Save Big on your Comcast Bill!

I watch my money closely and review all of my utility bills every month for mistakes and rate hikes. Today I found that Comcast jacked my rate up to $62.95 for internet only. WAY too much!

I called customer service and was on hold for quite some time. After speaking to an agent I threatened to cancel my service due to the hike. I was transferred to the retention department who has the power to discount your account to more reasonable levels.

I made my case as I had AT&T U-Verse up on my screen. They were showing a promo price of $29.95 per month for a year then $48 per month thereafter. It was the same speed as my current Comcast connection and a lot cheaper. AT&T was my bargaining chip.

After a brief hold Comcast offered me $42.95 per year. I took it since I did not want the hassle of cancelling them, install/scheduling AT&T, and having to buy a new modem. My price is good for a year and they will retroactively credit my account since the $62.95 already went on my credit card for this month.

A 15-minute phone call saved me $20 per month or $240 for the next 12 months. That is a great use of my time! I get to keep my same service and equipment with no hassle aside from the call for the next year. I did this last year also. I will continue to do this every year if I have too.

Don't pay too much! Don't site back and just accept rate hikes! Make the companies compete for your business. It costs them a lot more than $240 to acquire a new customer. They will do everything within reason to keep you as a customer. Finally there is no contract for my rate adjustment. It is a simple discount.

Dimmer Switches Cost You Money!

There is a lot of talk these days about using less power, installing CFL light bulbs, and going "green" at home. While all of these are good things I realized that dimmer switches/lights are a problem. They do not work with fluorescent bulbs!

The problem is chemical. The older incandescent bulbs consume a lot of power dimmer switches were created so you could get a softer light effect and the act of dimming reduces the power used. While it may look kind of nice it is still more expensive than using CFL bulbs at full brightness.

The solution here is to get rid of the dimmer switches. Replace them with ordinary on/off switches and switch out your bulbs for fluorescent lighting. The bulbs pay for themselves in the first year and after that you gain money via lower power bills. They also last longer so you don't have to change them as often!

iPhone: Is it worth the money?

A lot of people have asked me about having the iPhone. Is it worth the expense of the rate plans from AT&T? Is it really as cool as people say it is?

My answer: Yes and Yes!

I have had the iPhone since it first came out. I now have the iPhone 3G. It has been great for work with e-mail, web browsing, etc. I was a bit hesitant with a $90/month rate plan but soon found it was worth it. The iPhone has saved me money in many ways and tends to at least pay for itself.

Here are some ways the iPhone has saved me money:

• GPS: The GPS has saved me from being lost and finding my way. It has also saved me a lot of time which is worth more than money.
• Google: If I am out shopping and see something I need/want I can google for the best price right on the spot.
  
• Alarms and Calendar Reminders: I use it for my alarm clock and have reminders on a Calendar for bills. I save in late fees and lost hours at work.
• Pandora - Free radio anywhere streaming. No need for XM radio (I HATE commercials!)
• Maps: Traffic conditions. I can see where the bad spots are and go around them. This saves gas and time!
• WiFi Finder: If I need wifi I can use the finder app to find free wifi nearby. No need to pay for wifi somewhere!
• Quicken Online: I can check my account balances through Quicken Online on my phone. No NSF fees or over limit fees.
  
• Free Entertainment: Games, YouTube, Camera. If I am bored I can surf the net, listen to music, play games, watch youtube, take pictures. Why spend money?
• Retaurant Finders: Urbanspoon, Yelp, etc. I can find good places to eat nearby and specify a price level. No need to drag out a laptop and find wifi.
• Public Tranport: the Maps app can take you somewhere on public transport. No need for a cab. This saves hundreds in New York City!

I could go on forever about how the iPhone has saved me money. I limited the list to things that would apply to most people. With the iPhone now as low as $99 it is definitely worth the price tag. The rate plans are higher than standard phones but for the features you get it is well worth it. I constantly think to myself: "How did I live before this!"

If you have been on the fence about getting one I hope this post will help you decide.