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.
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

407
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

257
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments