Drowning in Bills? Renegotiate Your Monthly Bills
Bills are annoying. Whether you’re bombarded with snail mail and email notifications, or you take a back seat with Auto-Payment online portals, it’s easy to go on autopilot when reviewing monthly bills. Most people take monthly bills at face value, thinking they can’t be reduced due to company policy. But what if we told you that a simple negotiation of your monthly bills could cut your expenses and make a huge financial impact on your life? If you have bills stacked high (and fees piling up), don’t worry. We’ll walk you through the basics of bill negotiation.
Home Entertainment
TV service providers are often willing to negotiate fees. These providers value loyalty and often reward longtime customers with discounts. All you have to do is simply call your service provider and check your eligibility. The available discounts might be higher if you switch to a lower tier of service or commit to a contract of one year or more.
Pro tip: Go into the call knowing the competing service’s rates and offers. When your provider thinks you are exploring other options, they’re more likely to lower your bill to match an offer from another provider.
Internet
Similar to the TV service industry, internet providers will frequently negotiate terms with customers. An easy call to your provider with some handy research on competitor offers, prices, and discounts can lead to great savings. It’s important to remember that these companies would miss out on a monthly paycheck from you if you were to switch providers so they are eager to keep your business. Often providers offer to bundle TV and internet services. It could save you money to use the same provider for both to receive potential company discounts.
Car Insurance
Entertainment and WiFi bills are one thing, but did you know that you may be able to even lower your car insurance with the right negotiation? Auto insurance fluctuates based on your driving history and frequency. The insurance company sets a rate when they determine your risk factor. However, this variable is based on components that are constantly changing. There is a good chance you are overpaying on your auto insurance based on outdated information. If the frequency of your driving has lowered or there have been other notable changes in recent months, contact your insurance company and they will review your coverage with you. Before you call, cross-check your current plan with other options on the market to make sure you are getting a competitive deal for your lifestyle and budget.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it pays to see what your cable, car insurance, and internet providers have to offer. As we’ve shown above, you may be able to negotiate better billing terms without much effort. You might just save yourself some cash and unlock additional perks in the process.
