Comments on: 5 Minutes to Lower Monthly Bills – DFA Tip of the Week – 3/30/2009 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/ Debt Credit & Personal Finance | Bible Help Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:03:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Matt Jabshttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-8153 Matt Jabs Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:21:59 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-8153 Way to go Aaron... feels good doesn't it! Way to go Aaron… feels good doesn’t it!

]]> By: Aaronhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-8001 Aaron Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:58:10 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-8001 In the matter of about 20 min I was able to knock $18/mo off my Comcast cable internet bill and $20/mo off my DTV bill. The Comcast was easy and I even did it via their online chat option. It took me speaking with three different people at DTV, the last being the cancellation department, before they finally budged. They gave me $10/mo off my service for 12 months and free HD access for 12 mos. I would say that I used a combination of the vinegar and honey approaches with DTV. Not bad for 20 minutes of my time. In the matter of about 20 min I was able to knock $18/mo off my Comcast cable internet bill and $20/mo off my DTV bill. The Comcast was easy and I even did it via their online chat option. It took me speaking with three different people at DTV, the last being the cancellation department, before they finally budged. They gave me $10/mo off my service for 12 months and free HD access for 12 mos. I would say that I used a combination of the vinegar and honey approaches with DTV. Not bad for 20 minutes of my time.

]]> By: ibigministryhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-2795 ibigministry Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:53:08 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-2795 Hi Matt, Just wanted to say thanks for the tips. Your advice helped me save $10 and my husband had tried before unsuccessfully. So for the next six months we are able to save $10 and get a premium movie channel. Keep up the great work, helping us save a dollar at a time! Hi Matt,
Just wanted to say thanks for the tips. Your advice helped me save $10 and my husband had tried before unsuccessfully. So for the next six months we are able to save $10 and get a premium movie channel. Keep up the great work, helping us save a dollar at a time!

]]> By: Evolution of Wealthhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-2534 Evolution of Wealth Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:15:34 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-2534 You make a great point in the post. So many people just let there bills come and then pay them without question. It can be a great way to save money if you take the 5-10 minutes to make the phone call. I would argue you could even save more money by bundling your services. Comcast in my area has HD digital cable with high speed internet for $80 per month for 12 months. If I wanted free longdistance I pay $100 per month but we use cell phones so I don't need that. Also for all you Comcast customers out there you can ask for the retention department and bypass the customer service reps all together. .-= Evolution of Wealth´s last blog ..<a href="http://evolutionofwealth.com/2009/09/27/sunday-link-rodeo-1/" rel="nofollow">Sunday Link Rodeo #1</a> =-. You make a great point in the post. So many people just let there bills come and then pay them without question. It can be a great way to save money if you take the 5-10 minutes to make the phone call. I would argue you could even save more money by bundling your services. Comcast in my area has HD digital cable with high speed internet for $80 per month for 12 months. If I wanted free longdistance I pay $100 per month but we use cell phones so I don’t need that. Also for all you Comcast customers out there you can ask for the retention department and bypass the customer service reps all together.
.-= Evolution of Wealth´s last blog ..Sunday Link Rodeo #1 =-.

]]> By: Matt Jabshttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-2339 Matt Jabs Tue, 15 Sep 2009 01:49:22 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-2339 Congrats Bryant, like you said - $5 is better than $0. Did you save any more after calling them back? Congrats Bryant, like you said – $5 is better than $0. Did you save any more after calling them back?

]]> By: Bryant Campbellhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-2101 Bryant Campbell Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:39:51 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-2101 i got my direct tv lowered by $5. not much but better than nothing. that was before seeing this article. i plan on calling them back and trying to get it lowered more by using some of these techniques. if not i've got several offerrs from competitors with much lower prices!!! i got my direct tv lowered by $5. not much but better than nothing. that was before seeing this article. i plan on calling them back and trying to get it lowered more by using some of these techniques. if not i’ve got several offerrs from competitors with much lower prices!!!

]]> By: A.J.http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-1774 A.J. Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:09:11 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-1774 All I did was call Direct TV, and asked them when my contract ends and what it would cost for me to pay out of the contract. Just asking that simple question prompted them to offer me $40 off a month. Quick simple and painless. All I did was call Direct TV, and asked them when my contract ends and what it would cost for me to pay out of the contract. Just asking that simple question prompted them to offer me $40 off a month. Quick simple and painless.

]]> By: phoenix carpet cleanershttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-814 phoenix carpet cleaners Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:56:52 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-814 Yup, it is possible to save money if we only are willing to compromise a little on our luxuries that we love to spend money on. Yup, it is possible to save money if we only are willing to compromise a little on our luxuries that we love to spend money on.

