Need to find more money in your budget? Evaluating ways to lower your bills is a good place to start.
Small tweaks can help you save on everything from groceries to homeowners insurance. Big-ticket items such as rent, mortgage and car payments require more legwork, but can yield a bigger budget boost.
Here's how to lower your bills and save on your monthly expenses in these categories:
Lowering your housing costs is a heavier lift than, say, trimming your grocery bill, but doing so can yield big savings. Learn how you can save on your rent, mortgage and homeowners insurance.
Utilities
Your monthly utility bills are a smart place to look for quick savings. Small tweaks like adjusting your thermostat or signing up for automatic payments can add up to major savings.
Is money tight?
You may need more help if you're struggling to pay for basic expenses, like utilities. Learn about ways to save on a tight budget, including getting support and negotiating with service providers.
Transportation costs, whether for a car or a monthly metro pass, fall squarely into the “needs” category of most budgets. Find more room in your budget by lowering what you spend on getting around every month.
Food
You probably don’t need to resort to peanut butter sandwiches or instant noodles to cut your food costs. Instead, switch to store brands at the grocery store and take advantage of happy hour deals when dining out.
Debt
Yes, you can get relief on debt payments. Consider refinancing or consolidating debt to lower your monthly payments. Federal student loan holders have additional options, including income-based repayment.
Memberships
Your monthly subscriptions may not feel like a lot, but $7.99 here and $9.99 there can add up quickly. Use these tips to chip away at your membership fees.
