How to save money on bills: A guide for low-income families
Saving money is possible even when your income is limited or fixed. Many households are able to reduce monthly expenses by cutting costs on essentials such as food, utilities, housing, transportation, and medical care. The information we have listed below will serve as a starting point to saving money. This page organizes our expert, proven money-saving strategies into clear categories, with each section linking to detailed programs and tools that we have compiled since 2008.
The focus is practical cost-reduction, not unrealistic budgeting advice for people living on a low-income. The money saved can then be used to help pay for other essential needs. Whether you are living paycheck to paycheck, supporting a family on one income, or managing expenses on Social Security or disability, the main expense areas where most households can reduce costs are listed below. Each category links to detailed information, programs, and examples specific to that type of bill or expense.
Many people also share real-world cost-cutting experiences and ways they saved money through the NeedHelpPayingBills.com community forum. Visitors can read how others reduce expenses, find coupon strategies, and you can also ask questions based on your own financial situation. To participate or browse discussions, visit the forum discussing how to save money section of the site.
Easily save money on food, groceries and meals
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Many families struggle to cover food costs each month, which is often one of the largest monthly expenses for many households. Families can often reduce grocery costs by combining smart shopping strategies, including regular grocery shopping, with leveraging assistance programs. These include digital and print coupons, cash-back shopping apps for finding and accessing deals, unit price comparisons to use to save money as well as meal planning.
Using some charitable programs may also help. Local food pantries can also supplement grocery purchases as some free items can be obtained, allowing households to stretch limited income further. Saving on food does not require sacrificing nutrition, as store brands and bulk purchasing often provide affordable alternatives. Detailed strategies and resources are available in the food and groceries saving guide.
Save money on monthly electric or utility bills
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Households can reduce their costs on all utility bills, including electric, water, phone, cable, and even home internet services. Savings may come from simple, everyday actions such as adjusting thermostat settings or consolidating services which can be combined with assistance from utility companies or government-funded programs.
Utility companies and government-funded programs may offer many resources ranging from free energy audits, efficiency upgrades, or company arranged heating oil buying cooperative. Savings can also be obtained using discounted rates for seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income households. Some programs provide immediate relief, while others reduce utility costs over time. More information is available in the utility and energy savings section.
Shopping - how to save money online or in physical stores
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Shopping expenses, no matter for what you buy, can add up quickly, whether purchases are made online or in physical stores. Savings opportunities exist for both necessities such as clothing and household items and it is also possible to get deals on non-essential, discretionary purchases (aka “wants”) such as electronics, toys or furniture.
Right or wrong, America tends to be a society of consumerism, so saving money and shopping smartly is crititcal. Cash-back programs, discount codes, and subscription management tools to save money on monthly recurring subscription services are some of the options that can help you significantly reduce monthly spending. Households can also save by consolidating or canceling recurring services such as streaming platforms. See the shopping and subscription savings guides for details on how to cut back on almost anything you buy.
 There are also Christmas, Thanksgiving, and school shopping season saving opportunities. Seasonal expenses such as holidays and back-to-school shopping often strain household budgets, even more when living paycheck to paycheck. Planning ahead, using charitable assistance programs (such as Xmas toy or school supply giveaways, and applying year-round savings strategies can often reduce the financial impact of these periods. Learn more about saving during holidays and seasonal events.
Vacations can be costly, but families on limited incomes may still reduce expenses through off-season travel, rewards programs, and low-cost package deal options. Even short trips can be made more affordable with careful planning. See the of tips for saving money while on vacation which will help reduce expenses for everything from lodging to meals and travel related costs.
Save money on transportation, including gas, car repairs or commuting costs
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Transportation costs are often a barrier for low-income families and workers commuting to jobs. Whether it is to make your commute more affordable, or save a few dollars in your personal transportation, there are options for reducing expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, loan payments, and commuting expenses.
Many households can reduce these costs through gas discounts or using charitable repair assistance programs, which are rare but exist. Other resources range auto insurance comparisons, and employer or community transportation support. Some charities also help with transportation need to facilitate employment. Learn more about reduce costs in the transportation savings section.
Get free stuff to help cut back on expenses
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One effective way to save money is to reduce out-of-pocket spending by looking for free stuff for whatever your need is. These may include food pantries, clothing closets, or furniture banks - all of which cater to low-income families. There are also options for free household stuff, computers, and so much more as noted on out guide to free stuff and services available for people in need.
Anyone facing a financial hardship, or that has a low-income may qualify for free items that reduce monthly expenses - thereby freeing up money to pay other more pressing bills. All of these are effective tips for balancing a budgeting, as using one of these services will obviously help an individual save money on everyday events as they will not need to purchase the stuff they need. Android and iPhone apps for making/saving money may also offer discounts, cash-back rewards, or free samples for everyday purchases.
Some legitimate, verified programs provide what is almost equivalent to being "free money", which are things like government benefits, cash-back incentives and other legitimate cash options. All of these verified options for free money have various application and eligibility rules, and while not common, they can be options for reducing costs.
Financial literacy advice helps people find ways to save
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Understanding basic financial concepts is essential for long-term savings. Financial literacy helps households evaluate expenses, avoid unnecessary fees, and really make good decisions about saving / spending. The knowledge will help people learn the basics of building long term financial stability. Having financial literacy skills can also help people, among other things, save money for retirement or a major purchase, like a house or car.
Budgeting tools help track household income and expenses so that you can understand exactly where your money is going and that any savings are not immediately offset by unplanned spending. The concept of budgeting can be very simple to implement as well . Non-profit credit counseling agencies can also help households negotiate bills, pay off any debt or restructure payments. More information is available in the financial literacy, budgeting, and credit counseling sections.
Health and dental care saving tips
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Medical, health insurance and dental costs continue to rise for households at all income levels. Saving options for medical needs include prescription discount programs, the smart use of insurance marketplaces, affordable telehealth services, and income-based or free clinics that cater to the low-income among other options. In fact, as with most of the tips on this page, all those resources can be combined together.
Many low-income or uninsured families qualify for reduced-cost or free medical and dental care through community clinics . There are also ways to save money by leveraging charitable assistance programs that are available at many hospitals or dental offices. Learn more about saving on medical and dental expenses using our dedicated resource guide.
Save on housing, rent and home repairs
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Housing, whether for a renter or homeowner, is often the largest household expense. Low-income families may reduce costs using a combination of assistance programs and DIY steps. Some of the housing assistance programs include tenant or homeowner focused assistance programs administered by government agencies (federal or state) and local non-profits.
Homeowners may also save money on home repairs, which can include making some repairs themselves or using government programs or local chartable resources that offer volunteer repair programs as well as free donated materials. We have information throughout the site on all these resources, including updating a home or room on a budget which is for renters or owners.
Companies that help you save on your monthly bills
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Some companies (including privately owned companies) and non-profit services help households reduce recurring bills by negotiating with service providers. The services negotiate on your behalf to help you reduce your expenses, whether it is for insurance, cable costs, creditors or whatever expenses you have.
The professionals know all the tips and tricks to use and take to help you save money as that is their specialty. These services typically operate on a contingency basis and are paid only if savings are achieved. Learn more about bill negotiation services and how to evaluate them carefully.
Conclusion - Anyone can save money fairly easily now
Saving money, even when you have limited resources available, does not require drastic lifestyle changes or unrealistic assumptions. By focusing on reducing essential expenses and using verified tools or even charitable assistance programs when qualified, households can reduce monthly costs and improve financial stability over time. This page brings together practical, real-world resources to help lower-income individuals and families start saving today.
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