Yes, just one phone call. Negotiating your bills is one of the easiest ways to save money every month. It’s a strategy anyone can use—whether you’re on a tight budget, love a good deal, or simply want to make your money work harder for you. I don’t know about you, but here in Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada, the cost of living has exploded and I’m always looking for ways to cut costs and increase my savings. Even if you live in the most expensive city in the world, we could all enjoy a little more disposable income and this simple practice can make a significant impact on your financial goals.
In today’s economic climate, every dollar saved can make a huge difference in achieving your financial goals—you do have goals, right? Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning a vacation, or working toward paying off debt, reducing your monthly expenses is a direct way to free up funds. By negotiating lower rates on services such as internet, cable, insurance, or even subscriptions, you can allocate more money toward your financial goals. It’s like giving yourself an instant pay increase! But how do you negotiate lower rates? Here’s my step-by-step guide. You’re welcome.
Step 1. Do Your Homework
Before you even pick up the phone, take the time to research what competitors are offering. For example, if you’re looking to reduce your internet bill, check out the rates from other providers in your area. This gives you a strong bargaining chip when you start the conversation with your current provider. If you find a better deal elsewhere, be ready to mention it.
Step 2. Timing is Key
Timing can play a crucial role in the success of your negotiation. The best time to negotiate is near the end of your billing cycle or when your contract is about to expire. Companies are often more willing to offer discounts or promotions to keep you as a customer during these periods. Pull out all your bills and get them in datal order of billing or expiry, then put it in your calendar to make the call.
Step 3. Use the Right Phrases
When you’re on the phone, the way you frame your request can make a big difference. Be polite but firm. You could start the conversation by saying something like, “I’m considering cancelling because I found a better rate with [competitor name drop]. What can you do to match or beat that?” Alternatively, you might say, “I’ve been a loyal customer, and I’d like to stay, but my current rate is too high. Can we work on lowering it?”
Step 4. Be Persistent
If the first person you speak to can’t help, don’t give up. Ask to speak to a supervisor or consider calling back at a different time. Persistence often pays off, especially if you’re willing to negotiate. Remember, the goal is to reduce your expenses, so don’t hesitate to push a little. You’re the boss of your money, so take control in the conversation and focus on the money savings.
Step 5. Explore Multiple Services
This negotiation strategy isn’t just for your internet or cable bill. It works for everything from insurance to mortgages and car repairs to your phone bill. Anytime you’re paying for a service, there’s a potential to save by negotiating. Look back at all your bills, credit card and bank statements. List the services you’ve paid for, is there an opportunity for next time round? Add these to your calendar. It gets easier the more times you do this.
Now, you might wonder why saving yourself a little on each bill is worth the bother, especially when it involves asking for something, or advocating for yourself (which we generally hate doing). Well, let’s look at an example on how a little can go a long way.
Suppose you successfully negotiate a $50 reduction on your monthly bills. That’s $600 saved annually. If you invest that $600 at the end of the first year at an 8% annual return (a reasonable assumption based on historical market performance), and keep adding your $50 each month thereafter, here’s how your savings could grow over time:
- After 5 years: $4,567.75
- After 10 years: $10,479.09
- After 20 years: $32,407.10
Are your eyes popping out of your head like a cartoon character? As you can see, what starts as a small saving on your monthly bills can compound into significant wealth over time. You’ve heard the term, small but mighty… The power of small financial changes and how they can contribute to your long-term financial security should be all you need to go back to step one and get started.
Negotiating lower rates on your bills is more than just saving a few dollars; it’s about taking control of your finances. The cost of living is only increasing, so these savings can provide you with more financial freedom and help you achieve your goals faster. What are you doing still sitting there? Pick up the phone, start negotiating, and watch your savings grow.