GUIDES

The playbooks, written down.

What we look for, who to call, what to say, and the numbers that move. Same playbooks Mumm runs — free, whether or not you ever hand us a bill.

Medical Bills

How to negotiate a medical bill (the actual playbook)
Medical bills are opening offers, not final numbers. The five-step playbook: itemized bill, error audit, charity care, fair-price anchor, settlement. What to say and who to say it to.
9 min read
Charity care: the hospital discount nobody mentions
Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance — and eligibility reaches households earning $60k–$120k. How to check, apply, and appeal a denial before you pay a dollar.
7 min read
How to request an itemized medical bill (and read it)
The itemized bill is where negotiations live. Exactly what to say to get one, the CPT codes that matter, and the five errors worth the most money.
6 min read
Medical bill in collections? You still have leverage
Collections is not the end of the negotiation — it is a discount opportunity. Validate the debt, check the original bill for errors, then settle for 30–60% while protecting your credit.
8 min read
The surprise out-of-network bill: your No Surprises Act playbook
Got a bill from an out-of-network doctor at an in-network hospital? The No Surprises Act probably makes it illegal. How to check, dispute, and win.
8 min read
How to negotiate an ambulance bill ($400–$3,000 surprises)
Ambulance bills are some of the most inflated in healthcare — and ground ambulances are NOT covered by the federal surprise-billing law. The insurance appeal, fair-price anchor, and hardship playbook.
8 min read
How to negotiate an ER bill (facility fees and level upcoding)
ER bills hide their biggest charge in plain sight: the facility fee and its level (99281–99285). How to challenge the level, the fee, and every line after.
8 min read
How to negotiate a dental bill (cash prices and treatment plans)
Dental pricing is wildly unstandardized — the same crown varies $600–$1,500 by zip. Cash discounts, the treatment-plan slowdown, dental schools, and the second-opinion play.
7 min read

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Everything Else

The playbooks, written down.

How to negotiate a medical bill (the actual playbook)

Charity care: the hospital discount nobody mentions

How to request an itemized medical bill (and read it)

Medical bill in collections? You still have leverage

The surprise out-of-network bill: your No Surprises Act playbook

How to negotiate an ambulance bill ($400–$3,000 surprises)

How to negotiate an ER bill (facility fees and level upcoding)

How to negotiate a dental bill (cash prices and treatment plans)

How to negotiate a hotel rate (and get the perks for free)

Resort fees: the most negotiable line on your hotel bill

Flight delayed or canceled? What the airline actually owes you

How to negotiate a wedding hotel block

How to beat airline baggage and seat fees

Out-the-door price: the only car number that matters

Dealer fees and add-ons you can refuse (line by line)

How much off MSRP should you actually get?

How to negotiate a used car (the inspection-first playbook)

Your trade-in is a second negotiation — win both

Leasing a car? Negotiate these three numbers, not the payment

The dealer's financing markup: how to get the real rate

How to lower your car insurance premium (the retention play)

How to fight an insurance claim denial (and win)

How to lower your home insurance premium

How to get a better life insurance rate (rate classes are negotiable)

How to negotiate a contractor quote (without losing the good one)

How to negotiate a roofing bid (storm season edition)

How to negotiate an HVAC replacement

How to negotiate plumbing and electrical estimates

How to negotiate a kitchen remodel

How to lower your internet bill (the retention call, scripted)

How to negotiate a rent increase

SiriusXM: the $5/month deal that always exists

How to negotiate a SaaS renewal (for your business)

How to lower your wireless carrier bill

How to negotiate a gym membership (and cancel one)

How to negotiate furniture prices (yes, the sticker is fake)

How to appeal your property tax assessment (and win)