Here are some strategies to help you save more money each month on your regular living expenses. Some of these tips will be programs to enroll in or frugal lifestyle changes which will change your monthly bills.
Who doesn't love free money? Saving money and budgeting on regular bills might seem tedious at first, but when you're strapped for cash you might need to adopt these practices in order to make ends meet. With the rising costs due to inflation it doesn't hurt to start looking into what you can do.
Tip #1 - Affordable Connectivity Program
There is a long term $14 billion program dedicated to providing a discount of up to $30 a month toward internet service for eligible households. Additionally you can receive a device discount up to $100 for a qualifying device.
You can find out if you qualify by visiting https://www.fcc.gov/acp
You will need to apply for an approval if you believe you qualify for the program you can do so by visiting this link: https://www.getinternet.gov/apply?awsl=accedeainternet&ln=U3BhbmlzaA%3D%3D
One interesting thing about this program is that only one person in the household needs to qualify for one of the requirements listed. After you have applied for this to reach out to the internet company to see if they are a participating provider. An easy way to do this is to utilize their customer service chat feature and mention the "affordable connectivity program" they will confirm whether or not you were approved and you will see the credit applied on your next statement.
Tip #2 - Check Your Appliances
A/C
Depending on the size of your A/C unit and the area in which you live in you will need to regularly change the filter to improve your electric bill. When a filter is dirty the device needs to work harder to push air through, this causes heating which overworks appliances, it isn't something that will ruin your A/C immediately, but it is something that could be costing you a few dollars on your utility bill.
Try keeping your A/C above 77 degrees during the summer time and at around 80 degrees when you aren't physically in the home.
Water Heater Temperature
Fans/Vents
Dishwasher/Washer & Dryer
Energy Efficient Appliances
Tip #3 - Budget Billing
Contact your electric company to see if they offer any programs to assist in lowering your annual bill. Programs such as “Budget Billing” might be an option. This is where electric companies bill based on annual usage and spread out the cost throughout the entire year to keep your electric bill consistent each month. The company will average out the billing costs from the prior year to determine the rates. Essentially in order to have a more fixed cost each month, the electric company will spread out the higher rates for months with higher usage to the months with lower rates and lower usage. Keep in mind that because the rates are determined based on the prior year usage, you should only enroll in this service after 1 year of living in a place.
Tip #4 - Water Bills
The best ways to save on your water bill is to make sure you are aware of the most common plumbing issues and their symptoms. Before going to the restroom try to listen for any signs of the toilet still running. Sometimes all it takes is a $20 fix that will save you an extra $20 on your monthly bill. You've all probably heard of the term if its yellow let it mellow if its brown flush it down? Well thats not exactly a fan favorite, an alternative method to saving water would be to change the amount of water that fills the bowl.
Tip #5 - Subscriptions
Most people wouldn't really consider monthly subscriptions as a necessity, but if you have children sometimes that video streaming service isn't easily cancelled. Services like hulu and starz offer black friday deals for annual subscriptions as low as $0.99 a month! Hulu has a partnership with Disney+ and Espn+ which when bundled with or without ads you can get access to all three for a much better price. If you have cell service with AT&T you can get a free HBOmax subscription as well.
Saving Money Doesn't Have to be Difficult
Follow these steps to get started on your money saving journey, and check out some of our other articles to keep your personal finances healthy!
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