The One Shift That Can Free Up $200 in Your Budget This Month

October 14th, 2025

I finally sat down and made the call.

Every two years, it’s a personal practice of mine to contact all my service providers – internet, insurance, utilities to see if there’s any room to lower my bills. Sometimes they can, sometimes they can’t. But either way, I walk away informed, confident, and empowered, knowing I’m not leaving money on the table.

Lately, though, life’s been busy. Between work, the kids, and everything in between, I got off schedule with my usual review. But this week, I decided enough was enough. I grabbed my notebook, sat down, and began to make my calls.

The Power of One Simple Call

My first call was to my internet provider. I’ve been paying $128 a month which honestly, felt ridiculous. When I first signed up, the two main providers in my area were charging around the same rate, so I went with it.

But this time, when I called, I learned about a five-year promotional rate that dropped my bill to $75 a month, saving me $53 every month, or $636 a year!

And the best part? No penalties, no hidden fees, no contract issues. Just a simple question – “are there any current promotions or loyalty discounts available?”  and a big win for my wallet.

That one call reminded me that sometimes, the smallest actions can create the biggest breathing room in your budget.

How to Create Your Own $200 Win

You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to free up cash, you just need to get intentional. Here are a few budget-friendly shifts you can make this week:

1️⃣ Review Your subscriptions.

Cancel or pause any you don’t use regularly.

2️⃣ Negotiate your bills.

Internet, insurance, and phone companies often have loyalty or retention programs, but you have to ask.

3️⃣ Shop your insurance.

Comparing quotes every year or two can save you hundreds.

4️⃣Rethink convenience spending.

Try bringing lunch once a week or brewing your coffee/tea at home, those savings add up fast.

When you take control of the small numbers, the big picture starts to change.

The Mindset Shift Behind the Money

Sometimes we accept our bills as fixed, but in reality, they’re flexible, if we’re willing to ask the right questions.

The key is to approach your money with curiosity, not fear.

You don’t have to cut joy out of your life to get ahead, you just need to stop paying more than you have to.

Your Challenge This Week

Set aside 30 minutes to review your monthly bills.

Make one call.

Ask one question.

Negotiate one rate.

That’s your first shift toward financial freedom, one empowered phone call at a time.

Keep Your Money Irie 💚

Want more simple, doable ways to create breathing room in your budget?

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 About Petra-Ann Brown

Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.