Driving’ Down the Cost to Be the Boss

O’Brian Gunn

Denver’s steadily rising rent is enough to make you want to become a vampire and start selling the blood of your victims rather than drink it. Before you start watching reruns of True Blood to learn how to be a proper, fanged citizen of the US, you and your dental insurance premiums are better off looking for alternative ways to save money. You may not be able to do much about rising rents, but you can help influence how much you pay on your monthly bills.

Refinance and Consolidate 
Like a Mutha

If you have a mortgage or auto payment, see if you qualify for refinancing. If your current lender gives you less time than Stephenie Meyer gives her story plots, seek out lenders who are more willing to work with you. HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) is a good option for homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages. With lower payments, you’ll have more money to spend on other financial obligations in your life.

Tell Sallie Mae and all of her lending brothers and sisters to keep their hands outta your bank account by consolidating your student loans into a single monthly payment. Know that this option isn’t for everyone, especially those with fixed-rate federal loans, but it can be just what you need to keep your sanity and your finances intact.

Learn a Few New Card Tricks

For those hefty monthly credit card bills, look into a balance transfer card. Depending on which card you qualify for, you could get 0% APR. If you’re able to get a balance transfer card, pay off as much of the transferred amount as you can before the end of the introductory period. You’ll also want to keep transfer fees in mind.

Another option to lower your monthly credit card bill is to see if your card issuer would be willing to reduce your interest rate. If you’ve been a responsible adult and have paid your bill on time every month (or if your credit card company is open to being bribed with pot brownies), you’re more likely to be approved for a reduced rate. Should either of these options fail, look into an automatic debt repayment plan to lower your interest rate and ensure you never miss another future payment.

Energize Your Finances

Start getting your home and your finances ready for the upcoming brazen brutality known as the Colorado winter season by wrestling your energy bills under control. Invest in either LED or CFL light bulbs, buy a programmable thermostat, and reduce the temperature on your hot water heater between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. While you’re turning down the temperature, wrap your hot water heater in a water heater blanket and insulate your exposed hot water pipes. You should also unplug electronic devices when you aren’t using them, to keep them from drawing a phantom charge that costs you real money. Forgetful types should consider getting power timers and power strips that can be programmed to shut a charge off at a specific time.

You might be spending more money than absolutely necessary on your monthly bills. Rather than slingin’ dime bags, make sure every dime you’re spending isn’t one you can be saving or spending elsewhere.