Get some thrills out of your bills

If you’re one of those people who hates opening your mailbox or inbox for the fear of more bills, we understand. The possibility of having your bank account sucked dry by yet another monthly payment can be a lot to bear. You can’t make your bills disappear, but what if you could shrink them? It’s not magic; it’s being financially savvy. Cut down on your bills with these smart tips from the pros.

Compare Energy Prices. Electricity and natural gas to power and heat your home will always be two of the most important necessities in your budget. However, if the rising cost of oil has directly affected the affordability of your bills, you should take action by determining if it would be less expensive for you to switch tariffs. If you find a company that provides service to your area for a cheaper price, it can save you more than £200, which is well-worth the effort.

Bundle up for broadband. Everything in life can be negotiated, and broadband Internet service is no exception. Having Internet access at home is quickly becoming a necessity for most people, so set yourself up for success with a package that can provide you with three services for the price of one. Many communications companies offer the “bundle” of Internet, phone, and cable for one price that would be cheaper than getting them separately. Additionally, you can sign on for a longer contract length (more than a year) to get service for a lower fee per month.

Be conservative. Once you have paid for your primary budget items, you can take your savings even further by being conservative around the house. You should start by saving energy since it makes up so much of your home budget. Small additions to your house or apartment, such as a programmable thermostat or a smart metre, can help you keep track of how much energy you are using to make sure you don’t go over your budgeted amount. You can also turn down the water heater and switch to low-flow shower heads to keep your water use on track.

Shop smarter. It may not be a monthly bill, but your grocery habits can really eat into your budget. You still need the basic staples, but you can get them for a lot cheaper if you practice couponing. And this doesn’t mean that you have to sift through the newspapers with scissors in one hand and your reading glasses in the other. Many Web sites offer printable coupons or even electronic coupons that can be scanned directly from your smartphone. You should also engage in smart shopping habits, such as buying items when they are discounted instead of waiting until you really need them and taking a list to the store so that you don’t load up on unnecessary items.

Bill paying will never be an all-out party, but you can at least get some exhilaration from knowing that you beat the system by saving money. With these easy tips, you’ll be thrilled in no time.