Fix Fixed Expenses Budgeting Savings Challenge
Fix Fixed Expenses - Budgeting, Savings Challenge
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So-called fixed expenses — those items in our household budgets that we consider unavoidable and non-negotiable — typically account for a big chunk of what we spend every month. According to the , about two-thirds of the average American family's household spending is for basic necessities, as opposed to discretionary expenses. Between rent or mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, phone bills, car payments and more, most folks can relate to the lyrics of that popular country song: There's just too much month at the end of the money. Photo by Uppercut/Getty Images Fix your fixed expenses. But maybe at least some of our fixed expenses aren't as fixed as we think they are. Think of the money you could save if you could knock down — or even eliminate — some of your routine bills. Consider: Bundling: Consolidating insurance policies or telecommunication services with a single company can often lower what you pay. For example, "" your automobile, homeowner's and other insurance policies with one insurance company will typically allow you to qualify for discounts and special pricing that could save you 10 percent or more in total premiums. It's worth looking into, although it can be tricky and sometimes even end up costing you more. Switching vendors: When the economy is in a slump the upside is that customers are kings. I like to set aside a day or two every year to review my fixed expenses and do a little comparison shopping. Using the Internet and resources like it's easy to get a feel for whether you can do better by switching vendors, canceling your gym membership or even refinancing your home. In this economy, it pays to constantly shop around. Don't make your final decision about whether to switch or stay put simply on the basis of your online and other research. Before you actually jump ship, talk to all the players involved, including your current vendor(s). Often times when vendors know that your business is up for grabs, they'll sweeten the pot even more. Asking for a better deal: It never hurts to ask a company service whether they can . Be polite and direct when you ask for a better deal. There's nothing wrong with calling up a vendor and explaining that times are tough and you're looking for ways to trim your expenses. There might be discounts or special promotions you're eligible for, and other times it might be possible to make adjustments in the type of plan you have, resulting in lower payments. Seeking public assistance: If you're having trouble paying for even the most basic living expenses, you may qualify for financial assistance through a variety of government and nonprofit institutions. To research government-sponsored assistance programs at both the federal and state levels, start by visiting the ; it includes links to assistance programs offered by all 50 states. National nonprofit organizations including the and the offer various programs through their local chapters to provide help in paying for utilities and other household expenses, and local offices of the are a good source of information about other charitable organizations in your community that offer financial assistance programs to people in need.
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Doing without: Last but certainly not least, we all need to ask ourselves: What would happen if tomorrow I had to live without _______? Fill in that blank with anything you think of as a fixed expense: a car, cable TV, your gym membership, a cellphone, the home you currently live in, a newspaper subscription — you name it. Sometimes the probable consequence of simply "doing without" will be a sacrifice or risk you're not willing to take. But oftentimes giving something up can be freeing and opens the door to enjoying life more. That's exactly the experience a member of the audience shared following a talk on frugal living that I gave at the AARP Life@50+ Expo in Los Angeles. (.) She told the audience that she realized she was watching a lot more television than she intended and that it was costing her too much time and too much money. With that, she pulled the plug, canceling her television service entirely and turning on the good old-fashioned radio instead. "I can tell you, my life has changed," she said proudly, "and it's a hell of a lot better now." I guess that says it all. Jeff Yeager is the author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches and The Cheapskate Next Door. His website is and you can friend him on Facebook at or follow him on
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6 Ways to Fix Your Fixed Expenses
Tips for getting a better deal on insurance mortgage and more
We've all heard the old saying, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Although when you stop to think about it, I suppose most of us would add "monthly bills" to that list.See also:
So-called fixed expenses — those items in our household budgets that we consider unavoidable and non-negotiable — typically account for a big chunk of what we spend every month. According to the , about two-thirds of the average American family's household spending is for basic necessities, as opposed to discretionary expenses. Between rent or mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, phone bills, car payments and more, most folks can relate to the lyrics of that popular country song: There's just too much month at the end of the money. Photo by Uppercut/Getty Images Fix your fixed expenses. But maybe at least some of our fixed expenses aren't as fixed as we think they are. Think of the money you could save if you could knock down — or even eliminate — some of your routine bills. Consider: Bundling: Consolidating insurance policies or telecommunication services with a single company can often lower what you pay. For example, "" your automobile, homeowner's and other insurance policies with one insurance company will typically allow you to qualify for discounts and special pricing that could save you 10 percent or more in total premiums. It's worth looking into, although it can be tricky and sometimes even end up costing you more. Switching vendors: When the economy is in a slump the upside is that customers are kings. I like to set aside a day or two every year to review my fixed expenses and do a little comparison shopping. Using the Internet and resources like it's easy to get a feel for whether you can do better by switching vendors, canceling your gym membership or even refinancing your home. In this economy, it pays to constantly shop around. Don't make your final decision about whether to switch or stay put simply on the basis of your online and other research. Before you actually jump ship, talk to all the players involved, including your current vendor(s). Often times when vendors know that your business is up for grabs, they'll sweeten the pot even more. Asking for a better deal: It never hurts to ask a company service whether they can . Be polite and direct when you ask for a better deal. There's nothing wrong with calling up a vendor and explaining that times are tough and you're looking for ways to trim your expenses. There might be discounts or special promotions you're eligible for, and other times it might be possible to make adjustments in the type of plan you have, resulting in lower payments. Seeking public assistance: If you're having trouble paying for even the most basic living expenses, you may qualify for financial assistance through a variety of government and nonprofit institutions. To research government-sponsored assistance programs at both the federal and state levels, start by visiting the ; it includes links to assistance programs offered by all 50 states. National nonprofit organizations including the and the offer various programs through their local chapters to provide help in paying for utilities and other household expenses, and local offices of the are a good source of information about other charitable organizations in your community that offer financial assistance programs to people in need.
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Related
Bartering: With cash so tight these days, for goods and services is making a big-time comeback. Is it possible to swap something you own — or even swap some of your time — to lower some of your fixed expenses? I know from firsthand experience as the landlord of a small rental unit we own, we've more than once agreed to give cash-strapped tenants a break on their rent in exchange for giving us a hand with projects around our house or the rental unit. You need to think creatively about what you need and what you have to offer. Online bartering clubs let you swap just about anything you have for all types of goods and services, and "time banks" are an increasingly popular way of exchanging your time and talents for the services and assistance you need.Doing without: Last but certainly not least, we all need to ask ourselves: What would happen if tomorrow I had to live without _______? Fill in that blank with anything you think of as a fixed expense: a car, cable TV, your gym membership, a cellphone, the home you currently live in, a newspaper subscription — you name it. Sometimes the probable consequence of simply "doing without" will be a sacrifice or risk you're not willing to take. But oftentimes giving something up can be freeing and opens the door to enjoying life more. That's exactly the experience a member of the audience shared following a talk on frugal living that I gave at the AARP Life@50+ Expo in Los Angeles. (.) She told the audience that she realized she was watching a lot more television than she intended and that it was costing her too much time and too much money. With that, she pulled the plug, canceling her television service entirely and turning on the good old-fashioned radio instead. "I can tell you, my life has changed," she said proudly, "and it's a hell of a lot better now." I guess that says it all. Jeff Yeager is the author of The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches and The Cheapskate Next Door. His website is and you can friend him on Facebook at or follow him on
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures