How to Save Money Without Really Trying

Save Money With Very Little Effort

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to save money and by accident I discovered an easy way to keep some extra cash in your pocket. It’s so easy I’m very mad at myself for not thinking of it before now.

Automatic Deductions

Because I am so busy (and forgetful) I found it easier to pay bills by having them automatically deducted from our checking account. This is less hassle than regular mail and sometimes you can even get a discount for banking this way.

Of course I look at my bank statements every month but when I started looking at them for a way to save money I saw a few things I had questions about. I made a list of every automatic deduction and then I sat down with the phone and made some calls.

Here’s what I learned and how I saved money and you can to.

Almost everything is negotiable.

Not everything, but a lot more things than you might think.

One of the first things I noticed was the amount we were spending for Cable Television and the Internet. We thought we knew what all the choices in our area for cable and internet service were but we didn’t. When we called and asked questions we realized there was a plan that met our needs for less money than we were spending. The new plan was $40 a month less than what we were paying.

Another number that I noticed was our security system. I didn’t remember it being so high? Had they raised the amount and I missed the notice? I called them and sure enough when I told her I wasn’t happy with what I was paying she transferred my call and offered me a lower rate. They lowered it $12 bucks a month!

In one afternoon with two phone calls (and less than 30 minutes time) I saved $52.00. That’s $624.00 a year

It’s Not Their Responsibility To Save You Money….It’s Yours

I asked one of the representatives I spoke with why they didn’t tell me I could get a lower rate and in so many words she said, “Because you didn’t ask.”

Companies don’t want to lose your business because they want to make money but if they think they are going to lose a customer they may be willing to negotiate.

Get Started Now

Of course not all bills are negotiable but it never hurts to ask. The worst thing that can happen is that they say “no.” If they do tell them thank you and try the next number on your list. Tomorrow I’m calling credit card companies and asking for lower rates. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

I also got out all our insurance policies and found some ways we can save there. I believe I may be able to save another $500 to $1000 just by making another phone call.

So what are you waiting for? Make a list of your bills and start making those phone calls. You may find out that saving money is easier than you think! What’s your best money saving tip? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share it with others!