7 Easy Ways to Save Money on Bills (Even If You're Struggling)

When money’s tight, bills can feel like a never-ending avalanche. Rent, hydro, phone, internet, insurance—they just keep coming, even when your bank account is already empty. But the truth is, you can lower your bills, even if you’re broke and overwhelmed.

This guide walks you through 7 real, practical ways to cut your bills fast—without needing a degree in finance or hours on hold with customer service. These aren’t gimmicks or apps that save pennies. These are the real changes that struggling families, low-income workers, and single parents use every day to survive.

Let’s get into it.

💡 1. Lower Your Utility Bills (Without Freezing or Living in the Dark)

Your electricity, water, and heat bills can be trimmed with a few simple changes—without sacrificing comfort.

Power-Saving Tips That Work:

Switch to LED light bulbs (they use way less electricity and last longer)
Unplug unused electronics (TVs, toasters, and game consoles still draw power when off)
Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry when possible
Shorten showers to 5–7 minutes to save on hot water
Turn down the heat by 1–2 degrees and wear a hoodie indoors

📌 Pro tip: Ask your utility provider about equal billing—they average your bills over the year so you don’t get slammed during winter or summer spikes.

Bonus: Get Assistance

In the U.S., check LIHEAP
In Canada, search for “[province] low income energy assistance” or check 211.ca

📱 2. Cut Your Phone and Internet Bill

You don’t need to go without a phone or internet—but you also don’t need to pay $100+ a month.

Lower Your Costs by:

Switching to a low-cost provider (like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, or Mint)
Dropping to a talk & text only plan
Using free Wi-Fi when out instead of data
Calling your provider and asking:
“Are there any lower-cost plans I qualify for?”
“Can I get a loyalty or hardship discount?”

📌 Many companies offer unadvertised discounts—but you have to ask.

Free or Discounted Programs:

U.S.: Check Lifeline Support for free phones or service
Canada: Ask about Connected Families or Connecting Families programs from major carriers

🧾 3. Review Every Subscription (and Cancel Most of Them)

When you’re broke, $5–$15 charges can quietly wreck your budget. You might not even notice them—until they bounce a payment or drain your last $20.

Look for:

Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc.)
App subscriptions (iCloud, Canva, storage plans)
Software or tools you forgot about
Trial memberships that turned into bills

How to Fix It:

Check your bank statement and cancel anything you don’t need right now
Ask yourself honestly: “Would I rather keep this, or eat tomorrow?”
Keep one if you must—but only if it brings value and you can afford it

📌 Tip: Use a free service like Rocket Money to spot hidden subscriptions.

🧺 4. Cut Laundry and Water Costs

Even basic chores can get expensive. Laundry, dishes, and cleaning use electricity, water, and detergent.

Save money by:

Using cold water for all laundry
Doing full loads only—never small loads
Air drying clothes when possible
Using cheaper detergent (generic brands work just as well)
Rewearing lightly worn clothes like jeans or hoodies before washing

For dishwashing:

Wash dishes in a filled sink, not under running water
Skip the drying cycle on the dishwasher (use air dry or towel dry)

These tiny tweaks add up over time—especially on water and hydro bills.

🧑‍⚕️ 5. Ask About Low-Income Discounts (Yes, Really!)

Lots of companies and service providers offer low-income discounts or hardship plans—they just don’t advertise them.

Where to Check:

Transit systems – Ask about reduced fare passes
Phone & internet providers – Mention you're on government assistance or low income
Prescription drug stores – Ask about discount cards or generic versions
City services – Some places offer discounts for recreation centers, child care, or garbage collection

📌 Call and say something like:

“I’m on a very tight budget right now—are there any low-income plans or discounts I qualify for?”

It takes courage to ask, but it’s worth it.

🧠 6. Time Your Bill Payments Right (And Avoid Late Fees)

When you're living paycheck to paycheck, a late fee can throw off your whole month.

Tips to avoid this:

Set up reminders in your phone calendar 3 days before a bill is due
Pay manually (don’t rely on auto-pay if your balance is low)
Ask your landlord or service provider if they allow split payments (e.g., half on the 1st, half on the 15th)

📌 Some providers offer grace periods or will waive a late fee if you call ahead.

Also, ask your bank about switching to a no-fee account—even $9.95/month in fees is too much when money is this tight.

🔁 7. Rework Your Budget Every Month (Even If It’s Bare Bones)

Your bills change. Your income changes. Your budget needs to change too.

At the start of each month:

Write down your income
List your bills
Add your essential spending (food, transit, medicine)
Look for cuts or delays you can make
Plan how to cover everything—even if it’s not pretty

🧩 Bonus: When You’re Truly Stuck, Ask for Help

If your bills are still more than you can handle, please know this: help exists. You are not weak for needing it.

Reach out to:

211.org (U.S.) or 211.ca (Canada)
Local food banks
Church-based bill assistance programs
Housing support agencies
Financial aid offices if you’re a student
Nonprofit credit counseling (like NFCC or Credit Canada)

You don’t have to do this alone.

✅ Final Thoughts: Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to magically make more money to start saving on your bills. You just need to take one small action at a time. Even shaving $10 off one bill can mean groceries for the day, gas for work, or a little less stress when payday is still far away.

You’re doing your best. You’re learning. You’re surviving.

And that’s powerful.