a specified period. After that period expires, you will be charged interest. This usually requires a high credit score.
27. If you qualify, consolidate your credit card debt with a personal loan. They often offer lower interest rates. You can consolidate credit card debt using a Personal Loan if you are eligible. This will lower your monthly payment and help you save money on interest.
Memberships
It may not seem like much, but $7.99 and $9.99 here and there can quickly add up. These tips will help you reduce your membership fees.
Streaming services
28. You can save money by limiting the number of subscriptions you have. Amazon Prime members get both free streaming and shipping.
29. Consider family plans. Services like Apple Music and Spotify offer family plans that allow you to save money by sharing one account with multiple people.
Spending discretionary money on extras and not necessities
Gym memberships
30. Negotiate a lower membership fee by bringing up the rates of competitors and the gym’s promotions for new customers.
31. You can cancel your membership at any time and go to a different gym or studio. Many yoga studios offer community classes for free or at a donation. You can work out online for free and without ever leaving your home. The only thing you need to pay is the time.
Magazines and newspapers
32. If you are not a regular reader, cancel any subscriptions. You can resubscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate. You can also pick up a copy at your local public library.
33. Reduce print subscriptions. You don’t want to give up The Australian or your other daily newspaper subscription? You can opt for Sunday-only print or digital versions.
