Lower Your Bills Without Calling Customer Service
Easy wins to keep more cash in your pocket.
👋 This is Part 5 of the Recession Survival Series. It’s all about helping you prepare—not panic—when the economy gets shaky.
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We’ve all been there.
That sinking feeling when you check your bank account and realize half your paycheck disappeared into apps, auto-renewals, and bills that just… crept up.
And sure, you could call customer service to try and negotiate a better deal—but who has the time (or patience) for that?
Good news: you don’t have to.
In this post, I’ll walk you through smart, simple ways to lower your monthly expenses without waiting on hold or having an awkward script ready.
Let's start stacking those savings.
Step One: Clean House on Subscriptions
Most of us are losing $20–$100/month to subscriptions we don’t even use.
Here’s how to spot and stop them:
Use a Subscriptions Tracker
Rocket Money and Hiatus scan your accounts and show all recurring charges in one place.
They’ll even cancel things for you (some for a fee, some free).
Prefer not to use an app? Download a 1-month bank statement and highlight every repeating charge.
The Rule: “Would I miss this tomorrow?”
If the answer is no, cancel it. Streaming, apps, software trials—be ruthless. You can always re-subscribe later if you actually need it.
Step Two: Lower Your Monthly Bills (Quietly)
This isn’t about switching to dial-up or living by candlelight. These are silent wins that save you money month after month.
1. Audit Your Internet Bill
Check your provider’s website for current promotions—then switch to a lower-tier plan online if available.
Many providers let you downgrade or switch plans without speaking to a rep.
2. Use a Bill-Negotiating App (Let Them Wait on Hold)
Rocket Money, Trim, and Billshark will contact companies for you to negotiate lower rates.
They take a percentage of the savings, but if you're short on time or energy, it’s often worth it.
3. Unplug (Or Smart Plug) Vampire Devices
Electronics you’re not using can still suck power. A few quick wins:
Unplug rarely-used items (toaster, chargers, coffee maker)
Use smart plugs to schedule off-hours
Switch to LED bulbs if you haven’t already
Step Three: Hidden Discounts & Programs You Might Qualify For
Many folks qualify for assistance they don’t even know exists.
Discount Programs
Affordable Connectivity Program: Get $30 off internet if you’re on SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs
Lifeline Program: Discount on phone and internet
Community Solar: Share solar energy with neighbors—no roof panels needed
Utility Budget Plans: Spread big seasonal bills across the year
Start Local
Visit your city or county website and look for keywords like:
“Energy assistance”
“Housing help”
“Financial relief”
“Emergency programs”
(And check the Paid Bonus Toolkit for a curated list to get you started.)
Step Four: Set Up a “Save Me Money” Day
Once a month, set a 30-minute timer and ask:
What subscriptions have I used this month?
Is there a bill I can check for a better plan or rate?
Did I get any notices about increased charges?
Am I eligible for any new assistance programs?
Saving money doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Just intentional.
Final Thought: You Deserve Breathing Room
You work hard. You show up every day. You deserve a little margin in your budget—and sometimes, that starts with simply not paying for things you don’t need.
Let’s get you some breathing room.
What’s Next in the Recession Survival Series?
Coming up next:
Make a Community Wealth Plan (Because We Get Through This Together)
What to Say When You Can’t Afford Something (Without Shame or Excuses)
How to Mentally Survive a Recession (Without Turning Off Your Humanity)
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Thank you to all my Pathfinder Advocates who financially support my work.
Each post in this series has a bonus pack just for you.
The bonus pack for this post includes:
My Bill Lowering Toolkit