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8 Utility Bill Cuts That Your Service Providers Are Willing To Give If Only You’d Ask

May 6, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

Finding discounts on your utility bills — Image Source: Pexels

Do you struggle to pay your utility bills? CBS News reported that the cost of electricity has risen from 14 cents per kilowatt hour in 2019 to 18 cents per kilowatt hour, an increase of more than 28.5%. The average utility bill in the US was nearly $300 a month in 2024. So, how can you reduce your bills? Here are eight discounts your utility companies may offer if you ask.

1. Assistance Programs

If you receive Supplemental Security Income or Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children, you may be eligible for low-income assistance programs. There are also several federal programs that you can apply for assistance. HEARTWAP provides emergency heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households. WAP provides eligible households with full-scale home energy efficiency services. The program is funded by an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, and administered by a network of local agencies.

2. Senior Discounts

Some utility companies offer discounts to individuals 60 years of age or older. Some companies offer a 5% discount for seniors. Many towns have discounts on water services for seniors as well.

3. Veteran Discounts

Many companies offer discounts for active and retired military. For example, if you live in a deregulated electricity state, you can choose your own provider. Then, you can choose a provider that offers a military discount, since many have been discontinued.

4. Paperless Billing Discounts

Ask your utility providers about any discounts for paperless billing. These can be a one-time discount or percentage off each month. Either way, it can help you keep more money in your pocket.

5. Energy Rebates

Did you recently upgrade to energy-efficient appliances or insulation? Many states will offer you a credit for doing so. But they don’t always advertise this fact unless you ask directly. These discounts include rebates for installing energy-efficient water heaters, HVAC systems, building insulation, appliances, weatherization, lighting, and other energy-efficient improvements.

Federal tax credits for energy efficiency expired at the end of 2016, but some programs are still active. If you installed solar panels, you can still receive a tax credit.

6. Loyalty Discounts

Some companies will offer loyalty discounts for long-time customers. It’s best to ask about this type of discount because it usually isn’t offered upfront. However, many companies value loyal customers. So, it’s possible that you’ll be able to get a discount or possibly a lower rate overall.

7. Hardship Discounts

If you can’t pay your utility bill, call your providers. They may offer you hardship assistance. You may be able to make adjusted monthly payments on your balance to avoid interruptions in service.

8. Budget Billing

Budget billing evens out your payments throughout the year based on past usage. This way, you won’t have big fluctuations in your bills in different seasons. If for any reason you underpay or overpay, you’ll receive a credit or additional utility bill.

Reducing Your Utility Bills

When it comes to utility bills, every dollar saved is helpful. Be proactive and call your providers to find ways to reduce your bills. You may be surprised at what you qualify for and how much you can save each month.

Have you received any other kind of discount on your bills? Let us know in the comments.

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Fast Food, Fast Debt: How Convenience Culture Eats Your Savings

April 29, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

fast food eating away at your savings — Image Source: Pexels

With so many options at our fingertips, fast food is the ultimate convenience. It’s easier than ever to reward ourselves with a treat and pick up our favorite fast food. According to a study by the Journal of Marine Medical Society, The fast-food market is growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.6% worldwide. However, with rising prices fast food is no longer an inexpensive food option.

History of Fast Food

Fast food establishments were first born to provide quick, affordable meals for busy individuals. White Castle is often dubbed as the first fast-food chain. Founded in 1921 it offered affordable hamburgers and pioneering assembly-line methods for efficient food preparation. After WWII, car culture led to the rise of fast food chains like McDonalds gaining popularity.

Rising Costs

Between 2014 and 2024, average menu prices at popular fast-food chains increased by 60%, with some chains like McDonald’s experiencing increases exceeding three times the national inflation rate. Rising labor costs have contributed to this rise in prices, with some chains paying workers up to $20 per hour. According to a March 2024 report by the Federal Trade Commission, higher operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and corporate profits have also contributed to high food prices. These additional expenses have been passed down to the consumer making fast food restaurants no longer an affordable option.