]]> By: tarahttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-744 tara Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:02:28 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-744 One indirect cost of less tv is your kids won't constantly be begging for the latest obnoxious toy! And plenty of primetime shows are available online for free on hulu.com or the network websites.I called DirecTV just today to cancel service. I'm getting furloughed (a mandatory pay cut) at work and am slashing all these luxuries, and I explained that to the CSR. Turns out I have 3 months left in my contract but they immediately offered to lower my rate by $16.00 per month. I asked what their cheapest plan was, and it was $24.99 per month, so I wound up switching to that and cutting my bill by more than half. And in 3 months I still plan to cancel it. We've gone tv-free before and it ain't so bad. We can still rent dvds and stream lots of shows. One indirect cost of less tv is your kids won’t constantly be begging for the latest obnoxious toy! And plenty of primetime shows are available online for free on hulu.com or the network websites.

I called DirecTV just today to cancel service. I’m getting furloughed (a mandatory pay cut) at work and am slashing all these luxuries, and I explained that to the CSR. Turns out I have 3 months left in my contract but they immediately offered to lower my rate by $16.00 per month. I asked what their cheapest plan was, and it was $24.99 per month, so I wound up switching to that and cutting my bill by more than half. And in 3 months I still plan to cancel it. We’ve gone tv-free before and it ain’t so bad. We can still rent dvds and stream lots of shows.

]]> By: Inzolo Blog » Comcast is My Friend Todayhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-722 Inzolo Blog » Comcast is My Friend Today Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:34:03 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-722 [...] a deal to get me to stay. If the deal was good enough I would take it. Before calling I read some great tips from Matt Jabs that helped me stay upbeat and friendly with the customer support [...] [...] a deal to get me to stay. If the deal was good enough I would take it. Before calling I read some great tips from Matt Jabs that helped me stay upbeat and friendly with the customer support [...]

]]> By: Comcast is My Friend Today | Nerdy Dorkhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-721 Comcast is My Friend Today | Nerdy Dork Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:31:46 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-721 [...] a deal to get me to stay. If the deal was good enough I would take it. Before calling I read some great tips from Matt Jabs that helped me stay upbeat and friendly with the customer support [...] [...] a deal to get me to stay. If the deal was good enough I would take it. Before calling I read some great tips from Matt Jabs that helped me stay upbeat and friendly with the customer support [...]

]]> By: Dustinhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-720 Dustin Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:52:34 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-720 I've been meaning to do this. Thanks for the spurring. I spent 3 minutes and 45 seconds on the phone with Comcast and now I'll be saving $46 per month for a year on my high speed internet and cable TV bill! I’ve been meaning to do this. Thanks for the spurring. I spent 3 minutes and 45 seconds on the phone with Comcast and now I’ll be saving $46 per month for a year on my high speed internet and cable TV bill!

]]> By: Reduce Monthly Bills / Lower Monthly Expenses - TV, Satellite, Cable Edition | Debt Free Adventure!http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-596 Reduce Monthly Bills / Lower Monthly Expenses - TV, Satellite, Cable Edition | Debt Free Adventure! Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:08:42 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-596 [...] to cancel my TV service but never pulled the trigger.  In late March I decided to call DirecTV to lower my TV bill and ended up shaving off $20 monthly, which was better than nothing!  Which brings us to where we [...] [...] to cancel my TV service but never pulled the trigger.  In late March I decided to call DirecTV to lower my TV bill and ended up shaving off $20 monthly, which was better than nothing!  Which brings us to where we [...]

]]> By: Manually Reporting My Utility Meter Readings Helped Me Reclaim $160 in Overcharges! | Debt Free Adventure!http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-505 Manually Reporting My Utility Meter Readings Helped Me Reclaim $160 in Overcharges! | Debt Free Adventure! Fri, 22 May 2009 20:13:59 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-505 [...] Today I felt the need to be more specific and beseech you to start reporting manual meter readings for you natural gas and/or electric provider immediately to avoid being errantly overcharged!  It happened to me the last two consecutive months.  To manually report your natural gas and/or electric meter reading, simply contact your utility provider by phone or visit their website for specific & detailed instructions.  In my experience I just read the gas meter and called it in to a customer service rep. [...] [...] Today I felt the need to be more specific and beseech you to start reporting manual meter readings for you natural gas and/or electric provider immediately to avoid being errantly overcharged!  It happened to me the last two consecutive months.  To manually report your natural gas and/or electric meter reading, simply contact your utility provider by phone or visit their website for specific & detailed instructions.  In my experience I just read the gas meter and called it in to a customer service rep. [...]

]]> By: Credit Cards Are Raising Your APR - Here's Why & What You Can Do | Debt Free Adventure!http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-480 Credit Cards Are Raising Your APR - Here's Why & What You Can Do | Debt Free Adventure! Tue, 19 May 2009 11:07:35 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-480 [...] she was expected to follow, so I immediately switched into CSR communication guy and worked to create a distinction between the CSR and the company in an attempt to get her on my side and perhaps increase the chances of getting my rate lowered.  [...] [...] she was expected to follow, so I immediately switched into CSR communication guy and worked to create a distinction between the CSR and the company in an attempt to get her on my side and perhaps increase the chances of getting my rate lowered.  [...]

