Monday, April 29, 2013

Do you really They Services -? And costs

With five family members in the AT & T plan my phone, my monthly bill typically runs in the triple digits. But a few months ago I noticed it was usually high. Finally I found the reason: One of us accidentally managed to sign up for half a dozen games, ringtones and other subscription services, adding more than $ 60 per month on our bill. After an hour on the phone with AT & T, we get the subscription canceled and money refunded.

How could I let this happen? In fact, even though I hate to admit it, I did not examine my personal bill almost close my business expenses. I was too busy to notice that I was being charged for services that I did not want or need. And that is subscribed to mobile services rely.

Next time phone, cable or utility bills you come, take a closer look. You can spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year for games, movies, and interactive services you have asked to receive. These services are often bundles as part of the premium package or start a free trial subscription to be paid if you do not cancel them.

"Beware of the free," warned Arleen Kahn, president of MCA Associates, a New York consulting firm that helps small businesses to analyze their costs. "Bundling phone, data and voice can be cost effective for your business, but it will not always save you money in the home. You should really do your homework to find the best deals for your home and family. '

Here are five tips to cut the family phone bill, cable and utility to measure:

Approximately shop

Web offers many resources to compare prices and service packages, as well as cutting your utility costs. Here's a sampling:

in myrateplan.com:TruBill CellCalc and features of the site allows you to find the mobile service plans are available in your area and side-by-side comparison of features, cost and hours dedicated.

saveology.com: Enter your address on the site to get the list up-to-date option for phone, internet and TV service for your home - and to see whether bundling is the best way to go.

utilitybillbusters.com: This property online energy saving advice offers articles on everything from the proper insulation on how to keep your microwave from burning money.

Avoid teaser rate. Cable companies are able to offer rock-bottom price for a bundle package in return for two-or three-year commitment. "Sometimes the price is good for only the first six to 12 months," said Kahn. "Then the rate through the roof."

Beware cancellation penalties. Depending on the contract you sign, you may have to pay a hefty fee to continue your life. That "free" cell phone will be worth more in the long run than if you pay the sticker price and keep your options open.

-Adjust your plan. "Family Plan" and "rollover minutes" may sound appealing, but they only make sense if you use it. "You can save more money by choosing a plan according to the number of minutes," said Kahn.

Beware the free trial. New cable, phone and internet accounts often have a "free trial" subscription automatically begin to grow. Contact customer service if you see charges on your bill that you do not recognize.

Pull the plug. The best way to save money on utility bills, Kahn said, is to unplug your coffee maker, charger for mobile phone, air conditioning units or other tools you use every day. "As long as the equipment is connected to the outlet, they run your electric bill," he says.It's worth spending a few extra minutes to save hundreds of dollars a month for a year without charge.

Rosalind Resnick founder and CEO of Axxess Business Consulting, New York consulting firm that advised startups and small businesses, and author of Getting Rich Without Going broke: How to Use luck, Logic and Use of Building a Successful Business Ever. He can be reached rosalind@abcbizhelp.com or through the website, abcbizhelp.com

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