“Shopping Savings Advice & Tips On How To Spend Less & Get More”

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PHONE/HOME SECURITY - Page 2

Long Distance Telephone Service (continued)

 

2.     When considering long distance options, the amount of long distance calling you do is the first step to deciding how to save money.  If you do a lot of long distance calling, unlimited calling fixed-priced plans, or combination plans that also include other services like cable or Internet, may offer a good bargain.  But if you do not make a lot of long distance calls, avoid fixed price plans or plans that have a combination fixed price component and a charge per minute component.  Instead, pay for your long distance calls by using pay-by-the-minute plans.

 

3.     When reviewing different ways to arrange for long distance calling services, keep in mind that in-state calling (intrastate) is often much more expensive than out-of-state calling (interstate).  It is not unusual for the cost per minute for intrastate to be up to five times more.  Whatever method you choose, make sure you take into account the amount of intrastate and interstate calls you make.

 

4.     Look at all the options and choose the least expensive one that meets your needs.  And remember to review your decision once in a while.  Competition changes pricing all the time.  Here are some options to consider.

 

a.  Consider using a smaller, less well known long distance company.  They usually have lower rates and the quality is usually just as good.  Also, most larger companies round up your call time to the nearest minute, while many small companies round up to the nearest six seconds.

 

b.  If the majority of your calls are intrastate, look for a low intrastate calling plan.

 

c.  Consider using long distance dial access codes to bypass the local phone company.  For instance, if you dial 10-10-288 you get directly to AT&T.  Sometimes the savings can be considerable.  Contact your local phone company and long distance phone companies to compare rates.

 

d.  Keep in mind that many long distance services where you dial 1-800-###-#### impose a minimum of perhaps $.99 or so, even if you only talk a minute or two.

 

5.     Pre-paid phone cards probably provide the least expensive long distance calling and can be relatively easy to use, in addition to being available for use when traveling to avoid high long distance costs at hotels and elsewhere.

 

a.  Prepaid calling cards provide long distance service at a cost as low as three cents per minute.  They are generally available in retail stores, although the best prices are probably available at discount clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco.

 

b.  Check out the per minute cost for different prepaid cards for domestic long distance, international long distance and intrastate calling.  With some cards, intrastate calling can be five times as expensive.

 

c.  Sometimes cards, particularly those sold in convenience stores, have hidden fees. Check to make sure there are no monthly fees, expiration dates or minimum usage charges for each call, including uncompleted calls.

 

d.  Make sure the card is “rechargeable” so you can just call up and add minutes by using your credit card.  This allows you to avoid having to change access codes.

 

e.  Many people feel that the need to dial an 800 number and use an access code is too much trouble.  Much of this problem can be avoided if you have phones with memory dialing.  Just program in the 800 number and the access code.  To make a call, speed dial the 800 number and then speed dial the access code and then just dial the number you want to call.  Some cards allow you to set up your commonly dialed phone numbers so they do not even require an access code.  Just dial (or speed dial) the 800 number and then dial the number you are calling.  You can set the speed dial option up on all of the phones in your house that have this capability.

 

6.     Use your cell phone for long distance calling if you have plenty of minutes and long distance calling is included in your plan.  If you are already paying for this service it does not cost anything additional.

 

 

Cell Phones

 

Cell phones used to be a luxury only a few people could afford.  But within the last several years, cell phones have become commonplace, and in some instances have replaced household phones entirely.  The key to saving money on cell phones is not paying for services you do not really need, using the phone only when necessary so the amount of time purchased can be minimized, and searching for the best deal that meets your needs.

 

1.     Determine what your cell phone needs really are and stop paying for services you do not really need.  Other than being able to place and receive calls when a household phone is not available, do you really need a cell phone for anything else?  Do you really need to text message, surf the Internet, send photos, have data services and watch videos, etc.?  If you have Internet access at home, can’t you wait until you are at your computer to send an email message or photo, or visit that favorite web site?  It might be nice, but is it really worth the additional monthly expense to use your cell phone for anything other than phone calls?  And do you really need that second cell phone line?

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