Photograph Credit: Ben Dodson

When our contract with our Internet and phone provider ended, we attempted to negotiate a better price. When our efforts were in vain, we decided to move our business to another provider. By doing so, we have been able to save around $50 a month off our monthly utility bill. 🙂

Though I do not use my time researching these services often, I am always looking to stretch our dollars. If we can find service for the same price or less expensively, then I will be researching those options. In making our switch, we opted for the following changes:

Moved all 3 services to 1 provider. Instead of having to pay a bill for the Internet and phone and then another payment for the satellite, we chose to bundle all 3 services with one company. This decision resulted in one payment which saves me time and energy!

Downgraded to basic cable. We had the expanded programming with our satellite and did not watch three-quarters of the available channels. Though we miss some of them, we are less distracted and are better able to use our time wisely.

Added Netflix. For some variety, we currently are subscribed to Netflix’s streaming and movie exchange. With the new pricing taking effect in September, when Netflix separates the two services, we will be evaluating our usage and options. At this time, this arrangement is working out great.

In stretching our dollars for our utility services, our family was able to adjust to these changes while saving around $50 per month. Spending some time researching these options to meet our family’s needs was using time wisely. The $50 a month savings will add up quickly toward our next financial goal!

Question: In stretching your dollars, how often do you negotiate your utility options?