Most people will sign up for these services or memberships and never think about it again. What's worse, is we often sign up for these services at introductory rates without knowing if our budgets can sustain the cost once our promotionall period ends.
If you had to guess how much money you're spending on these iterms on a monthly basis do you think you'd be close to the actual number? I'd bet that most people wouldn't have a clue what they're spending.
I told you that you could save hundreds of dollars, and here's how. Gather up your monthly bills for all of your optional services, and compare what you're using of those services to what you're paying for. Could you afford to cut back on your TV subscription? What about that lightning fast internet speed you only use to surf the news and check know Facebook? Do you actually go to the gym on a regular basis, or could you save money by dropping into the local recreation center instead? How about that cell phone bill? Do you use all of the minutes and data you pay for on a regular basis? How often do you go over your plan's limits? You might save money by paying for a more expensive plan instead of paying overages every month. Take a look, you may be surprised what you see. Adding this check into your financial reviews will ensure that you're always getting the most value out of your spending.
Now that you know what you need for all of your services, it's time to get your providers fighting for your business. In order to do this, you'll need to research competitors in your area that can provide you with the services you want and note their prices. Once you've done this, call your current providers, and talk to them about what you've learned. Ask nicely if they can match or beat any competitors offers, and even if your current provider is the lowest cost company, ask them if there's anything they can do to lower your bill. You'd be amazed how often they'll find a way to save you money without reducing your service. If you're not happy with the answers you're getting, politely ask to escalate the call to a supervisor, or the loyalty department. If you ultimately think you can get a better deal elsewhere, ask about your current providers cancellation policy and then explore your other options before making your decision.
Repeat this process with all of your providers and you'll be amazed what you can save. Companies spend a lot of money trying to convince you to use their services so they're invested in trying to keep you as a customer. Being nice, and knowing what's available will make you're life easier in your quest to save.
