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Are you a Duke customer? Chances are, you answered yes! Be sure to call Duke Energy and set yourself up on “Budget Billing”. When we first moved into our home our bills were all over the place. One month it would be $300 and then the next it was $180. I got onto the Budget Billing and pay $150 every month. That way I’m not left to pay extra in those winter months!

Is a home phone a must? Many families are cutting back on their bills by simply getting rid of their home phone and using their cell phones. You may even save up to $30 a month by getting a “basic” internet service that is offered by Cincinnati Bell.

Many families have several cell phone users. Often times, it’s cheaper to combine each individual plan into a family plan. Be sure to shop around and use your skills to talk the cell phone carrier down on price. These companies are hurting for business and likely to get you as close to the price you are asking for.

There are endless ways to save on your monthly bills like keeping the shades drawn when the sun is up. Doing so will help to keep the heat of the sun out, lowering the costs of your a/c bill! However, in the winter months open up the blinds to allow the sun to heat your home! You think I’m crazy, but, it works!

DirecTv is a great service that allows you to save up to $1,000 a year when you refer customers. For every new remember I refer I receive $100 in discount ($10 a month for 10 months) and the new customer (you!) will also receive the same discount. To order, simply go to directv.com/refer. Be sure to enter my account number, 075157677.

One last piece of advice, if you are one of the millions of Americans that are behind on your bills, call these businesses and talk to them. Banks don’t want your house, they want you to stay in it. It’ll cost them more in the long run to foreclose. Simply call and let the companies know your situation. They are more than likely going to set you up with a payment that you can afford.

Car insurance is often pretty expensive. In Ohio it is a law that you carry full coverage insurance on a vehicle that has a loan. If you own an older car, call your insurance and do a price comparison of full coverage vs. liability insurance that will cover uninsured motorists. We carry a step up above liability for our cars, because we own them all. We save over $1,500 a year by doing this. But, you have to also remember that we know people who work for body shops and can do the repairs (if we are ever in an accident) for much less than the shop itself.

If you have been charged a late payment and are in good standings (pay bills on time) call the company. Let them know the reason that you are late and most likely will credit you the late fee. I recently just did this with Duke Energy while I was taking care of my Mother in Law, her bills and I’ll admit even forgot to pay my own!

If you liked this article, feel free to check out the rest of Addicted to Summer Savings Series. There are only 2 weeks left!

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