Fixed expenses feel like a given, but they are not. Precisely because they return every month, every euro you save counts twelve times a year. With these ten tips, an average household can easily save several hundred euros per year.
1. List all your fixed expenses
Saving starts with an overview. Put all contracts and subscriptions in one list, including yearly items (divided by twelve). This alone often brings surprises: forgotten subscriptions, duplicate insurance policies or a contract that was silently renewed.
2. Compare your energy contract every year
Energy is the category where switching pays off most. Is your contract ending, or are you on a variable rate? Compare providers and look out for welcome discounts. A fixed contract gives certainty, a variable one gives flexibility - choose deliberately.
3. Review your health insurance in December
In the Netherlands you can switch health insurers every year per 1 January. Look critically at your supplementary package: are you paying for physiotherapy or dental coverage you never use? A higher deductible can be advantageous if you rarely need care - but do the maths honestly.
4. Cancel unused subscriptions
Streaming services, gym, apps, magazines: small amounts that add up. Rule of thumb: if you have not used it in the past two months, cancel it. You can always subscribe again.
5. Take a critical look at your telecom bundle
SIM-only is almost always cheaper than a plan with a phone included. Also check your data bundle: many people pay for more data than they use. And do not stack TV packages on top of streaming services that offer the same content.
6. Bundle and compare your insurance policies
Having several policies with one insurer often earns a package discount. In addition, compare your contents, liability and car insurance every few years - premiums for new customers are often lower than what loyal customers pay.
7. Lower your housing costs
The biggest item offers the biggest opportunities. Renters: check whether your rent is correct using the Dutch points system and apply for rent allowance (huurtoeslag) if you are entitled to it. Homeowners: check whether refinancing or extra repayments pay off at current interest rates.
8. Save on water and energy with small changes
Shorter showers, a water-saving shower head, LED bulbs, the heating one degree lower and devices actually off instead of on standby. Small change per day, tens of euros per month.
9. Check municipal tax waivers
On a low income, many Dutch municipalities waive waste collection and sewerage charges (kwijtschelding). Few people know this; applying takes half an hour.
10. Repeat the check every year
Prices change, your situation changes. Put one fixed moment per year in your calendar to go through all contracts. One hour of work, often hundreds of euros in results.
Start with insight
Want to know where your biggest saving opportunities are? The free VasteLast calculator compares your spending with the average of similar households and highlights the categories where you are probably paying too much. Add up all your subscriptions in seconds and uncover hidden spending in your budget.