Cutting expenses doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. Sometimes it’s just a matter of switching things up, canceling what you don’t use, or finding smarter alternatives. Whether you’re trying to build an emergency fund, stretch your income, or just stop feeling like your paycheck disappears too fast—this guide will help you cut at $100 from your monthly bills – and maybe more – without flipping your life upside down. While $100 might not seem like much in today’s world, it can go a long way in helping you breathe just a bit easier.
1. Audit Your Subscriptions (+$15 to $50 Saved)
We all sign up for trials and forget to cancel, or keep subscriptions out of habit. Take 10 minutes to look at your credit card or bank statement and flag:
- Streaming services (do you really use all of them?)
- Meal delivery memberships
- App subscriptions
- Gym memberships you haven’t touched in months
- Cancel magazines or newspapers, if you still have them – we can see most information online anyway!
Cancel at least one, pause another, and watch your bank account breathe.
Bonus tip: Rotate your streaming services—keep one for a month or two, then switch. You still get to watch everything you enjoy, just not all at once.
2. Lowering Your Internet or Cell Phone Bill Can be a Quick Way to Cut $100 From Your Monthly Bills (+$10 to $40 Saved)
Call your provider and ask for a better rate. Say you’re considering switching to a competitor (they hear that every day—it works). You can also:
- Ask about senior, student, low-income, or autopay discounts
- Switch to a prepaid plan
- Downgrade to a cheaper plan you’ll hardly notice
- Compare other low-cost providers such as Mint Mobile
Real-world win: Some people save $30–$60/month just by asking. Seriously.
3. Ditch the Name Brands & Find Substitutes (+$15 Saved)
Swap brand-name groceries and household products for store brands—especially for basics like:
- Oats, sugar, flour, rice are easy to substitute with store brands – you won’t notice the difference
- Cleaning products – bleach is bleach
- Paper goods – many stores brands are comparable to the name brands for a much lower price
- Try replacing some of your cleaning products with a vinegar solution. Check the internet for DIY solutions that “dupe” popular cleaning products, such as this DIY recipe for Dawn Powerwash Spray.
Most store brands are made by the same companies that make the name-brand stuff.
4. Use Cash-Back and Discount Apps (+$10 to $30 Back)
Get money while you shop using apps like:
- Rakuten (add to your browser or phone for online purchases)
- Fetch (scan receipts for points)
- Ibotta (for cash back on grocery items and more)
- Upside (for gas)
- Honey or Capital One Shopping (to auto-apply coupons for your purchases)
Even just a few dollars each time can really add up over a month.
5. Cut Back on Takeout & Coffee Runs (+$30 to $60 Saved)
You don’t have to give it up entirely. Just scale back.
- Limit takeout to once a week
- Make your own coffee or invest in a portable milk frother to mimic your favorite latte – it will pay for itself in about two coffees! We know, “stop buying Starbucks!” is tired advice but it does help!
- Keep easy freezer meals on hand to avoid “hangry” ordering
- Cook enough to have leftovers for another meal. How often do we order out simply because we’re just too wiped out to cook?
You’re only halfway through this list but you’re already on your way to cut $100 from your monthly bills!
6. Adjust Your Thermostat (+$10 to $25 Saved)
Small temperature tweaks save money, especially if you’re heating or cooling an entire space.
- Drop your heat by 2–3 degrees in winter
- Raise your AC by 2–3 degrees in summer
- Use fans and open windows for air circulation
- Close vents in unused rooms
- Consider a solar fan that can charge in a window when it isn’t in use. These can pay for themselves within 2-3 bill cycles, and this one is also a light and a power bank to charge your phone!
Pro tip: Consider a programmable or smart thermostat.
7. Unplug Energy Vampires (+$5 to $10 Saved)
A painless way to cut $100 from your monthly bills is to unplug electronics. Electronics that are off but still plugged in (TVs, coffee makers, chargers) are quietly draining electricity. Unplugging what you don’t use daily is an easy way to cut expenses. You can make this easier by connecting several devices to a power strip with an off switch.
8. Switch to Generic Medications (+$5 to $20 Saved)
- The easiest way to save on medications is to ask your doctor or pharmacist if there’s a cheaper generic version of any medication or supplement you use. Often the switch is seamless and much more affordable.
- Store brands can be found for most over-the-counter medications and supplements, and swapping a name brand for a store-brand is such an easy way to save money. Just check the labels to ensure the active ingredients are the same. Tylenol, for example, is simply acetaminophen. Why pay more?
Quick Wins Recap to Cut $100 from Your Monthly Bills:
| Tip | Estimated Monthly Savings |
|---|---|
| Cancel Unused Subscriptions | $15–$50 |
| Lower Internet/Cell Phone Bills | $10–$40 |
| Switch to Store Brands | $15 |
| Use Cashback Apps | $10–$30 |
| Reduce Takeout/Coffee Runs | $30–$60 |
| Adjust Thermostat | $10–$25 |
| Unplug Electronics | $5–$10 |
| Generic Meds | $5–$20 |
| Total Potential Savings: | $100+ |
Some Final Tips to Cut $100 From Your Monthly Bills
- As each light bulb at home burns out, replace it with an LED bulb
- Try carpooling once a week to cut transportation expenses
- Go an extra week or two between salon appointments – this will add up over time
- Try washing your clothes on cold
- Turn your water heater down a couple of degrees
- Replace paper towels with reusable paper towels
- Share a warehouse membership with friends or family and buy in bulk when it makes sense
- Turn off your outdoor lights earlier in the evening or replace outside lights with solar lights – this will pay off over time
- Stretching some meals with legumes is a good way to save on groceries
- Check to see if your insurance or utility providers offer a discount if you set up automatic payments
Small changes do make a big impact when they’re consistent. Just a few smart swaps and a little awareness of where your money leaks can easily help cut $100 from your monthly bills. Start small and build from there.