Lower your Phone, Cable, and Internet Bill

Sure, you can cut out a lot of little things like magazine subscriptions and eating out during this recession, but let's face it: You can't really live without a phone and Internet access! (Well, you could, but would you want to?) So while you don't have to cut off all ties with the modern world and live like a caveperson, you can actually lower the price you're paying for these modern conveniences!!

Here's how you go about it: Phone:

• Check your statements. Do you know what you're really getting and what you're paying for? For example, phone line insurance and/or equipment fees are two things you probably don't need.
  
  
• Cut out cell phone extras. Are you paying per text message? (Parents of preteens and teens beware!) Paying for bundle plans like $10 for 500 minutes is cheaper than paying per text. Also, how many minutes are you paying for vs. how many you actually use? If you're paying $15 for unlimited texts, but you're only using 500, you can save $5 a month. Also, do you use an Internet browser on your cell phone? If not, getting rid of it can save you at least $10 a month.
  
  
• Plan ahead. Many companies allow you to talk for free at nights and on the weekends, so call during those times. And, if you call in-network (people who have same phone service as you) it's usually free.
  
  
• Go wireless. Do you use your cell even when you're in your house? If so, then maybe you should cancel your landline. That can save you about $25 a month!
  
  
• Go paperless. Did you know that companies charge to send you paper bills in the mail? So you might want to switch to online statements right away to save a few bucks a month.
  
  
• Call on the Internet. Voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services offer free local and long distance calling with an unlimited amount of calling. Go to broadbandreports.com to find the best service for you.
  
  
• Go prepaid. More and more people are ditching their standard cell phone contracts and going month-to-month with prepaid cell phones. It can save you at least $25 month or more. If that doesn't work for your lifestyle, find out which carrier offers family plans that offer steep discounts on multiple phones. Go to wirefly.com to compare prices from major providers.
  

Cable/Internet:

• Be realistic. Do you regularly watch all the cable channels you have? Getting rid of movie channels and special packages will reduce your cable costs by at least $10 a month.
  
  
• Bundle up. Most companies now are offering packages to be your one-stop service provider for cable, Internet and phone, which can add up to big-time savings (upwards of $50!) A good site to compare deals for bundle packages from different providers is cheapest-service.com.
  
  
• Shop around. See what other cable companies in your area are offering. This could be your biggest bargaining weapon with your current provider. You can go to thisiscable.com to see what's available in your area. Then call your current vendor and pleasantly explain that though you love their services, you need to cut back, and you noticed that XYZ Company offers a package for only X-amount. Could they match the deal or come close?

When it comes to your cable, Internet and phone providers, go back to the basics. Assess what you really need, and what you might be able to live without. Figure out where you can get the best deal for that service and negotiate with your current provider. My friend's husband does this every three months! Why? Because haggling can be a win-win: The company doesn't lose a customer and you put another $20-$40 a month in your pocket, or to put toward a nagging credit card bill. So why not?

Get more financial advice from our personal finance expert, Carmen Wong Ulrich!