U.S. consumer spending reached a record high of 15586.67 billion dollars in the last quarter of 2023. That’s a lot, but many think of certain bills as fixed amounts that can’t be changed. However, this isn’t always true. Many companies are open to negotiating some of these bills, which might surprise you.
Here, we will shed light on some of those bills that you never knew you could negotiate on. We have analyzed multiple surveys to prepare this list for you.
Cable and TV Bill
These are among the most common services that every American consumer avails of. The service providers do offer a low introductory rate for a start. But eventually, it increases after a while. Contact the service provider; they might have certain deals and negotiate your cable and TV bill.
Healthcare Bills
Healthcare costs are a major expense, even for those with medical insurance. In 2022, Americans spent $471 billion on out-of-pocket health expenses. Negotiating your healthcare bills can lead to significant savings. It’s a good idea to contact your healthcare provider’s billing department. They are often willing to negotiate the amount you owe. This approach can help manage and potentially reduce your healthcare costs.
House Rent
If you are living in a rented apartment or house, you are liable to pay rent to the owner every month. In case you feel the rent is too high for your budget, you have the option to negotiate. If the rent around the neighborhood is less than what your owner is charging, use it as a pitch to negotiate. You can also try offering advance rent or signing a longer contract, which might convince the landlord.
Credit Card Bills
By the end of 2023, the average debt on credit cards per American borrower was around $6,360. This average figure is 10% higher than the debt amount in 2022. Inflation, financial hassle, and other issues are potential reasons for this shift. Irrespective of the reason, you can negotiate your credit card bills or interest rates. This way, you can reduce the payable amount without hampering your credit history.
Gym Membership Fees
The ultimate goal of gyms is to get more members and hold onto them. Therefore, they often introduce new promotions and offers to slice down the membership fees. Be mindful of those offers if you don’t want to pay the hefty membership renewal fees every year. If any other gym nearby is offering competitive rates, do ask yours to match them.
Cell Phone Bills
You have the power to choose when it comes to cell phone bills. If your bills seem higher than they should be based on usage, discuss this with customer support. They often offer better deals, especially if they believe you might switch to a competitor. Always explore your options, as you might find opportunities to reduce your monthly expenses. Don’t hesitate to compare plans from different companies to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Streaming Media Platform Bills
Streaming media platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO provide endless entertainment. On average, people in the U.S. subscribe to three such services each month, spending about $46. To cut costs, consider canceling subscriptions you rarely use.
Also, keep an eye out for deals from various platforms. By taking advantage of these offers, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Always assess your usage and adjust your subscriptions accordingly to maximize your savings.
House Maintenance Bills
House maintenance bills can arise regularly or unexpectedly. Services such as pest control, lawn mowing, HVAC maintenance, and home security may become necessary at various times.
Consider negotiating the final bill for each service to save money on these expenses. Many providers are open to discussion, especially if you are a regular customer or if you offer to use their services exclusively. This approach can lead to substantial savings in your overall house maintenance costs.
Insurance Premiums
Home and auto insurance policies often have hefty premiums for the different coverages they offer. You don’t have to adhere to all the plan clauses and pay the asked amount entirely. You can negotiate the premiums by altering certain coverage options. For instance, if you park your car in a closed garage, you won’t need paint protection coverage against sun damage or bird droppings.
Online Shopping Expenses
With the rising demand for online shopping, experts predict that the average American buyer will be spending around $7,250 by the year 2026. Therefore, to reduce monthly expenditure, you must be mindful of your online purchase decisions. Look for discounts across different platforms for the same product, and try to avail them to minimize the overall expenses. Talk to the support agents as well, and look for further negotiation deals.
Internet
Due to global digitalization, having Wi-Fi at home has become a necessity. Typically, internet providers offer introductory rates for their plans, which increase after a certain period. To potentially extend these lower rates, it’s wise to speak with your service provider. Ask if they have any special offers for long-term customers. Also, choose a plan that matches your speed requirements to avoid paying for more than you need. By selecting the right plan and negotiating terms, you can keep your internet costs under control.
Real Estate Commissions
You are liable to pay some commission when you sell a property through an agent. You don’t have to accept their quotation entirely and try negotiating the percentage. There is a high chance you will get a good discount on the real estate commission, at times, up to 1% on the total price of the house.