Cutting costs does not have to mean giving up everything you enjoy. The biggest savings usually come from a handful of recurring bills you can review once and then forget about. Work through this list, pick the items that fit your life and give yourself credit for each one you finish.
Do this first
List your fixed monthly bills (rent, utilities, phone, internet, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments) and highlight the three largest. Spend your time on those, because a small cut to a big bill beats a large cut to a small one.
Housing
- Ask about your rent. If you are a reliable tenant, ask your landlord whether a longer lease or a different due date could come with a lower rate or fewer fees.
- Share costs. A roommate or a shared household can cut housing and utility costs substantially.
- Check renter’s insurance prices and bundle with your car policy if it saves money.
- Explore housing assistance if rent takes more than about a third of your income. See our housing help guide.
Utilities
- Apply for assistance and discount rates. See help paying utility bills.
- Get a free weatherization or energy audit. See how to lower your energy bill.
- Switch to LED bulbs and use power strips for electronics.
- Adjust the thermostat a few degrees when you are asleep or out.
- Fix leaks. A dripping faucet or running toilet quietly raises your water bill.
Groceries and food
- Plan meals around what you already have. Check your pantry and freezer before you shop and write a list.
- Compare unit prices (the price per ounce or per pound on the shelf tag) rather than package prices.
- Buy store brands for staples such as flour, rice, beans, pasta and canned goods.
- Use SNAP, WIC and food pantries if you qualify. See our SNAP guide and free food guide.
- Cook larger batches and freeze portions. It costs less than takeout and saves time on busy days.
Phone, internet and subscriptions
- Lower your phone bill. Prepaid and smaller carriers often cost less. Check Lifeline and low-cost plans.
- Call your internet provider and ask for the lowest-priced plan or a loyalty discount.
- Audit your subscriptions. Review the last three months of bank or card statements and cancel services you do not use. Consider rotating streaming services month to month instead of keeping all of them.
- Use the library for books, audiobooks, movies and music.
Transportation
- Shop car insurance each year and ask about discounts. See transportation help.
- Use reduced-fare transit programs if you qualify, and combine errands to save gas.
Banking, debt and health
- Avoid bank fees. Ask for a no-fee account or consider a credit union. Set low-balance alerts to avoid overdraft charges.
- Talk to creditors early if you cannot make a payment. Many have hardship plans, and nonprofit credit counselors can help you negotiate.
- Use generic medicines and compare pharmacy prices. See low-cost healthcare.
- Get free tax help and claim credits you are due. See free community services.
- Build a small cushion. Even a few dollars a week toward an emergency fund can prevent a surprise bill from becoming a crisis.
A simple way to keep it going
Pick one item per week. Make the call, change the setting or cancel the service, then write down the amount you saved. Add it up at the end of the month. Many people find that a few small changes free up more money than they expected, and that every dollar saved gives them more choices.