16 guides
Guides to lowering monthly bills
Independent consumer guides. We don't sell plans, take commissions or get paid by any provider we mention, so we can tell you when the best move is to stay put.
Phone and internet
Plans, speeds, equipment fees, bundles and help for low-income households.
- Lower your cell phone bill
Check what you actually use, then compare plans and carriers.
- Lower your internet bill
Right-size your speed, stop renting equipment, and ask about current offers.
- Bundles: when they save and when they don't
Price each piece separately before you agree to a package.
- Help with phone and internet costs
Lifeline and low-cost plans for eligible households.
Subscriptions
Audits, streaming rotation, cancelling and free trials.
- Do a 30-minute subscription audit
Find every recurring charge, then decide keep, pause or cancel.
- Rotate your streaming services
Keep one or two at a time instead of paying for all of them.
- How to cancel a hard-to-cancel subscription
Steps that work, and what to do if a company keeps charging you.
- Use free trials without getting charged
A reminder habit that stops trials turning into bills.
Insurance and utilities
Yearly insurance reviews, electric bills and utility help.
- Review your car insurance at renewal
Compare quotes and check coverage, discounts and deductibles.
- Review home or renters insurance
Check coverage amounts, deductibles and discounts once a year.
- Quick ways to lower your electric bill
Thermostat, water heater and standby power first.
- Budget billing and utility assistance
Smooth out seasonal bills and find help if you're behind.
Negotiating
How to ask for a lower price, medical bills and your bill calendar.
- How to negotiate any bill
Prepare, ask clearly, stay friendly and be ready to walk away.
- What the retention department is
The team whose job is to keep you as a customer.
- Lower a medical bill
Check it, ask about financial assistance and set up a payment plan.
- Make a bill calendar
Line up due dates with paydays and avoid late fees.