How to Lower Phone Bills

Everyone these days is looking for a lower phone bill. Thanks to new technology, there are easy ways to save money and reduce your phone bill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• A telephone

1. Always start by comparison shopping other phone services in your area. Whether you're looking for a new cell phone or a new landline, there's probably even more options out there now than there was the last time you reviewed your plan. Competition is good, since it can help you lower your phone bill fast.

2. If you're dealing with a company that sells you cable, internet, or other services in addition to your phone, in a "package", compare the cost of splitting the package and getting some of the services from competing companies. Non-"bundled" internet and cable can be cheaper!

3. Look at alternative means of making certain calls. Using the computer program Skype, you can save money on international calls and, if you choose, take incoming calls on your computer -- potentially eliminating your landline. This can lower your telephone bill substantially.

4. If Skype is not right for you, consider other telephone alternative products such as Magic Jack. For an annual fee, this device allows you to make telephone calls (using your regular handset!) in the U.S. and Canada for free.

5. To combat high cell phone bills, consider using a "pay as you go" phone. These phones are loaded with minutes at your discretion and have no regular fees or contracts. If you only need a phone, without a lot of fancy, expensive apps and texting, these may be ideal.

6. Don't forget simply changing your calling habits to get your lower phone bill. Many phone services offer discounted rates on nights and weekends, for example. Reschedule calls to take advantage of your plan's features if you can.

7. Print out your bill and go over it, looking for features that you don't use in your current calling plan. Even if these features are "bundled" and there seems to be no way to get rid of them, call a phone company representative. Let them know you want to lower your phone bill by eliminating unused features and will switch companies if they cannot help.

8. If none of these steps help, consider resolving to use the phone less. Cut out unnecessary calls to leave more resources for the most important ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Alwas beware of "bundled" services and don't assume they're non-negotiable.
• Many "phone alternative" services do not allow you to call 911 or emergency services. If this is a concern for you, you may wish to keep a "pay as you go" phone with minimal balance for an emergency.

[lswythe]

on 10/8/2009 Great tips! I wonder how reliable the Magic Jack is though.