Utilities: Electric, Gas, Internet, Phone, Water

Thermostat schedule, LED swaps, cold wash, phantom-load strip. Full guide with DOE-sourced numbers: How to lower your electric bill.

Heating dominates: setback schedule, a serviced furnace, sealed drafts and a water heater at 120°F.

Call retention yearly for the promo rate; downgrade speed tiers you don't use; buy your own modem instead of renting ($10-$15/month back).

Prepaid carriers on the same networks at half the price; family plans split further. Autopay discounts are free money.

Fix running toilets (silent $20-$50/month leaks), shorter showers, full loads only; check municipal senior/income discounts.

Payment plans exist at nearly every utility, and shutoff protections are stronger for people who called early.

Federal energy assistance through your state — heating, cooling, and crisis help for qualifying households. Funds are seasonal; apply early.

The FCC's phone/internet discount for qualifying households — a working number is job infrastructure.

Local utility funds (churches, community action, the utility's own charity arm) that no national website lists.