🏠 How to Cut Your Monthly Bills by $200 (The Overlooked Trick That Actually Works)

If you’re looking to save a little extra cash each month, the good news is that it’s often the smallest adjustments that make the biggest difference.

One trick that many people overlook? Reevaluating and renegotiating your recurring bills.

Bills like your cable, internet, or even insurance premiums may seem set in stone, but with a little research and effort, they could be costing you a lot more than they need to.

woman sitting on her couch cross legged with her laptop on her lap holding bills looking them over

Cut Your Monthly Bills by $200

Let’s take a look at how reevaluating those recurring expenses can save you hundreds of dollars without giving up anything important.

1. Review Your Cable and Internet Plans

It’s easy to get comfortable with the cable package or internet plan you signed up for years ago. But if you haven’t reviewed your plan lately, you might be paying for more than you actually need. A lot of providers offer promotions and new deals, and your current package might not be the best fit anymore.

Fix It: Contact your service provider and ask about any discounts or promotional offers. You could also look into bundling services or switching to a more affordable option. Just make sure to compare options and make sure you’re not paying for channels or features you don’t actually use.

You never know what’s been added or changed unless you ask. I do this about once a year. And I’m usually able to adjust my bill every time, it’s definitely worth the effort.

Just last month I knocked $60 off my cable bill, by calling in and asking what they could do to help lower my bill. They even told me that my equipment was way old and needed upgrading for free and now I can use THAT equip to make my TV’s act like Smart TV’s which means I don’t need a Roku or any other device to get my streaming channels.

2. Negotiate Your Insurance Rates

Car insurance, home insurance, and even health insurance rates can change from year to year, and often, you don’t notice until the bill arrives. But there’s often room to negotiate.

Fix It: Reach out to your insurance company and ask about discounts, adjusting your coverage, or shopping around for a better deal. Many insurance companies will offer lower rates just to keep you as a customer. Don’t be afraid to shop around for quotes from different providers and see if you can score a better deal.

a white desk with $100 bills fanned out, a calculator, a bill, and some eyeglasses laying on top

3. Cancel Subscriptions You’re Not Using

It’s easy to forget about subscriptions that are automatically renewed each month, especially those for services you don’t even use. Think about streaming platforms, gym memberships, or even magazine subscriptions that might not be adding value to your life anymore.

Fix It: Take a few minutes to go through your bank statements and subscriptions to see if there are any services you’re no longer using. Canceling subscriptions can be a fast and simple way to save money without any impact on your daily life.

4. Refinance Loans or Mortgages

If you have a mortgage or personal loans, refinancing can help lower your monthly payments, especially if interest rates have dropped since you first took out the loan.

Fix It: Reach out to your lender to discuss refinancing options. You might be able to reduce your monthly payment or pay off your loan faster, saving you money over time. Just be sure to weigh the refinancing costs and terms before making a decision.

5. Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

Utility bills can add up, especially in homes with older appliances or poor insulation. Small changes around your home, like upgrading to energy-efficient lightbulbs, weatherproofing windows, or investing in a smart thermostat, can have a big impact on your utility costs.

Fix It: Look into low-cost improvements to make your home more energy-efficient. Simple steps like unplugging devices you’re not using, switching to energy-saving lightbulbs, or adjusting your thermostat by a couple of degrees can help lower your energy bill each month.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to forget about those recurring bills, but they can be a significant part of your monthly expenses. By renegotiating your bills, reviewing your subscriptions, and making small improvements around your home, you could save up to $200—or more—without sacrificing the things that matter.