Ways to Lower Internet, Cable, and Phone Bills

With the economy going the way it is. Everyone is looking to save in different places. Did you ever think of saving in your internet, cable and phone provider? Most people don’t know this but there are several ways in slashing the prices of your monthly internet, cable, and phone bills. I did some research and this is what I have found.

First of all, you need to ask your self a couple of questions. Do you really need a land line phone? Most people these days, use their cell phones, in ways to communicate or to get hold of a loved one. If you decided this is something for you perfect one less bill to think about. However, if you are in need of a land line phone, just keep in mind that a bundle package may not always be cheaper, search around and compare prices.

Talking about small local companies, check to see if in your area you are able to go with a local company, yes must likely your area has been bought out bye corporate companies. But there might be a chance that your town has a local phone company or internet provider. These local companies are more willing to negotiate there prices down for your business.

When it comes to internet, the majority of the people think they need high speed, which is not the case, unless if you are downloading files bigger than a Netflix’s movie. Low speed will work perfectly fine for your basic internet use, such as regular surfing the web, skyping, even watch some Netflix’s movies once and a while.

Talking about Netflix, you should ask yourself, do you really need TV? I mean most people these days download most of their favorite shows off the internet. This is just one more added cost that you don’t need. Actually if you like to watch TV on a big screen, you can take some money and invest into a bigger monitor one for watching shows and movies and the other monitor to browse the internet on.

In the end if you do plan on having a buddle package of all three. You definitely should know that you can bargain the price down a bit. More then likely if you can prove to them that another provider is offering a cheaper price, that company will be willing to go just a bit lower then their competitor. I am not talking about a huge jump, but just enough for you to get the best deal.

Extras: You don’t need them! If you are looking to save money, take out the extras you have, yea they may only be $2.99 here or $12.99 there but in the end they all add up and take money right out of your pocket each month, along with that extra phone. Just stick to the basics that’s really all you need.

If you really want to make splash and get the attention of your provide. Twitter about it, you don’t have to be nasty about it, but vent a little bit on Twitter. Believe me they are watching and if you say enough they might send you some discount in the mail or lower your rate. It worth a try, just make sure you don’t cross the line.

All in all, if you really want to analyze your internet, cable and phone usage there is a great website called fixmycellbill.com that will grab all your data, analyze it, and let you know what you really use and need. There is a small fee; however it may end up saving you some money. It’s worth a try.

Help Mom to Downsize

I have recently helped my mother downsize, from her townhouse to a condo. She is 58 years old, single, and living on her own. She works constantly and has no time for a social life. She is pretty tight on money these days; with the type of economy we are having I’m sure most people are.

She was complaining a lot that she never had money. I told her, “well take a look around, you have this big home and you are hardly in it. Nor do you have time to have people in it.” She agreed what I said is true but still reluctant to move. It took me about three months to convince her to downsize. It wasn’t until a certain vacation plan that was coming up within 2 years.

Our whole family has planned a cruise ship vacation for the past two years. Time has flown by and soon as enough about this time in 2013, we will be on a cruise ship having fun. I reminded my mother about this trip and sat her down and ask if she was already to go, she told me she didn’t have enough funds for the trip. That night we both got serious about her downsizing and I wrote out plan to keep both of us on track in finding her lovely condo.

We spent about 1 month searching for a place, she found a cute little condo in her price range, which would allow her to pay off the trip along with some extra money on the side. The time came to get her to sign the papers for condo, the night before she had doubts and didn’t want to leave; I spent the night and helped her work through it. Told her anxiety is normal and she will have what she wants in the end, a new place, extra money, and even a bit more time for socializing. She knew the end result sounded great and that’s what she wanted. The next day she signed the papers. In about 1 month she was all moved in, and excited about the extra earnings.

All in all, I think my mom just needed my support, guidance, and a little nudge in the right direction. I knew it would be difficult for her, she couldn’t stand change and would try to avoid it at all costs, but I won’t let that happen. She seems much happier now, and thankful that I helped her out.

Do you have any stories like this? Is downsizing for good or for bad? Share your thoughts!