Feeling weighed down by all those bills? Growing up, I always heard that paying bills is just a part of life. But that doesn’t mean you should constantly feel broke because of them. If your bills are sky-high and making life tough, don’t think you’re stuck. You can try different ways to lower your bills and make your budget easier to handle. Here are my top 7 tips to help with that:
1. **Reduce Grocery Costs**
Groceries can eat up a big chunk of your monthly budget. Many people spend more than they should because of impulse buying, especially with a credit card. To manage this, try paying with cash and always shop with a list. If you often buy lunch while at work, think about making and bringing it from home. It can save you more than you think without drastically increasing your grocery bill. Plus, using cashback apps like Ebates can help you earn rebates on your grocery purchases.
2. **Lower Your Phone Service Bill**
If you’re not locked into a contract, make sure you’re getting the best deal on your phone plan. Prepaid plans are often cheaper than contract plans. Many popular mobile companies offer great prepaid options or flexible contracts. Your choice depends on the features you need and what you’re willing to pay. I’ve been using Straight Talk for years, which has plans starting at just $35 a month for talk, text, and data. It’s good to know that if I need to save even more, I can easily switch to a cheaper plan.
3. **Use a Programmable Thermostat**
One simple way to cut heating and cooling costs is to delay turning on the heat or AC. Use fans and other methods to cool your home before resorting to the AC. A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, saving you at least $15 a month on utility bills.
4. **Take Advantage of Energy Assistance Programs**
If you’re struggling with your electricity bill and have a low income, you might qualify for energy assistance programs. These programs, offered by government and community organizations, can help cover part of your utility bills. They usually have certain income limits and other criteria. Consider these as temporary solutions until your financial situation improves.
5. **Raise Your Insurance Deductibles**
Increasing your insurance deductible can lower your payments, though it means you’d pay more out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in. If you rarely make claims and can handle the higher deductible, this might be a good option. Alternatively, shop around for different insurance plans to find a cheaper one with the same coverage. This is something I do regularly with my car insurance to save money.
6. **Get a Roommate**
Sharing living costs with a roommate can cut down several of your bills. This might not work for everyone, but if you have extra space, renting it out could help. My husband and I are considering this with our spare room. The roommate could pay a flat rent or share the utility costs.
7. **Cut Unnecessary Bills**
While some bills are unavoidable, others are not. If you’re buried in bills, review them to see if there are any you can eliminate. This might include subscriptions you don’t use much. A service called Trim can help you find and cancel forgotten subscriptions. Distinguishing between wants and needs can help reduce financial stress. Even temporary cutbacks can have a significant impact on your budget.
Do you have any other tips for lowering bills? Feel free to share any ideas you have!