My first budget challenge!

I have joined  sense to save in the Better Budget Challenge #3 (I missed 1 and 2).  The aim of this challenge is to lower a fixed bill:

There are two main strategies you can employ:

1. Eliminate or cut back on services
2. Ask for a better rate on what you already have

This month I am trying to cut back on my electricity.  Last month my bill was $35.  But keep in mind I live alone, in a 3 room apartment, and the electric goes to my lights and t.v.  My heat is already paid for and I have a gas stove.  I think I can get it way down. 

I switched to the CF lightbulbs, which I hear not only last longer but save a signficiant amount.  I'm also going to try to stop my very bad habit of leaving all of the lights on.

Just a week or so ago, I contacted my cable company for a better rate or to at least downgrade my cable.  Basic cable in Philly starts at about $60.  I also have internet and On Demand.  My bill was $130 a month.  I was going to downgrade to the most basic of basic packages.  Fortunately for me, however, the employee on the phone couldn't figure out how to enter the right codes into the computer to downgrade my package.  After a few minutes, he gave up in frustration and gave me a new 6 month promotional package -- for only $69 a month I'd have the EXACT same package that I was paying $130 for!  Wahoo!

Today I'll be calling the credit card companies again to see if I can get a better rate.  I've been having a lot of problems lately with Chase.  I almost feel sorry for whichever customer service rep I'll be speaking with today.