The Basics of Finance | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Basics of Finance

How Comparing & Contrasting Services Before Using Them Saves Money

96
The Basics of Finance
Pexels

It should come as no surprise that researching your service options beforehand helps you save money. However, this common practice can save you money in several different ways. Here are the ways you can save money by doing some research ahead of time.

You Can Pick the Most Affordable Option

Perhaps most obviously, comparing services beforehand allows you to pick the cheapest option. For example, you may not need dental insurance that offers more generous coverage. This might be true if your teeth have always been healthy and you have never needed major work. In that case, it might be better to go with a cheaper preventative plan or even a dental savings plan. It is also important to monitor pricing as time goes on. For example, a competitor might lower their prices and make it advantageous to switch.

You Can Get More Bang for Your Buck

Cost is not the only thing you should consider when comparing services. One service may cost more or less but offer additional value or services. For example, most moving services in the US are purely domestic. If you need to move somewhere internationally, you will need to find a mover offering those services. Consider what you really need from the service, rather than just the price. A moving service, like Wheaton World Wide Moving, for example, offers a protection plan when other such companies may not. When it comes to finding the right company for you, always evaluate your wants and needs and then see which services can offer all of that at the best rate. If you settle for the lowest rate, you may be missing out on important and valuable services.

You May Be Able to Avoid the Cost of Switching Service Providers

For many services, especially services like telecommunications, it costs money to terminate a contract. This means that if you aren’t pleased with the service or it isn’t providing what you need, you will lose money switching to another. In many cases, your only other option is to ride out the rest of the contract. Even if it doesn’t cost you any money to switch, like healthcare providers, you can still lose money on lost time or incorrect diagnostics. While you can change services after choosing, it can be costly in many different ways. Yet, you can avoid all of this extra cost by looking for services that will make switching worth it to you.

You’re Able to Get Good Deals

Companies want your business, and so they may be willing to price match or give you a discount if you choose them. You may also be able to negotiate a contract where you only get the services you need for a reduced cost. It is always worth asking. It is also good to know what companies typically offer deals at different times of the year so you can plan your purchases and service renewals.

Comparing and contrasting different services before signing up will save yo
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1928
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16642
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3531
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments