How I saved nearly $200 on my monthly bills
By Nathalie Charles



My journey began as I reflected on my finances and realized I am passively giving away all my hard earned money to bill collectors as if I had no choice in the matter….”The truth is”, I said to myself, “you do!”. I don’t’ believe that this concept was birthed in my mind in isolation. As result of my understanding that I was being directed on the journey, I knew that I had to make changes. I began this venture by investigating all that I was paying out each month. I looked even closer at the bills that were very high and not necessarily mandatory to sustain my life. Sounds a bit excessive but I realized that in American culture we thoughtlessly and regularly pay for things that are not of necessity.

The first step I took was to tackle my phone services. I was using AT&T at the time and owned a Black Berry. With that company, I had to have a minute plan and a separate data plan. This cost me nearly $150 a month. I began asking around and did some additional research. A friend introduced me to the $69.99 everything data plan with Sprint. She also informed me that I could receive a 10% discount, in addition to that great flat rate, since I was an educator. I switched and I now save $75 dollars a month on cellular services.

Next, I looked at my internet bill, I only needed my wireless services at home but, I was paying $75 for a limited wireless card and $69.99 for cell phone services with the same company. I decided to go with a friend that was starting his own home internet company and charging $19.99 for unlimited WIFI. My wireless was no longer mobile, but I realized I only needed the internet at home so I switched and saved $55.

I was on a roll, and I felt that I could continue to make changes with my financial spending and smile each month at the savings that I would incur. So, the last thing I tackled was my home phone service. It was pertinent that I had a home phone since it was the only way for me to buzz visitors into my community. Before I moved into that community I was paying $33 a month in a bundle home phone service plan that I no longer subscribed to. I was gifted a Magic Jack to use for my home phone. It would have cost me $20 to purchase but I got it for free. My savings is $33 a month or a cool $396 a year. My total savings per month with these 3 simple changes equals $163 of money that I now attribute to debt repayment. I am feeling very proud of my achievements and empowered to continue the habit of making wise consumer choices and saving the money that I work very hard to earn.

As I wrap up this summer 2011, my mind is tuned toward my current cable bill. I pay nearly $70 month and that is an already discounted plan. I currently am investigating a 30 day trial with Netflix, if all goes well, as I expect it to, I will be switching from Comcast premium cable at $70 to $9.99 Netflix for a savings of $60.01. This will bring my total savings per month to a whopping $220.01.

While reflecting on the financial journey that I know can only have been inspired by God, I am confident that He is leading me towards an awareness of just how much I can do to be a good steward of what He has blessed me with. 1 Cor. 3:9 says that“we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry…” Husbandry is defined as controlled or judicious use of resources. My prayerful goal for myself and for all those reading this article is to be God’s Husbandry, to be judicious in the use of the resources He has appointed to me for my use, for the sustenance of His people and for His ultimate Glory.