A little comparison shopping can save big bucks
Posted: May 1, 2009 04:42 AM
Updated: May 7, 2009 04:29 AM
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EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - Many consumer groups say most families are overpaying their phone, TV and Internet bills by $500 a year.
One reason for this, according to the Citizens Utility Board, is because providers will not tell you about new discounts or deals unless you ask.
So one Evansville family did, and they saved some major cash.
Like so many families right now, Chris and Alissa Maynard are feeling the economic squeeze.
Chris said, "We don't know what the future holds or which way we're headed with the economy, so we want to have some savings in case something were to happen with my job."
They're building a safety net by cutting corners wherever they can.
Alissa shared some of the family's savings strategies.
"Clipping coupons at the grocery. Prices have gone up," she said. "Not having a home phone. We just use our cell phones. Anything that we can do to cut costs is very important to us being a young family."
Another way they're saving a few bucks is by doing some comparison shopping to lower their cable, Internet and cell phone bills.
Service provider websites or ones like Whitefence.com can help you do just that.
All you have to do is type in your address, hit go, and the best deals they can find will pop up on your screen, and it doesn't cost a cent to do the shopping.
"On cable and Internet, we spend about $76 a month," said Chris. With our cell phone, we spend about $200 a month."
Not anymore, though.
After browsing prices on several cable and Internet company websites, they found a cheaper bundle package than the one they have now, and it includes more TV channels.
They were able to drop their $76 dollar a month bill for both services, to $59.99.
The Maynard's family plan cell phones run them around $195 a month, but Whitefence dot com found the same plan for around $190 a month, putting an extra $5 in their pockets each month.
"Each month, that little bit does add up," Alissa said.
In fact, in a matter of minutes, the couple saved $252 a year on all three utility services combined.
Alissa said that extra money will be put to good use.
"We have a daughter that's 14 months, so diapers, expenses for her, just even putting it in a savings account or college fund for her, or for a vacation. Every little bit helps," Alissa said.
Chris said, "Five minutes to make a phone call to your company or even check online to see if you can do it online. That five minutes is definitely worth $20 a month to me, and I would think to most people right now."
"If you can't find a deal online, consumer experts recommend calling your service provider. They may be willing to negotiate a better deal.
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