Do you want to 2011 to be the year you spend less and save more? Do you want to learn to be savvy in your spending?
I decided to kick off the New Year by sharing my top
11 tips for Frugal Living and Savvy Spending! I want to persuade you the being frugal is
NOT the same as being cheap or going without. Frugality actually means "
to avoid waste; using discretion; be economical".
So, for the next
11 days, I'll bring you a new tip each day. These tips are based on things I practice everyday and what makes me a "frugal" person. I don't feel I'm cheap (
I sure hope not!) and we definitely do not go without. We just choose to use discretion in what we buy, avoid wasting our money, and work how to stretch that dollar as far as it can go!
I'd love to hear your thoughts or helpful tips too! Leave me a comment below if you want!
Tip #10: Be Savvy with your Spending by paying less on your bills!
One way to save some money is to try to pay less on those dreaded bills. There are a few ways to do this, and although it's not a guarantee, if you try some of these tips, you should see some savings!
1)
Get rid of Late Fees: If you accidentally pay a bill late, call the company and ask to speak to billing. Explain that you have been a customer for ___ years/months and that you always pay your bills on time (if this is true). Tell them you're sorry it was late this once, but it won't become a habit. Almost 100% of the time, they will waive the late fee.
2)
Get your Bills Lowered: In our house, we have all our phone, internet, and cable services through one provider. We are happy with them, but a while back, I noticed our prices had gone up over $20 a month! So, I called and was able to save $180!
Here's what to do: Call and explain that you are a loyal customer who pays their bills on time every month. You may want to add that you are happy with their service, but noticed your bills have been higher and was just wondering if there was anything they could do to help you out. It took about 2 minutes and the nice customer service rep was able to lower my bill by $30 a month for the next 6 months! That's a savings of $180!! Just be sure to be polite and truthful. If you really are thinking of switching to a cheaper provider, they may go the extra mile to keep you as a customer!
3)
Save by using less: It's not rocket science and you've probably heard these tips before, but have you tried them?
*Turn your thermostat down at night or when you'll be gone all day. You'll see a savings in your monthly bill!
*Stop the dish washer when the drying cycle starts and air dry them on the counter or just by opening the dish washer door!
* Only run the washing machine or dish washer when you have a FULL load.
* Air dry your clothes when possible and only use the dryer for 5 minutes to freshen them up after they are mostly dry.
* Unplug electronics when they aren't in use! Don't leave the coffee pot turned on, the computer on, your cell phone charging, the lights on if you aren't using them! If you can't remember, plug multiple things into a strip and turn them all off at the same time!
* Cancel the expensive Movie channels (especially if you rarely use them) or the monthly movie rental service and use free codes or pay $1 at Redbox or Blockbuster Express!
* See if you can save on your phone, Internet, cable by getting a "bundle" service.
* Negotiate a cheaper cell phone plan by looking at competitor's prices and working with your company.
* If you have a wood burning fireplace, see if you can get some free wood or cut your own and use it to heat your house! We do this and it saves a ton!
* Plan your errands wisely so you aren't driving back and forth to save on gas.
* See if you can get a cheaper car insurance rate by being a safe driver.
What tips do you have for saving money on your bills?

11 Savvy Spending Tips for 2011: Day 10- Cut down on your bills!