31 USEFUL TIPS TO REDUCE BIG TELEPHONE

31 USEFUL TIPS TO REDUCE BIG TELEPHONE

BILLS

1. If the message isn't urgent, send a letter or postcard instead.

2. Avoid using coin phones. They generally cost more in the long

run.

3. Limit all phone calls to five minutes or less.

4. Instruct all family members - including children - to make only calls

that are necessary.

5. Check your directory for phone numbers. Some telephone

companies now charge when you dial "Directory Assistance" for

information.

6. Use your radio for time and weather information instead of your

phone.

7. Dial calls "direct". Charges increase when an operator is

involved.

8. Phone during discount rate periods - evening, night and weekend

hours.

9. Call when holiday rates are in effect, generally all day for legal

holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, etc.

10. Avoid calls that require the services of an operator: collect calls,

credit card calls, calls charged to another number, time & charge,

etc.

11. Avoid "person-to-person" telephone calls.

12. Many firms have toll-free "800" numbers. Most airlines, railways,

bus lines, hotels, motels, rent-a-car chains, etc. will pay for your call.

Look them up in your directory for the "800" number, or call 800-555-

1212 to see if the firm you want has a toll-free number.

13. Many businesses have "Zenith" or "Enterprise" prefixes. They

are toll-free also. Check your directory for such numbers before

dialing.

14. Plan your phone calls in advance, especially when dialing long

distance. Some areas have unassisted 1-minute calls that can save

you money.

15. If you phone someone frequently, "schedule" your calls. In this

way, you can dial direct when the person you want to reach will be

there.

16. If you reach a wrong number, call the operator right away so that

you won't be charged for it. If this happens with a coin phone, the

telephone company will mail you a refund.

17. If you have a bad connection or get cut-off, both parties should

hang up. Whoever placed the call should tell the operator about the

problem. The operator will then reestablish the call & make an

adjustment.

18. Extension phones cost extra. Have them installed only when

necessary.

19. If a coin phone takes your money and doesn't complete

the call, notify the phone company by calling from another

phone. Give them the number of the faulty phone and they

will mail you a refund.

20. If you are going away for over 60 days, you can temporarily

suspend your phone service. This rate is lower than most regular

rates.

21. When relocating, have all phone installations done at the same

time.

22. There are usually no time limits on local calls. However, "nearby"

and long distance rates are based on 1-minute and 3-minute units.

Consult your directory or phone company before calling, to get the

lowest rate.

23. If you dial a number often that does not appear in your current

phone directory, jot it down instead of dialing Directory Assistance

each time.

24. Anticipate the number of calls you make each month.

Then talk to your phone company and select the most

economical type of service.

25. Have all family members included under one directory

listing.

26. Don't permit guests or business associates to use your phone to

make personal long distance calls.

27. If you use your residence phone for business purposes, you may

be able to deduct a portion of your phone bill for business purposes.

Check with your nearest Internal Revenue Service office.

28. Residence phone rates are generally less than business phone

rates.

29. Pay telephone bills promptly. If you become delinquent, your

phone may be disconnected. A charge will be made later to restore

service.

30. Instead of an extension phone, have a longer cord installed on

your phone.

31. If possible, call long distance "collect".