]]> By: debt reductionhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-317 debt reduction Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:01:17 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-317 Thank you very much for taking the time to post this interesting piece. Right now I have Directv and Cox is my cable provider. My biggest thing is Major League Baseball. We have 6 children and som are Dodger fans, some are D-Backs fans, and I a Red Sox fan. This way we get in at least two games a day. Thanks for the tip! Thank you very much for taking the time to post this interesting piece. Right now I have Directv and Cox is my cable provider. My biggest thing is Major League Baseball. We have 6 children and som are Dodger fans, some are D-Backs fans, and I a Red Sox fan. This way we get in at least two games a day. Thanks for the tip!

]]> By: DebtFREEk!http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-310 DebtFREEk! Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:23:37 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-310 From 2000-2002 I went completely without a television in my home and I can attest to what Scott has written.During those years, I read more than ever, was involved in more activities than ever, and had better & more fulfilling relationships than ever before.I guess that begs the question...why don't I just cancel altogether?One thing to keep in mind is the fact that I would have to pay $140 to cancel DirecTV at this point in time. That is around 3 months worth of service. I'm thinking about reducing my plan to their lowest option, which is about $30/month. That way I wouldn't be completely throwing away the money, respectively speaking. From 2000-2002 I went completely without a television in my home and I can attest to what Scott has written.

During those years, I read more than ever, was involved in more activities than ever, and had better & more fulfilling relationships than ever before.

I guess that begs the question…why don’t I just cancel altogether?

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that I would have to pay $140 to cancel DirecTV at this point in time. That is around 3 months worth of service. I’m thinking about reducing my plan to their lowest option, which is about $30/month. That way I wouldn’t be completely throwing away the money, respectively speaking.

]]> By: Momhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-306 Mom Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:51:51 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-306 I like Scott's idea. Last year my husband, who is a TV junkie, and I separated for several months. During that time, I discontinued the TV cable service to my home mostly in order to save money. I found that I had time to do more creative and active things than sit on my duff and passively watch a TV show. I tried to maintain that when my husband and I got back together, but he was so lost without his TV that I took pity on him and signed a two year bundle contract that includes two premium channels for no extra charge, much to my regret now. He is very non-productive at home because he continues to succumb to the temptation to be mesmerized by the TV! I like Scott’s idea. Last year my husband, who is a TV junkie, and I separated for several months. During that time, I discontinued the TV cable service to my home mostly in order to save money. I found that I had time to do more creative and active things than sit on my duff and passively watch a TV show. I tried to maintain that when my husband and I got back together, but he was so lost without his TV that I took pity on him and signed a two year bundle contract that includes two premium channels for no extra charge, much to my regret now. He is very non-productive at home because he continues to succumb to the temptation to be mesmerized by the TV!

]]> By: Scotthttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-303 Scott Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:41:21 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-303 Here's an additional idea. I canceled DTV / Dish completely, and since I live in a cable-free area I get all my TV on an antenna for free! Saves me bundles of cash each month. Since there is less on (not that the 150 channels of satellite had anything on anyway) my family is reading more books, talking more, taking more walks, playing outside together, etc.I challenge you to try 3 months without massive quantities of TV. If you are like my family, you will realize you don't really miss it.<abbr><em>Scott’s last blog post..<a href="http://oakman2parrish.blogspot.com/2009/03/your-temptation.html" rel="nofollow">Your Temptation</a></abbr></em> Here’s an additional idea. I canceled DTV / Dish completely, and since I live in a cable-free area I get all my TV on an antenna for free! Saves me bundles of cash each month. Since there is less on (not that the 150 channels of satellite had anything on anyway) my family is reading more books, talking more, taking more walks, playing outside together, etc.

I challenge you to try 3 months without massive quantities of TV. If you are like my family, you will realize you don’t really miss it.

Scott’s last blog post..Your Temptation

]]> By: Adamhttp://www.debtfreeadventure.com/5-minutes-to-lower-monthly-bills-dfa-tip-of-the-week-3302009/#comment-302 Adam Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:11:59 +0000 http://www.debtfreeadventure.com/?p=367#comment-302 Thanks for these tips.I also use DirecTV and have consistently kept my bills down. They give me 6 or 12 months at a time...my rate goes up, and I call and tell them we are willing to leave, unless they lower it again. So far, it has worked.This article reminded me that I need to do it again!<abbr><em>Adam’s last blog post..<a href="http://faughnblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/lebanon-road-report-march-29.html" rel="nofollow">Lebanon Road Report: March 29</a></abbr></em> Thanks for these tips.

I also use DirecTV and have consistently kept my bills down. They give me 6 or 12 months at a time…my rate goes up, and I call and tell them we are willing to leave, unless they lower it again. So far, it has worked.

This article reminded me that I need to do it again!

Adam’s last blog post..Lebanon Road Report: March 29

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