Many companies offer services in “bundles” which can include many of the different services you already pay for separately but sold together at a cheaper rate. Check into service options that your local cable company provides- many will sell you a digital service package that includes cable TV, Internet, and telephone service. Watch the prices for a few months and buy when the package seems most attractive- most companies will offer various promotions throughout the year. If possible, lock in your rate- Making this switch can save you upwards of $300/year- you’re saving money and simplifying your bills.

If your cable and broadband Internet services already come together as a package, consider canceling your phone service and connecting a VoIP service such as Vonage onto the package. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) simply converts your phone service into a connection that can be run through the internet connection. It works exactly the same ways as your e-mail does- using the broadband connection to transfer data. With a service like Vonage, you get even better deals with local and long distance phone calls than your existing phone company currently offers. Not only that, but you get to keep your own phone number- what could be easier? The only new piece of equipment you’ll need is an adapter for your home phone set, which Vonage provides.

Another option is to eliminate your landline entirely and rely exclusively on your cell phone for all calls. By canceling your phone service, you will free up anywhere from $20-80 per month, depending on the number of features you were currently paying for with your phone company. Additionally, if you and your spouse sign up for a family share plan through the cell phone company, you can communicate with each other and other friends or family members that use the same provider absolutely free. Your service provider should be able to tell you how many minutes on average you use each month- use this information to upgrade or downgrade to various plans to save money in overage frees or so you do not have to pay for minutes that you don’t use.

There are always ways to save your family money if you take the time to closely monitor your bills and research new opportunities. Also ask friends and relatives for their experience in combining monthly household services- they’ll be more than happy to share their tips and secrets to saving money.

Posted in Home Budget

Related Articles: