I just shaved about $140 from my monthly bills and $145 from my yearly.

I have not had time to call regarding my cell and cable accounts in months because I have to call during business hours. I've worked so much that I never had time to sit and speak with someone for the length of time I knew it would take (which ended up being 67 minutes because I was on hold for 34).

I called first about my cable bill asking how I could lower the bill without sacrificing any services. She asked a few questions about the tv channels we watch, movies streamed, etc. Her first offer was ok but I asked her the - is that the best you can do question and she was able to take my previous bill of $155 (including taxes) a month to $84 a month (plus about 10 in taxes - estimated right now) saving $61 a month.

Then we had a good conversation about texting and the elderly and she mentioned her mother who is 87 needs to learn but none of them can convince her so I gave her some tips including for emergencies and how my mother uses it to keep in touch with grandkids. She loved that and said let me see what I can do for your phone bill! At this point I was so happy I said sure!

She was able to reconfigure our non-contract account to be $84 from $160 for two phones. She cut it in half and the account gives us unlimited talk and texting, unlimited international texting (handy with lots of friends abroad), a free hot spot access (for both phones for no extra charge), 5 gigs a month (instead of the 2 we were getting) and more!

I asked how this was going to affect me when I purchase a new phone in January or February. She said - it won't affect it at all, if you purchase your phone outright and stay off the contract. I was floored! She said it is a little known secret that you can purchase your phone outright and stay off contract thus saving money. I planned to just purchase a phone anyway and was considering going to another service without a contract but keeping our numbers but my mother's neighbors have used several and said it is not great coverage for the hills in which they live. This will allow me to keep all my services, coverage and save some money.

Then I called my insurance company as it is up for renewal this month and asked what the best they could do for my renter's policy. I had quotes from several other companies and was able to shave $55 off my coverage without changing anything.

I called a new credit card and got a yearly fee returned and as long as I auto pay something every month for a year it will not be added on next year. I just set up my cell and cable bills to auto pay - I pay them every month anyway – and I am earning 4 times points because of the auto pay. Saved $95 and am earning points!

The amount saved for the month is $140 (times 12) is $1680 + $55 for insurance + $95 = $1830 saved for the next year. I immediately went into my 401k and 457 accounts and set up the new contributions to equal $1800 in new contribution amounts for 2015!