Lowering some bills and ways to cut costs

Right now more than ever we all need to lower our costs, cut some bills down or find ways to eliminate some entirely.

Budgeting, meal planning, frugal recipes will be coming up too!

But right now, if you’re feeling the pinch there are some things you can do today, some might help right now and some you can carry the savings on down the road. Remember when you’re phoning places, they are probably fielding a lot of calls and feeling just as stressed as you – so be kind, patient and expect it to take a while. Just keep in mind all of those savings.

Call your cell phone provider – can you lower your plan since you’re at home, can you cancel or suspend your kids plans as they won’t be going anywhere and can do most stuff right off of the wifi etc. Look over your bills, call them and see what can be done.
If you have anything you’re not using – cancel it! Not reading the paper, not using online subscriptions etc. Look over your bank statements and see if there’s anything on your accounts or credit cards that automatically renews – and then see what you can chop.
This one will help you save down the road – order your free Water and Energy Savings Kit from MB Hydro. They will send you a low flow shower head and much more. If you’re not in Manitoba, look at your local company.
If you have cable tv, home phone or internet – call those companies and see if there’s any deals. Can you change anything now, do you qualify for anything special. Ask for any loyalty programs. Every time I call it saves us a bunch, and it usually lasts anywhere from 3 months to a year. Huge savings!
Call your banks and credit card companies – if you need to, try to get things deferred. If you don’t need to, try to get interest reduced or eliminated. It never hurts to ask. See what they can offer you.
Check your thermostat programming – can you lower it or change it. Can make a big difference on the bill. We normally have the heat going up when we normally got up – we aren’t getting up quite as early.
See if you can make any changes to insurance – since you might be at home, what can you change. See if it’s worth lowering car insurance to leisure etc.
Sit down as a family and brainstorm ideas – what can be cut out, changed etc.
Plan to garden as much as you can this year – whether it’s just a few pots on a deck or windowsill or a full garden. Fresh produce to look forward to, seeds to start now and savings all summer long. Which you can freeze or can and carry those savings into next winter.
See what programs you qualify for through the government, depending on your situation. Don’t want to get into specifics for those as it really varies on your situation – but worth looking into.