As soon as an offer on the house is accepted, there is nothing but unbridled joy. Finally, you are going to be able to live in a property you can legitimately call your own. Really, the feeling is pretty much unparalleled if you don’t count having a child. It’s as if life is finally coming together and everything makes sense.
Fast forward a couple of years and the emotions you first felt are no longer applicable. Now, it’s all stress and anxiety as the family attempts to keep up with the pressure of paying the bills. Even though everyone knows owning a house is expensive, nothing can prepare you for the reality. And, sadly, the majority of people don’t have the means to survive.
Anyone reading this who agrees with the final statement has no choice but to cut back. Still, doing it and saying are two different things. So, to help, here are the tricks which can cut household bills by up 50% and more.
Use Online Services
It’s hard to see why using the internet will save people money, yet there are two clear reasons. The first is organization. Paper bills come through the post, are opened, and then are forgotten about in the same breath. It’s human nature to put the prospect of paying the energy bills to the back of your mind, especially when money is tight. Online accounts come with email alerts which remind you to pay on time and avoid incurring a penalty charge. The warnings, by the way, are easy to sync to a cell phone or mobile device. Secondly, it’s in the providers’ interest to increase online accounts as it saves them money. Paper bills, for example, are costly. Therefore, plenty of companies offer discounts and promotions for customers who pay via the internet. Rewards are everywhere and a fantastic way to save a significant total year, in year out.
Pay For More Services
Yep, it sounds counterproductive, particularly when slashing services means cutting the monthly amount. However, the reality is that a business may charge a household an extortionate figure for a single service. Take Wifi as an example. On average, the monthly cost comes to around $25 to $30. However, a company such as Verizon will gladly provide you with a phone line and a cable TV package too. Even though the average person imagines the price to be scandalous, the truth is far from different. A pretty standard package can be as cheap as $35 to $40 a month. Sure, it’s a potential $15 more, but let’s be realistic here. Everyone has a TV subscription as well as Wifi and cell and landline deals. Can you find the rest for less than 1,500 cents per month?
But Never Maintain Loyalty
Providers of household essentials such as energy and cable have a trick up their sleeve: loyalty. For some reason, homeowners feel as if they owe the company a debt of gratitude for doing them a favor. Seriously, some people act as if there is money or a contract involved. Keep in mind that a huge conglomerate will throw you under the bus as soon as it suits them, and you should do the same. Whenever you see a better deal, don’t be afraid to switch allegiances. Okay, loyalty is a virtue, but, where cutting costs are concerned, there is no time for morality! All you can afford is the cheapest possible option. Be sure to make the transition as smooth as possible. For example, check out whether there is a minimum term you have to serve before leaving. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out the rest of the contract and it’ll cost extra.
Review Current Policies
Switching is a savvy move if it saves you and the family a significant chunk of cash. Of course, people can cut costs in half without going through the hassle. They do it by analyzing their current policies and looking for ways out. By now, pretty much everyone knows how to keep car insurance costs down by adding an older driver. Regardless of your age, it works like a charm every single time, so don’t be scared to add mom and dad to the list. Regarding life insurance, certain businesses give out cheaper premiums to people who are willing to pay more when they file a claim. And, a mortgage rate is easy to lower. All you have to do is put down a larger amount as a deposit to get a favorable rate.
Don’t Be Egotistical
“Do I use coupons? No, I do not. I’m not that desperate!” This is truly how some people view using coupons and discount codes. Forget the fact that they do it all the time in other walks of life; to do it in the grocery store is demeaning. Whether you agree or disagree, we can all admit this attitude is destructive. Stores across the country have great bargains, and they can get even cheaper with the right code. Plus, thanks to the internet, you can buy a gift card with one click of a button. Who knew shopping at Wal-Mart could be so affordable?! Obviously, you’ll never experience the thriftiness of grocery shopping if you aren’t willing to leave your ego at the door. Some people may judge, but their opinion matters less than the family’s bank balance.
Scrap The Unnecessary Add-ons
A warranty seems like a great deal. Simply pay a couple of dollars a month and get a replacement in the event of an incident. How can you say no? Well, it’s straightforward when you think about it logically. A car, for instance, is a purchase which without a shadow of doubt requires a guarantee. It’s a huge expense and things can go wrong. A toaster, on the other hand, is a waste of money. For the amount you pay for the warranty, you can buy a new one which is state of the art. Think before you sign on the dotted line.
Are you a frugal homeowner? How do you think these tips will help save money at home?
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