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How To Negotiate Your Bills

February 4, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How I negotiate my bills!

Do you want to save more money?  I am pretty confident that we ALL want to save more money.  Well, I am here to tell you that you can save money on your monthly bills today!  That’s right, most of us are paying to much on our monthly bills.  But, the good news is that you can easily negotiate bills.  All it takes is a little research, time and diligence.

Why Negotiate Bills?

There are so many reasons to negotiate your bills.  The most important reason for me personally is to have more money!  I’m always looking for places to scrimp and save.  I mean, who doesn’t want more money????

Imagine the things you can do with some extra money each month?

  • You could pay off your debt faster!
  • You could grow your sinking funds at a quicker rate!
  • You could spend that money on something FUN (because we all know bills are not a fun way to spend money…amiright????)
  • You could use that extra money to save towards your future.

There are so many possibilities.  The most important thing though is that you will have the extra money to choose to spend in the way that is best for YOU!  There is nothing better than that!

negotiate for lower bills - save money on bills

What Bills Can I Negotiate?

If you are wondering exactly which bills you can negotiate, I say all of them!  I like to follow the rule that it never hurts to ask!

You will never know if it’s negotiable or not if you don’t ask!  The worst thing that can happen is they will say “No.”

Here are a few bills I recommend you start with!  Each of these service providers are all well known of allowing negotiating.

Cable/Satellite TV

We personally got rid of our cable TV years ago, but if you haven’t made that cut yet you can try to get a better deal.  Most cable services will let you negotiate to a lower rate.  It’s worth the phone call!

During this phone call be sure to bring up how long you have been a customer.  If you have been devoted to the company for years they will be much more likely to give you a discount!

It’s also helpful to ask for any promotions they might have at the time.  Cable companies usually rotate different promotions throughout the year.  However, if they by chance don’t have one you qualify for, mention a promo their competitor might be offering.  Most cable companies will match a competitors deal, which is great news for all of us!

Credit Cards

Your credit card balance is your responsibility, however you can negotiate a lower interest rate!  A lower interest rate will mean paying that card off quicker and cheaper!  This is what we all want!

Credit card companies like to reward loyal and responsible behavior.  If you have been on time with your payments, tell them this!  Explain how many months you have been on time and then kindly ask for a lower interest rate.

  • Related:  How To Pay Off Debt Using The Debt Snowball or Debt Avalanche

Medical

Did you know that medical bills are negotiable?  Many people don’t realize this, but they totally are!

If you can pay your bill in full up front, ask for a discount.  Every single time I have asked, I have been told “yes!”.  This discount is usually between 15-25%.  Which can be a significant savings!

If you are unable to pay in full, ask for an interest free payment plan.  This is a great set up because you can pay your bill at your own pace, without having to pay extra in interest.

Internet

Negotiating your internet bills is easy and very similar to negotiating your cable/satellite bills.

When negotiating, be sure to ask for current promotions and mention the promotions their competitor is offering.

Another good strategy is to ask for a cheaper internet package.  This might mean slower internet, or less services.  But, if you need the extra cash it will be worth it!

Insurance Premiums

Negotiating your insurance premiums is another excellent way to save on your monthly bills.  Most insurance agents are willing to work with you on these bills.  Never be afraid to ask!  They want your business!  It’s their job to make you happy!

There are a few things I suggest to bring up during this meeting.  The first is to ask if you can pay once a year, rather than monthly.  Many companies prefer to be paid in one lump sum and will give you a discount if you pay this way.

The other suggestion is to ask your insurance agent for a bundling discount.  This means that you will “bundle” or group your insurances (life, home auto) together with one company.  You can almost always get a discount for bundling.

  • Related:  8 Ways to Save Money on Utilities This Winter

Bill Negotiating Tips

Negotiating does take a little bit of time and bravery.  It can be intimidating to call these companies up; so I am helping you out with a few bill negotiating tips.

Do Your Research

Be diligent with researching before calling up a company.  Research competitor prices, look over your bills to check your consistency on your payments.  Know what you are talking about before asking for a favor.  They will be much more likely to listen.

Be Polite

When negotiating it is important that you are firm and diligent in your requests.  However, you can be firm while also being polite and considerate.

The people on the other end of the phone are real people with feelings.  You will be listened to more if you are polite.

Be Willing to Leave

If you really want to lower your bills, you need to be willing to leave your current provider.  When you threaten to leave your current service provider, they will usually listen up and honor your request.

But, you have to mean it!  There is a chance they will say, “Ok, then leave.”  And you will need to be willing to live with those consequences.

Today’s Challenge

Make a list of all of your monthly bills.  Choose two of them to try to negotiate to a lesser amount.  You can do it!

If you find success with those two bills, negotiate another one!

Remember, the worst thing that will happen is you will be told “No.”

Liked what you read?  Pin it for use on even more bills!

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It’s time to negotiate your bills!

5 Times You Should Always Ask For a Discount

December 18, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How to negotiate for a lower price when shopping.

While out shopping do you ever haggle for a lower price??  Because it is totally possible, acceptable and common to do in many situations.  This is one of my favorite ways to save a few extra dollars here and there, and it totally works!  I know that bartering can feel a little intimidating, so today I thought I would share a few tips to help you know when and how to ask for a discount, so that you can do so confidently.

Why Ask For a Discount

I love asking for discounts because it is a great way to save money on items I was going to be buying anyways!  If you had the option to pay full price for something, or get it for a cheaper price….wouldn’t you always choose the cheaper price???  I would!

Asking for a discount is a lot more common than many people realize, especially in a few specific industries.  I always tell myself the worst thing that could happen is they will say, “No”, so I might as well just ask!

