How to Lower Your Phone, Internet, Streaming and Energy Bills

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Updated October 29, 2026 · By I Need Coupons Editors · How we verify savings

A checklist for cutting recurring bills: audit subscriptions, use broadband labels, ask for retention offers, check Lifeline and LIHEAP, and buy efficient appliances.

Key takeaways

  • Recurring bills are the easiest savings because you cut once and save every month.
  • List every subscription from your bank and card statements, then cancel what you don't use.
  • Low-income households may qualify for the FCC's Lifeline phone or internet discount and LIHEAP energy help.

Step 1: List every recurring charge

Go through two or three months of bank and card statements and write down every recurring charge: phone, internet, streaming, apps, memberships, insurance and utilities. Most people find at least one they forgot about.

Step 2: Cut and rotate streaming

  • Keep one or two services at a time and rotate monthly when you finish a show.
  • Check whether a membership you already pay for includes streaming. Walmart+, for example, includes Paramount+ or Peacock.
  • Calendar every free trial’s end date (see our free trials guide).

Step 3: Shop your internet and phone plans

  • Internet providers now publish standardized ‘broadband facts’ labels showing monthly price, fees and speeds. Use them to compare plans.
  • Call your provider and ask what plans or promotions are available to existing customers. If you are out of contract, ask about retention offers.
  • Check whether you qualify for the FCC’s Lifeline program, which lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers.

Step 4: Lower energy costs

  • Ask your utility about budget billing, which spreads costs evenly across the year, and about any energy-efficiency rebates.
  • When replacing appliances, compare ENERGY STAR certified models.
  • If you need help paying heating or cooling bills, the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is run through states; HHS lists how to apply.

Step 5: Review once a year

Set a yearly reminder to repeat this checklist. Prices creep up when promotions end.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is an FCC program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income consumers.

What is LIHEAP?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households with energy bills; it is run by states with federal funding.

How do I compare internet plans?

Use the providers' broadband labels, which list price, fees and typical speeds in a standard format.

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