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10 Bills That Are Smarter to Pay Yearly Instead of Monthly

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Most people live life in monthly payments. It’s the default setting. But if you’re trying to cut costs or reduce the stress of bill reminders popping up like unwanted texts, switching to annual payments might be the move your wallet needs.

Paying once a year isn’t just about convenience. It’s often cheaper. Companies like customers who commit long-term. And they reward that loyalty with discounts. So if you’re tired of watching your money disappear in drips, this list is for you.

Gym Memberships

Beautiful,Latin,Woman,Doing,Push,Ups,In,The,Gym,Before
Photo Credit: Antoniodiaz/Shutterstock

Some gyms charge sneaky fees each month. Others straight-up reward people who commit. Planet Fitness, for instance, offers an annual plan that saves members money compared to paying monthly. This payment method also motivates you to show up. That’s a win-win.

Car Insurance

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Many car insurance companies offer hefty discounts for annual payments. GEICO, for example, gives policyholders discounts when they pay their premiums yearly. Spreading payments monthly might feel easier, but you’re likely losing out over time. Additionally, fewer transactions mean fewer chances of missing a due date and incurring late fees.

Homeowners or Renters’ Insurance

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Just like with auto insurance, bundling and paying upfront for home or renter’s insurance can lower your total cost. According to NerdWallet, some insurers offer a discount for annual payments. It also saves you from the hassle of 12 monthly deductions and helps with budgeting more clearly.

Streaming Services

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Netflix doesn’t offer a yearly plan, but other services, such as Disney+ and Peacock, do. Disney+ charges $15.99 per month, or $159.99 a year; a savings of nearly $32 annually. That’s enough to cover your popcorn for movie nights at home.

Cloud Storage or Software Subscriptions

woman on laptop.
Photo Credit: ViDI Studio/Shutterstock.

Think Google Drive, iCloud, Adobe, or Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365, for instance, costs $9.99 per month but only $99.99 per year, saving you nearly $20. That might not sound like much until you add in multiple services across the year. It adds up.

Parking Permits or Transit Passes

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If you live in a city or work near one, commuting costs hit hard. Many transit systems offer annual passes at a discount. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority helps riders save money with its yearly SmarTrip plan.

Pest Control or Lawn Services

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Monthly lawn maintenance or pest control visits sound manageable until you look back at your bank statements. Many services give a discount if you pay for the full year upfront. Plus, you don’t have to remember to pay every single month.

Magazine and News Subscriptions

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Many Americans still love print or premium digital news. The Wall Street Journal charges $38.99 per month digitally, but its yearly deal can drop that to around $275. That’s over $190 in savings. Not to mention fewer “renew now” emails.

Pet Insurance

woman and dog.
Photo Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Monthly pet insurance premiums often come with extra admin fees. Trupanion and Nationwide offer discounts for annual payments. Some pet owners don’t realize they are paying more each year by opting for a monthly plan. That’s more treats for your pets and less for billing departments.

Costco or Warehouse Club Memberships

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Technically, you can’t pay monthly, but this one still belongs on your radar. People often forget they signed up and let the year roll over. The smart move? Set a calendar reminder for the month before renewal. That way, you can cancel if you didn’t use it or upgrade if you did. According to Statista, warehouse memberships could be a huge expense if you don’t opt for the yearly plan.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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