6 Ways to Fix Your Fixed Expenses

En español | We've all heard the old saying, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Although when you stop to think about it, I suppose most of us would add "monthly bills" to that list.

See also: 10 financial tools you should use.

So-called "fixed expenses" — those items in our household budgets that we consider unavoidable and non-negotiable — typically account for a big chunk of what we spend every month. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's annual Consumer Expenditure Survey, about two-thirds of the average American family's household spending is for basic necessities, as opposed to discretionary expenses. Between rent or mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, phone bills, car payments and more, most folks can relate to the lyrics of that popular country song: There's just too much month at the end of the money.

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But maybe at least some of our fixed expenses aren't as fixed as we think they are. Think of the money you could save if you could knock down — or even eliminate — some of your routine bills. Consider:

Bundling: Consolidating insurance policies or telecommunication services with a single company can often  lower what you pay. For example, "bundling"  your automobile, homeowner's and other insurance policies with one insurance company will typically allow you to qualify for discounts and special pricing that could save you 10 percent or more in total premiums. It's worth looking into, although it can be tricky and sometimes even end up costing you more. 

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