How To Ask For a Discount

Asking for a discount is really fairly simple.  It takes a little bit of courage, a lot of kindness, and being willing to speak up!  Here are a few other tricks I have found when trying to decide how to ask for a discount when shopping.

It Never Hurts To Ask

My rule of thumb is that it never hurts to ask.  The worst thing that can happen is you’ll be told “no”, which really isn’t that bad of a thing to happen, right?!?!  So, just ask!

I know that this can feel scary, but I promise it gets easier the more you try!  So, the next time you start to wonder if you could get the price for cheaper….ask and find out!

Be Polite

My general rule in this world is to just be kind to everyone, and asking for a discount is no different.  Kindness can go a long way when you are trying to negotiate a price. 

Remember to never (ever!) be condescending or pushy to a salesman.  This will only turn them off and make them not want to work with you, which is the opposite of what you want to happen, and it’s just mean!

The best way to ensure you get that coveted discount is to smile, use the words “please” and “thank you” and look them in the eye.  Try to be their friend and understanding to their position and job.

Ask For a Manager

Many times the sales person you are talking to is not authorized to give you a discount, which is totally fine!  If you are told that they are unable to discount your item just politely ask to speak to a manager.

Most managers are able to give discounts, if they feel it is appropriate to do so.

Walk Away

If you are not given the discount you have asked for, be willing to walk away.  Many times when they see that you aren’t willing to back down, they will come back and give you the discount.

Most stores would rather see the item sold for a discount then not sold at all.

When To Ask For A Discount

I honestly believe if you ever want a discount, to ask for one!  But, there are some situations when you should ALWAYS ask for a lower price and I’m excited to share those times with you!

when to ask for a discount - how to ask for discounts when shopping

Ask For A Discount On Furniture

When you are shopping for new furniture keep in mind that the sales person is paid on commission.  The more money you spend, the more money they will earn.  Because of this commission furniture prices are greatly marked up.  Which is actually great for everyone involved. 

The marked up prices gives the sales person a lot of room when negotiating.  I recommend to never pay sticker price on any piece of furniture you are buying.  And yes!  You can even negotiate the delivery costs!

Ask For A Discount On Vehicles

Another time you should always ask for a discount is whenever you buy a vehicle.  It doesn’t matter if you are buying a used or new vehicle, both are negotiable!

One of the most important things when it comes to car negotiating is to be prepared and do your homework before coming to the car lot.  The best way to prepare yourself is by researching online vehicle information, especially finding what a fair price point is for the vehicle you want.  I love to use Kelly Blue Book to help me research any potential vehicles value.

Car salesman want you to make a purchase sooner rather than later, and this can work in your favor.  If your suggested sales price isn’t well received let them know that you are willing to walk away and shop at other car lots.  This will usually alert them to meeting you somewhere in the middle.

You do not need to be pushy during these negotiations.  Simply ask them to cut some money off the sticker price, and wait to hear their offer.  Sometimes less talking makes much more of a difference than talking a lot does.

Ask For A Discount On Medical And Dental Bills

Did you know that the price you are quoted for your medical or dental work is not what you always have to pay?  Because, it’s true!  These are negotiable!

When negotiating your medical bills I suggest simply asking if there are any discounts available to bring down the cost.  Many billers will work with you in finding a few things to cut out or a discount to apply.

One of my favorite ways to knock some money off the price of a medical or dental bill is to pay with cash instead of using insurance.  This obviously can’t be done for all procedures, but if there are some you are having done that aren’t to expensive and you have the cash to pay for it, let the doctors office know!  Every single time I have paid cash for a medical or dental procedure I have received a big discount.

Also, there are often mistakes on medical bills.  Make sure to look through each bill closely to ensure you are paying the correct price.  If you ever see any billing mistakes make sure to call the billing office to get them corrected.

Ask For A Discount On Damaged Items

I absolutely love finding damaged items at stores.  Why???  Because it means I can buy it for a fraction of the price!  Here are a few things I have bought for super cheap because they were damaged:

  • This cute sign from Hobby Lobby had a black smudge on the bottom.  So, I asked if I could get a discount and they gave me 90% off!  And then I used some white paint to hide the smudge!

  • Another item I got from Hobby Lobby was this white planter.  It has a small chip in it, so again I asked if I could get some money knocked off the price.  They gave it to me for 90% off!  And no one ever notices the chip!

  • Lastly, I bought this dress from a local clothing boutique.  It had some foundation on the front, so I asked the sales lady if I could get it for cheaper and she immediately agreed!  I was able to get 75% off the dress and easily washed the foundation off before wearing it.

 

Like I mentioned earlier, it is often much cheaper and easier for stores to sell these items at a discount, rather than having to fix it themselves.

Asking For A Discount On Monthly Bills

Another great place you should always ask for discounts is on your monthly bills.  Everything from internet, insurance, and credit card interest are negotiable.

All you need to do to ask for this discount is to call your service provider and request a lower rate.  Most providers will be willing to work with you, especially if you have been a loyal customer for a few years.

Be sure to check out my article, 5 Bills To Negotiate, for more tips to scoring that discount on your monthly bills.

You Got This

The next time you are wondering when, if or how to ask for a discount, remember these 5 situations.  They are all moments when I have asked for a lower price and have been successful, and I know that you can too!

Remember to brave, confident, and that it never (ever!) hurts to ask for a discount.

Related Articles:

How To Stop Impulse Buying For Good

How To Save Money At Target

11 Things to do Today to Lower your Monthly Expenses

Pin For Future Reference:

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I hope this article helped you learn how to ask for a discount.

Hello! I’m Melanie!

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