At the FAST Fund we are committed to helping students with financial emergencies. That’s the mission when it comes down to it! We want to assist students with small payments toward bills so that they can continue to focus on school and get to graduation. When a student applies with us on our website (matcfastfund.org) they describe their situation and what it is that they are looking for assistance with.
Can you pay my automo-bills? (please?)
I'm just going to say it, some of the bills we assist with are wild.
And that isn’t any of our applicant faults! Not really. Some of these companies hire excellent salespeople who are able to talk us into signing up for a service with all of the bells and whistles, which we assume we should be paying for! Other services are elusive, and sign us up for things without our knowing consent, that we agree with because we are just trying to get out of this initial appointment and have a cell phone. Some bills are so complicated to haggle through that we don’t even know how to stop paying for them!
These bills are like vampires! (oooh spooky!)
If you are paying too much for your internet:
The surcharges with internet bills can be indecipherable. I recommend bundling with other bills (spectrum is offering $30 a month for unlimited cell phone service!) If you have an outdated router they will charge you a premium!
Solution: Seriously just call your internet service provider and try to haggle. They can put you in a contract that will lower your monthly bill, or ask about adjusted rates for income. I was on a two hour call with Spectrum last summer that is now saving me $50 a month!
If you are paying too much for your cell phone:
This is complicated but there are some things you can do. I recommend finding a place that will sell you a slightly older phone outright, but that isn’t always doable. Don’t get sucked into an expensive contract for that one phone that looks cool, also definitely invest in a case!
It isn’t 2014 anymore, cases aren’t insane bricks of bulky plastic
Maybe switch providers! Verizon and AT&T want you to think that their service is better than anyone else but it’s just not. There is no shame in using Boost, Cricket, or Spectrum. It’s cheap and good.
If you are paying too much for your W/E energies:
It’s harder to give general advice for this one, because it depends on if you own your home or not. This article is pretty good though
Solution: Turn your fridge/freezer down. (0 degrees/37 degrees respectively) Also I know your dad used to yell at you about leaving the lights on, but it’s time to admit that he had a point. Thanks dad!
If you are paying too much for streaming apps:
Cancel that sh*t!!! You don’t need more than two of these tops, and maybe your friend can share with you! You all can trade!
Bundle with phone or internet service. There are discounts if you go about it this way, and it keeps your bill management succinct
If you are paying too much for your car:
Actually this one is a little bigger than this article, and may require some planning ahead of time. Just remember that you can call your servicer and talk to them about payment. Sometimes it will help, but you have to be courteous and proactive!