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9 Bills You Can Negotiate to Save Money Every Month

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As a mom, saving money is always a top priority. Sometimes, it can feel like there’s not much you can do to reduce expenses beyond cutting coupons and shopping sales. However, there is one powerful option you might be overlooking, and that’s negotiating your bills.

Did you know that you can negotiate many of your monthly bills? It’s true! In fact, you may be able to save a lot of money by doing so. And here are nine bills you can negotiate to save money each month.

Why You Should Negotiate Your Bills 

There are several reasons why negotiating can help reduce your monthly expenses:

  • You may be able to get a lower rate. Some companies are willing to offer discounts or special rates for loyal customers.
  • You may be able to get fees waived. A lot of companies will waive late fees or administrative charges if you call and ask for it.
  • You may be able to get a better package deal. When negotiating, you can often bundle services together to save money.

Before You Start Negotiating 

Before you start negotiating, it’s important to have everything prepared. This includes:

  • Determine which bills are negotiable. Certain services, such as cable or cell phone plans, might be more open to offering you a discount if you continue using their services, but others may not have the option to reduce their fees.
  • Conduct research on bill negotiation options. Identify the bills that can be negotiated and research the discounts offered by competitors. This information can be used when dealing with your current service provider.
  • When you contact customer service, ask for a better rate and make sure to have information about competitor offers ready. If necessary, let the representative know that you may leave if you don’t get a better deal, as this can make them more willing to negotiate with you.

Now let’s look at the nine bills you can negotiate to save money each month. 

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Bills to Negotiate to Save Money Each Month

1) Cell Phone Plan

If you’re paying too much for your cell phone plan, there are some things you can do to save money.

First, consider dropping the features or services that you don’t really need. You should also determine if it’s cheaper to add a line to an existing plan instead of having separate plans for each family member. And finally, shop around and look for more competitive rates with other carriers. 

2) Cable or Satellite Television 

Typically, at the beginning of your service, many providers may offer a lower rate which can increase after one or two years and become quite costly.

You should contact your provider to inquire about possible better deals when this happens. If they are unwilling to offer a deal, you can mention that you are considering canceling your service and switching to a competitor. This may improve your chances of negotiating a better rate.

You can also reduce expenses by cutting the cord and opting for streaming services instead.

3) Internet 

Similar to cable and satellite TV providers, internet companies may offer a promotional price at the start of your service, which can increase after one or two years. 

You should contact your provider to find out if they can provide a better rate. If not, you can always look into other options in your area that might have more competitive prices.

4) Credit Cards

If you have a strong history of paying on time and a good credit score, you may be able to negotiate lower interest rates on your credit cards. Contact your credit card company to ask for a lower rate or balance transfer options.

If they refuse to budge, kindly let them know that you will explore alternative options without causing any lasting impact on your credit score. Simply voicing your dissatisfaction is often enough for them to work with you and retain you as a customer.

5) Car Insurance

Insurance companies typically set car insurance rates based on various factors like your driving history, age, and the type of vehicle you own. These rates are not usually open to negotiation on an individual basis. 

However, you can ask for discounts for safe driving or bundling policies. If that doesn’t work, try shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers. 

By exploring different options, you may find more competitive rates and better coverage that suits your needs, leading to potential cost savings.

6) Mortgage or Rent 

If you’re a homeowner, you won’t technically be able to negotiate your mortgage, but you may be able to refinance it at a lower rate. You’ll have to consider closing costs and other potential fees associated with the refinancing process, but this is one way to save money in the long run.

If you rent, don’t be afraid to ask for a better rate or negotiate on certain aspects of your lease. You can also look for a rental property with lower rent or move to a different area with more competitive rates.

7) Medical Bills 

Sometimes, medical bills can be a huge expense. If you have a high medical bill that you don’t think is accurate or fair, call the facility’s billing department and ask if they can offer any type of payment plan or discount. You may be surprised at how willing they are to negotiate.

8) Utilities 

You can try to negotiate your utility bills with your providers. Ask if they have any special rates or discounts and see if you’re eligible for them. You can also inquire about ways to reduce energy use, which may help lower your monthly costs.

9) Gym Memberships 

One way to save money on gym memberships is by taking advantage of promotional offers or discounts. If you’re already a member, contact the gym and see if they’ll lower your rate. 

You can also negotiate for a longer-term contract that may include additional services at a discounted price.

Final Thoughts

Negotiating your bills may initially seem intimidating, but it’s a smart strategy for saving money. It’s important to be assertive, do your research, and be willing to switch providers if necessary. 

With these nine bills in mind, you can start looking for ways to cut down on your expenses and keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.  

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