When was the last time you looked closely at your bill statements? If you are like many people you might just glance at the balance and date due then file the bill accordingly. The problem with this practice is you may be missing charges or fees that are being posted to your account which raise your overall balance. This is true for not only credit card statements but other accounts as well. You might not think a few dollars here or there will make a huge impact on your finances. If you are trying to pay off debt or increase your savings every dollar spend unnecessarily on bills is a dollar that could be better used elsewhere. Here are a few tips to save money on bills that you pay each month.

• Review statements- Do not simply open the mail and skim over the bill. Instead take a moment to read the bill in its entirety including miscellaneous fees that tend to increase your balance.

• Contact your creditor/vendor- If you notice fees that raise questions do not assume they are just “supposed” to be there. Call your creditor or vendor and ask why you are being charged this fee. While many fees are mandatory and cannot be negotiated off your bill, you may be able to eliminate a few that are not necessary.

• Negotiate lower rates- While you are on the phone discussing your account, ask the company representative if there are any ways you can save more on your bill. Cell phone providers as well as Internet and cable providers often run specials that you may be able to take advantage of if you simply ask. This may not always result in a lower bill, but there is no harm in asking and sometimes you could be surprised by the answer.

• Consider online bill management- By eliminating the paper system you can streamline your bill paying and often save money. If you pay your bills online you reduce the number of checks you write each month. You will also benefit by being able to schedule your payment in advance, ensuring your bills are paid on time each month. This doesn’t necessarily save money instantly but will improve your credit history and eliminate penalties associated with late payments.

In many cases we assume that saving money has to be something done in a big way. In reality, little changes that you make can add up to big saving in the long run. By carefully reviewing your bills and questioning additional fees you can save a few dollars each month which can equal larger savings in the end.