Most Americans eat fast food 1-3 times per week. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics from the Center for Disease Control shows that a little over one-third (36.6%) of adults in America eat it on any given day. On average, a US household will spend 10% of their annual income on fast food. This amount of money spent on fast food can be detrimental to your savings. To keep your budget on track, it’s important to resist treat culture and the convenience of fast food. There are still affordable ways to feed yourself and your family, some of which are still easy.

Ways to Adjust Your Spending

According to a 2024 survey conducted by LendingTree, 78% of consumers now consider fast food a “luxury” purchase due to its increasing cost. Many consumers now look for chains that offer meal deals. Recently McDonald’s has launched their $5 meal deals and Taco Bell offers a value box. While these initiatives don’t really increase sales for fast food chains, they do retain customers who are shying away from fast food due to its cost. If you do purchase fast food, look for value items and take advantage of deals, which are usually offered in the chain’s app.

To truly save money, you may have to ditch fast food altogether. Many consumers find the most value in cooking at home and purchasing read-to-heat meals from grocery stores. If you rely on fast food for affordable options, you may have to find new ways to save on food. Consider finding ways to save on groceries like couponing, using services like Flash Foods for discounted items, or using a low-cost meal delivery subscription like EveryPlate.

How often do you eat fast food? How much do you spend per month? Let us know in the comments.

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6 Reasons Baby Boomers Were Never Broke and How You Can Follow Their Lead

April 17, 2025 By Teri Monroe Leave a Comment

6 Reasons Why Boomers Are Not Broke — Image Source: 123rf.com

Does it seem like your Boomer parents were never broke? For many Millennials and Gen Zs, it may seem impossible to get out of debt and grow your wealth. So, what financial secrets do Boomers live by? Here are 6 reasons Baby Boomers were never broke and how you can follow in their footsteps.

1. They Budgeted and Lived Within Their Means

Today, many younger generations give in to impulse spending and FOMO. Baby Boomers are well aware of their finances. In most cases, they don’t exceed their budgets or buy things they can’t afford. For example, if Boomers decide to take a vacation, they are very price-conscience and look for the best deals. When it comes to other purchases, they usually focus on needs over wants.

2. They Prioritized Big Purchases

Baby Boomers meticulously saved for larger purchases like homes and cars. They worked hard to pay off their mortgages and debts. Just because they tend to have a higher disposable income, they are still very value-driven in their spending and are more likely to make big purchases if they get a good deal. In contrast, many younger generations are quick to pay full price for bigger purchases, especially as the housing market has become more competitive.

3. They Stretched Every Dollar

Boomers are experts when it comes to money-saving hacks and cutting costs. They understand that you may need to buy things that are quality over quantity. For example, they don’t buy fast fashion the way younger generations do. They are more likely to cook at home than young people, and they often carry cash for purchases instead of using credit cards.

4. They Valued Their Money

Baby Boomers value things like how much money they have saved, and their self-sufficiency. They can be very prideful and don’t accept help or handouts. By having this mindset, they make sure that every dollar they earn is working for them by investing or growing their savings. For example, Baby Boomers have the largest percentage of their wealth in stocks and mutual funds. According to Federal Reserve data, about 28% of their wealth is in this category.

5. They Stayed in Their Jobs

Boomers are known for staying in their jobs. According to Fortune, a new poll says more than 40% of America’s baby boomers stayed with their employer for more than 20 years. This loyalty has paid off for many Boomers. Unsurprisingly, the driving factors are often tenures and traditional pensions. While many younger generations aren’t offered this opportunity for their retirement, Millennials and Gen Z can take a page out of Boomer’s book when it comes to job loyalty.

6. They Didn’t Spend More as Their Income Increased

Lifestyle creep is often a huge problem for younger generations. As their income increases over time, they usually continue to spend more and increase their budgets. One of the many reasons that Boomers are not broke is because they are traditionally more conservative with their money and frugal.

What financial tips will you adopt from Boomers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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