Isn't That Rich Podcast

When was the last time you looked at one of your monthly bills and thought, Wait, when did that get so high? You’re not alone. Prices creep up slowly, promotions expire quietly, and before you know it, you’re spending hundreds more each year for the exact same services.

But here’s the best part: a single polite phone call can change that. Studies show that more than 60% of people who ask to have their bill lowered actually get a yes, yet most of us never make the call.

Ashley and Jill break down how to negotiate your monthly bills and walk away with extra cash in your pocket. Below, we’re sharing the real reasons this strategy works, the exact words to use, and the places you’re most likely to see results.

Why Picking Up the Phone Actually Works

There are three big reasons why calling to negotiate your bills works better than you might think.

1. It costs companies more to find a new customer than to keep you.
Businesses spend five to seven times more acquiring a new customer than they do retaining one. So if you call your internet or phone provider and politely mention you are thinking of leaving, they have every incentive to make you happy. That is why most companies have entire "retention departments" whose job is to offer you better deals before you walk away.

2. Subscription fatigue is real.
The average U.S. household pays for more than four streaming services, and 40% of people cancel at least one every year because of cost. These companies know that if they lose you, they may never get you back. A small discount or a free month is worth it to them if it keeps you around.

3. Inflation has made customers restless.
Between 2020 and now, prices for internet, utilities, and insurance have jumped 15 to 20 percent. That means more people than ever are looking to trim their bills, and service providers know it. Many have built-in flexibility to reduce rates for customers who ask.

Internet and Cable: Your Most Likely Win

Internet companies are infamous for offering amazing deals to new customers and quietly doubling prices after a year. The good news is that they’re also one of the easiest bills to negotiate.

When Ashley noticed her internet bill jump from $39 to $70 after the promo period ended, she didn’t just accept it, she called. Within 15 minutes, she was transferred to the retention department, where a friendly representative knocked it back down to $50 a month.

Here’s how she did it:

“I just noticed my bill went up, and I really like your service, but I’m seeing competitor offers around $40. Is there any reason you can’t match that?”

Within seconds, her bill dropped.

If your internet or cable bill feels inflated, call your provider and ask these questions:

• What promotions are available for existing customers?

• Can you match a competitor’s rate?

• Can I remove equipment rental or upgrade my speed for the same price?

Companies like Spectrum, Comcast, AT&T, and Mediacom all have retention teams trained to keep you happy, so don’t be afraid to use them.

Cell Phone Service: Small Changes, Big Savings

The days of "free nights and weekends" might be over, but phone plans are still flexible. In fact, a 2023 J.D. Power survey found that 28% of customers lowered their bill just by switching to autopay or adjusting their plan.

Start by reviewing your account for old devices, unused insurance plans, and unnecessary data packages. Then make the call.

You can say something like:

“I’ve been a loyal customer, but I’m seeing new customer rates that are lower than mine. Can you review my plan and see if there’s a better fit or any loyalty discounts available?”

Ask specifically about:

• Autopay or paperless billing discounts

• Student, teacher, or military savings

• Loyalty credits for long-term customers

Even $10 to $30 a month off your plan adds up fast, and if you’re paying off a phone, make sure you’re not still paying device protection once the phone is paid off.

Insurance: Bundle Smart, Don’t Cut Corners

This one’s tricky because cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to insurance. The goal isn’t to underinsure. It’s to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for the best value.

Start by calling your agent (yes, an actual human being) and saying:

“Can we review my coverage and see if there are any discounts or bundle options I might be missing?”

Ask about safe driver rewards, home security credits, and multi-policy bundles. The Insurance Information Institute reports that bundling home and auto can save anywhere from 5 to 25 percent annually.

Just remember to always put coverage first. You never want to be the person who saved $20 a month only to find out their roof wasn’t covered when a storm hit.

Streaming and Subscriptions: The Silent Budget Killer

The average person spends over $200 a month on subscriptions, and half of us don’t even know what we’re paying for. That’s why a quick audit can be one of the most satisfying money moves you make.

Pull up your credit card statement and look for every recurring charge. Ask yourself:

• Do I still use this?

• Could I live without it for a month?

• Is there a cheaper tier or bundled plan available?

When you’re ready, pick up the phone (or use the chat feature) and say:

“I love your service, but I need to cut expenses. Are there any loyalty discounts or retention offers before I cancel?”

It sounds simple, but 44% of people who threaten to cancel streaming services are offered a discount or free months. Even if it’s $5 or $10, that’s worth the call, especially if you do it across several services.

Credit Cards: The Quietest Place to Save

Credit card companies are surprisingly flexible when you ask. If you’ve been a good customer who pays on time, you might qualify for a lower APR or a waived annual fee just by asking.

Here’s what to try:

“I’ve had this card for a few years and love the benefits, but I noticed the annual fee recently increased. Could you review my account for a retention offer or downgrade option that lets me keep my credit history?”

Most issuers, especially Chase, Amex, and Citi, have retention departments ready to offer statement credits or lower-tier cards with no annual fee.

If you’ve been hit with a one-time late fee, ask for a courtesy waiver. Around 20% of customers who ask get it removed.

And remember to never close your oldest card without asking about a product downgrade first. It keeps your credit history intact and your score steady.

Utilities: The Overlooked Opportunity

You might not think of utilities as negotiable, but there are hidden savings here too. Many power companies offer small monthly discounts for autopay or paperless billing, as well as rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Ask your provider:

• “Do you have a budget billing option to spread my costs evenly throughout the year?”

• “Are there rebates for smart thermostats or energy-efficient upgrades?”

• “Can I switch to paperless billing to remove the statement fee?”

A few dollars here and there might not seem like much, but when your electric bill hits in July, you’ll be glad you asked.

The Magic Words That Work

When you make the call, keep it kind, confident, and simple. You don’t need to be a professional negotiator. Just try one of these:

• “I’ve been a loyal customer and I’d like to stay. Are there any promotions or loyalty discounts available for me?”

• “I got a competitor’s offer for less. Can you match or beat it?”

• “I need to lower my expenses and may need to cancel. Are there retention offers available to help me stay?”

If one representative says no, hang up and try again later. Different agents have different tools, and a good attitude goes a long way.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t about penny-pinching. It’s about being intentional. We all work hard for our money, and spending five minutes on the phone to keep more of it just makes sense.

Ashley saved $20 a month on her internet, and Christine from the bank has shaved over $500 a year off her bills just by calling. If they can do it, you can too.

So this week, take an hour, grab a notebook, and start dialing. Internet, cell phone, insurance, subscriptions, credit cards, and utilities—six calls, six chances to win back your money.

One friendly phone call at a time.