Saved us some $

**FLgal** · 06-07-2011, 10:03 PM

To allow us to contribute more to our snowball, I made some phone calls to figure out how and where I can save.

Cable/Internet: Saved $120/mth by getting rid of our home phone, fax line and switching companies for our cable/internet provider. Even got NFL Ticket for free.

Cell phone: I need my phone for work, as does DH. So I called our provider, since noticing we have 16k rollover minutes. Lowered our minutes, was able to get mobile to mobile for free. Savings:$40/mth

Car Insurance: We are a military family and have always had Usaa. I decided to call around, comparing apples to apples. Allstate was able to save us big time for the same coverage with even lower deductables. Savings:$100/mth

Grass: We have been paying a lawn company to mow for us, being we live in FL and during the year it needs mowed weekly. Temps in our area reach near 100 degrees in the summer. Starting this month, I will cut the grass. I consider this a workout and a money saver. Savings:$70/mth

Total savings from the pork fat being trimmed without having to give up too much $330/mth. Cell and grass take effect immediately, while cable/internet savings start in Aug when our contract is up with our old company.

I also signed up for Kilo-watch, through our electric company. This allows me to sign in and view our watt use daily. I have started to line dry clothes, turn the air up a degree or two, and handwash dishes. Unplugging what we are not using, and shutting down the computers and ceiling fans when not needed. We'll see if my efforts pay off.
Just had to share. I'm pretty stoked. I know I could probably save more, but baby steps.

**Debbie-cat** · 06-07-2011, 10:06 PM

You have done great. Keep plucking away and it adds up to so much!!

**Palooka** · 06-07-2011, 10:19 PM

Wow, what a great plan you have.

**NikoSan999** · 06-07-2011, 10:53 PM

You're doing great! That's a lot to cut at one time. Enough to actually see it. I'm sure you'll come up with more.
Also check with electric company and see if rates are lower after 9pm. Good time to wash a load or shower.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-08-2011, 07:17 AM

330 a month is lot. It will make a difference.
I'm surprised you were able to do better then USAA. I called around once and couldn't' even come close, one guy asked me what I had and didn't even bother quoting me he said" NO way are you going to do better then that".

**nkotbjrkgirl** · 06-08-2011, 07:42 AM

you are doing an awesome job! keep up the good work.

**FLgal** · 06-08-2011, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by AnnK

330 a month is lot. It will make a difference.
I'm surprised you were able to do better then USAA. I called around once and couldn't' even come close, one guy asked me what I had and didn't even bother quoting me he said" NO way are you going to do better then that".

I know! Everytime we pcs to a different state we usually call. Being I have done this a few times, I didn't think to check here in FL until now....3yrs later. I'm glad I was able to save. I still have my homeowner's with usaa. I am not changing that, no matter how much I save b/c we are now in Hurricane season and it is just not worth the risk.
Try calling a local office. When I first tried the 1-800 number, they quoted me really high. Then I called the local and they were able to really quote me realistic numbers. Got the declaration page in the mail and I'm all set. 80 a mth vs. 180 for the same bells and whistles. Crazy.

**Darlene** · 06-08-2011, 08:26 AM

Good for you! Making those calls & comparing apples to apples really can make a huge difference. A little time, thought and perseverance (and sweat) really paid off. Wtg!

**krbshappy71** · 06-08-2011, 08:42 AM

Those were more than baby steps, you sat down and made a plan of what to do about your situation! That is a BIG step, great job!! You will likely start spotting other ways to cut back that don't have a huge crushing impact on your day to day life. Once the mind is made more aware it wants to jump in and help.

Keep on keepin' on!

**Lindsey** · 06-08-2011, 09:11 AM

Awesome!!!

When we were Stateside, it was cheaper for us to use Allstate too! We have USAA overseas though.

**frugal is fun** · 06-08-2011, 09:11 AM

That is awesome!!!

I'm in the process of comparing insurance companies also so I hope to come out with a savings!

Great job!!

**ErikM02** · 06-08-2011, 03:18 PM

Nice work! That's a major step!

**FrugalKate** · 06-08-2011, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

330 a month is lot. It will make a difference.
I'm surprised you were able to do better then USAA. I called around once and couldn't' even come close, one guy asked me what I had and didn't even bother quoting me he said" NO way are you going to do better then that".

Yeah, watch out for Allstate they like to say "your in good hands" but in reality "their hands are in your pockets". I switched to them at one point thinking I was getting a "great deal" only to find out as soon as the "teaser rate" was over (when the premium was renewed) they doubled me from what I was originally paying....been with State Farm ever since and I'm pretty happy with them....they even send me a dividen end check at the end of every year if they as a company have a bumper crop year.

**FLgal** · 06-08-2011, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by FrugalKate

Yeah, watch out for Allstate they like to say "your in good hands" but in reality "their hands are in your pockets". I switched to them at one point thinking I was getting a "great deal" only to find out as soon as the "teaser rate" was over (when the premium was renewed) they doubled me from what I was originally paying....been with State Farm ever since and I'm pretty happy with them....they even send me a dividen end check at the end of every year if they as a company have a bumper crop year.

I've heard that too, usaa will happily take us back. In the meantime, saving.

**mauimagic** · 06-08-2011, 07:55 PM

FLgal - great going on the searching around on ways to save - that's earned you more than a part time job would pay you - and not incurring any taxes!! Mahalo for posting!!