Tips for lowering your monthly bills

As costs continue to rise, Channel 11 Consumer Advisor Clark Howard offers practical tips to help consumers lower their monthly bills.

From unused subscriptions to car loan refinancing, Clark suggests several strategies that can lead to significant savings.

“It will shock you how much money you can save,” Clark said, emphasizing the impact of small changes.

One of Clark’s top tips is to conduct a “tech-check” to identify and cancel unused subscriptions. Many subscriptions start with a free trial but continue to charge monthly fees if not canceled.

Jaclyn McCann, a Pittsburgh consumer, discovered she was paying for subscriptions she no longer used. “I did really have to tighten up and consider those as luxuries,” she said.

Clark also advises consumers to review their streaming services. On average, consumers subscribe to four streaming services, spending about $70 a month, which totals over $800 a year. Opting for advertiser-supported plans can save around 40%.

For car owners, Clark suggests refinancing car loans to potentially secure a lower interest rate, especially through credit unions. “This is something that almost always you’re gonna find the best deal at a credit union,” he noted.

When it comes to filling up the gas tank, Clark recommends starting to look for the cheapest gas when the tank is half full, particularly at warehouse clubs, which often offer lower prices.

Clark’s final tip is to negotiate with service providers such as insurance carriers, cell phone companies, and cable companies to find available deals and reduce monthly expenses.

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