8 Bills Frugal People Know How to Avoid To Save More Money Easily
Ever feel like your paycheck disappears way too fast? It’s not always the big expenses that drain your wallet. Sometimes, it’s those sneaky bills that quietly pile up.
If you want to keep more of your hard-earned cash, it helps to know which bills you can skip without missing out on the things you love. Small changes can add up to big savings over time.
Unused subscriptions like streaming services or magazines
We’ve all signed up for a streaming service or magazine, then forgotten about it. These small monthly fees can quietly drain your bank account.
Take a few minutes to check your subscriptions. If you’re not using them, cancel and put that money toward something you actually enjoy.
Many people pay for several streaming platforms but only watch one or two. Try switching between them instead of keeping all of them active at once.
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Credit card finance charges by paying balance in full each month
Interest charges on credit cards can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Paying your full balance every month helps you avoid these extra costs.
If you only pay part of your bill, you’ll get hit with interest on the rest. Staying on top of your due dates keeps those fees away.
Some cards also charge fees for cash advances or late payments. The simplest way to dodge these is to pay what you owe in full and on time.
Extended warranties on electronics and appliances
It’s tempting to buy an extended warranty when you get a new gadget or appliance. The promise of extra protection sounds good.
But repairs often cost less than the warranty itself. Most issues show up while your original warranty is still active anyway.
Many people forget they even bought the warranty when something breaks. Sometimes, it’s easier and cheaper to pay for a repair out of pocket.
Before you buy, check what’s really covered. Read the fine print so you know if it’s worth the money.
Late fees on bills by setting automatic payments
Late fees are the worst. They make your bills more expensive for no good reason.
Setting up automatic payments can help you avoid them. Your bills get paid on time, and you don’t have to remember every due date.
Most banks and companies let you set up autopay easily. Just make sure you have enough in your account to cover the bill.
Keeping tabs on your balance helps you avoid any surprises. Automatic payments save you time and prevent extra fees from piling up.
Cable TV in favor of cheaper streaming options
Cable TV bills can get out of hand fast. If you’re paying a lot for channels you barely watch, it might be time to switch things up.
Streaming services usually cost less and let you pick exactly what you want to watch. You can still get live sports and news without the big cable bill.
With so many streaming choices, you can find a plan that fits your budget. Plus, you’re not locked into long contracts.
Cutting cable and switching to streaming is a quick way to save money every month.
Gym memberships not regularly used
How many people sign up for a gym in January and stop going by March? If you’re not using your membership, you’re just throwing money away.
There are tons of ways to stay active for free or cheap. Home workouts, YouTube videos, and walks in the park can all keep you moving.
Fancy gyms with lots of extras sound nice, but if you’re not using them, it’s not worth the price. Save that money for something you’ll actually use.
If you need the gym for motivation, look for flexible memberships or pay-per-visit options. Only pay when you go.
Premium car insurance add-ons that aren’t needed
Car insurance can get pricey when you add on every extra feature. Not every add-on is worth the cost.
For example, if you rarely rent cars, you probably don’t need rental reimbursement coverage. Sometimes, your credit card already covers rental cars.
Gap insurance is only helpful if you owe more on your car than it’s worth. If you own your car or your loan is less than the car’s value, you can skip it.
Roadside assistance is great, but you might already have it through your phone plan or car manufacturer. Check your current coverage before adding more.
Review your policy and see which extras you actually use. Dropping the unnecessary ones is an easy way to lower your bill.
Convenience fees for bill payments
Ever notice a surprise charge when you pay a bill online or by phone? Those are often convenience fees, and they sneak up on you more often than you might think.
These fees are meant to cover the cost of offering online or phone payment options. They may seem small, but they can really add up over time.
Frugal folks find ways to dodge these extra charges. Paying bills directly through your bank’s website or setting up automatic payments usually means you won’t get hit with a fee.
Sometimes, paying in person at the company’s office or at your bank is the best way to avoid extra costs. It might take a little more time, but it keeps more money in your pocket.
Take a moment to review your payment options before you pay. If you spot a convenience fee, see if there’s a no-fee alternative.
A few minutes of effort can help you avoid these charges and keep your hard-earned cash where it belongs.
