How to cut three bills in one Saturday

Most people hate their phone, internet, and insurance bills. And most people never do anything about them.

Here's the truth companies don't advertise: these three bills are fully negotiable. They're priced to exploit the fact that you won't call.

I did this last Saturday. Four hours of work. Saved $1,340 a year.

Phone. I called the provider and said: "I've been a customer for six years. I'd like to cancel." I didn't actually want to cancel. Within three minutes I had a better plan, same coverage, $22 a month less.

Internet. Same script. Same approach. $35 a month less.

Insurance. Called a broker instead of my existing provider. Got quoted three alternatives. Told my current provider I had a cheaper quote. They matched it. $55 a month less.

Total saved: $112 a month. $1,344 a year. For four hours of phone calls.

Rule
Every recurring bill is a negotiation. The price is only what you accept to pay. Companies bet you won't ask.

Action for this week
Pick one bill. Block one hour this Saturday. Call with the script: "I've been a customer for X years. I'd like to cancel". See what happens.

Next week
The subscription audit that found $340 a month for one reader.

Know someone paying too much for their phone? Forward this.

P.S. The retention team is a real department. Their job is to keep you from leaving, and they have budget to do it. Let them do their job.