7 Easy Bill-Cutting Moves You Can Make Today
Cutting expenses is one of the fastest ways to transform your finances — freeing up money for a vacation, emergency fund, investments or getting out of debt sooner.
Start by listing all your monthly bills. Housing will likely top the list, and while it's harder to reduce, it's not impossible. For most other bills, you have more options than you think: cancel, negotiate or switch providers.
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Here are several ways to lower your monthly bills.
1. Cook Your Meals at Home
Although dining out is more convenient than cooking your own meals, it’s usually much pricier. American families reportedly spend about $4,000 per year eating out -- that's $333 per month! Cooking your own meals should save you at least half of that, if not much more.
Tip: If you don’t want to cook a meal from scratch, using a meal delivery service like Blue Apron or Hello Fresh could save you some time and still a decent chunk of change.
2. Cancel Your Gym Membership
Americans waste approximately $1.3 billion annually on unused gym memberships, according to an early 2026 report. The average monthly cost of a gym membership typically ranges from $50 to $70, though some are much more. And although having a gym membership can help you stay fit, it’s not the only place you can work out.
Walking or jogging around the neighborhood, exercising to workout videos at home or investing in free weights could be a great way for you to save money.
3. Negotiate Your Bills
The cost of your monthly bills aren’t set in stone; you can negotiate with all types of service providers to get a discount. For example, if your internet bill rises after a promotional deal expires, you can call the customer service department and ask for a cheaper price.
You can also negotiate medical bills. If you want to pay a cheaper price for a medical bill, ask the billing department if you can get a discount for paying your bill in cash. Also, you can ask if there are any financial assistance programs available.
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4. Shop Around for Auto Insurance
Since auto insurance rates vary, it’s a good idea to shop around for the best rates at least once a year. Around 75% of people who shopped around for auto insurance last year reportedly saved money. This means that if you don’t take some time to compare rates from multiple insurance companies, you’re likely missing out on a savings opportunity.
Tip: When comparing rates, make sure the quotes include similar coverage amounts from each auto insurance company.
5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions
When was the last time you spent some time reviewing your monthly or annual subscriptions? Take some time to create a list of the services you’re subscribed to and circle the ones you don’t use. Keep the subscriptions you use and get value from but cancel all the services you rarely use.
Tip: If you want to save time finding and canceling unused subscriptions, you can use online services like Rocket Money or Billshark.
6. Switch to a Cheaper Phone Plan
If you have a single-user unlimited cellphone plan with a major carrier, it can set you back $100 or more per month. In fact, according to JD Power, the average phone bill is now $141 per month. This price is much higher than most prepaid cellphone options.
For example, if you switched to a low-cost carrier like Mint Mobile, you could pay $25 to $40 a month for its unlimited plan. The downside is that you’ll have to pay your cellphone bill upfront, but you’ll save more money in the long run. Alternatively, you could choose to switch to a less expensive plan with your current carrier if you prefer sticking with them.
7. Take Advantage of Your Local Library
When was the last time you used your local library? Libraries often have several benefits for patrons, including access to DVDs and Blu-rays, e-books and physical books, magazines and web programming courses.
In addition, some libraries offer in-person activities and classes you can attend. If you’re looking for a way to lower your monthly entertainment and educational expenses, visiting the library could be a perfect solution.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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