One of the best ways to save money is simply to ask! This can be done all over the place, including stores and medical bills. Some places will have discounts for certain populations (senior citizens, military, first responders, students, etc.). Some places have coupons that they may have behind the counter that they can offer (I think of Kohls or JcPenney’s with these).

I recently got a medical bill for my daughter after taking her to a Redi-Care. Because I hadn’t hit my deductible, it was pretty hefty bill (just over $160). I called the hospital billing department associated with the Redi-Care and asked if they did “pay-in-full” discounts. She was able to lower the bill by just over $16. While that may not seem a lot, it was still savings that I could use somewhere else in my budget. Not all hospitals do this, but if you can afford to pay in full, it’s worth asking about. Unfortunately, medical bills are one of the top debts for many people in our country. I highly recommend reviewing your medical bills (ask for an itemized copy and look for duplicates or inaccurate charges) and asking for discounts! It seems like most hospitals are just happy to get some money and they’ll work with you.

Other places – such as department stores – often have coupons. Even if you don’t have one, it’s a great idea to ask if there are any out right now and see if they’ll help you out! Any savings is good! Also look for clearance items, you can save a lot this way!

Some entertainment places (museums, gardens, zoos, etc.) will also offer discounts. These may apply to senior citizens, hospital workers, first responders, military, and students. It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask.

What other places can you think of to ask for a discount at? What examples do you have of saving money this way? Let me know below!