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Make Your Life More Budget-Friendly: Smart Ways to Save on Your Monthly Expenses

Are you monthly bills out of control? Join the crazy bills that I can’t pay club. So many of us are dropping major bucks on the things we can’t live without. And what’s more, most of us pay outrageous prices for things we don’t even use!

Thankfully, you have some some options, and they’re easier than you might think. Check out the following smart ways to save on your monthly expenses…

Your Cell Phone Bill

Chances are, you use your cell phone quite often. From surfing the web, texting and even working, we humans love those little mobile devices. However, unless you’re on your phone 24/7, you’re probably paying for more data and minutes than you actually use. And while it may seem practical to get the unlimited plans, these may end up putting quite the dent in your bank account. Check your data, then scale back your plan accordingly.

Other great ways to save money on your cell phone bill include the following:

  1. When you’re able, connect to wifi to surf the web instead of using your data (most restaurants/hotels/coffee shops have it)
  2. Look into family plans for you and your partner, family members or close friends.
  3. Don’t fall prey to 411 charges, which can cost up to $2.00 a pop! Instead, do a quick online search of the information you need. Or, you could go old school and use the phone book.
  4. Avoid pricey apps, ringtones, etc. You can live without them.

Car Insurance

The number one rule of saving money on car insurance is to shop around. Don’t get trapped in plans you don’t need or can’t afford, because there are plenty of ways to stay covered without breaking the bank. And with all the competition out there, you should be able to find a plan that suits your needs, not to mention your budget, perfectly.

Gas and Electricity Costs

Thanks to technology and other factors, huge power bills are extremely common in this day and age. In fact, for large families or people who work from home, keeping the lights on can be one of the biggest monthly expenses. And while there’s no way around paying for gas and electricity, there are plenty of ways to save. Check out the following tips on scaling back your power costs:

  1. Unplug! It may seem like a hassle to unplug devices after each use, but the savings can really add up. To simplify this process, use a power strip.
  2. Use energy-efficient lightbulbs. This one’s a no-brainer: they last longer, plus use way less energy.
  3. Check windows and doors for drafts, then make repairs accordingly.
  4. Check your thermostat. By bumping it up a few degrees in the summer and down a few notches in the winter, you will definitely see some savings.
  5. Avoid excessive energy use in the evenings. Since most power companies charge more during “peak” hours, operate major appliances, like the dishwasher and washing machine, during nights and mornings.

TV and Internet 

Television and internet can be huge monthly expenses. However, with the following tips, you may be able to save a small fortune.

  1. Ask for a cheaper rate. Sounds crazy, but sometimes all you have to do to save some money is ask nicely. If you feel like you’re paying too much for your service, speak to a customer service representative as soon as possible. Most of the time, companies would rather give you a reduced rate instead of losing your business entirely, so it’s definitely worth a shot!
  2. Consider downgrading. Do you really need all those premium channels? Probably not. Switch to a cheaper package, and look into other, less expensive ways to get the movies and shows you love. Many stream online for free, while others can be found for cheap.

 

And there you have it! With the money-saving tips listed here, you can pad your piggy bank without giving up the things you love!

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  1. Pingback: 3 Ways to Rid Your Family of Financial Worries | My So-Called Chaos

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