Produced with a grant from AT&T

Get Your Money’s Worth

Save money on long distance service by enrolling in a calling plan that fits your habits. Consider how often and what time you call, how long you talk, and where you call (in-state, state-to-state or internationally). Request written material from companies and compare their rates to your calling patterns before you sign on.
Look for simplicity and a competitive rate. Most companies offer “flat rate” plans. One is a single per-minute rate that is good anytime. This will probably save you money if you make mostly daytime calls. Another kind of flat rate plan charges two rates: one for weekdays and one for all other times. This can save money if you make most of your long distance calls at night or on weekends. If you call other countries a lot, ask about discount calling plans that would save you money on international calls.

Buying all of your telecommunications services from one company can be a good value for some consumers, but it may be cheaper to forego the package deal and buy only the services you need.

If a warranty on an existing home is a service plan that is supposed to protect against repair bills on major appliances, is it really a good deal for consumers? A major problem is that their claims are denied because the warranty company insists the problem predated the contract. When you buy an older home of course the appliances are going to be older. How can you protect yourself? Insist the warranty company examine all appliances that will be covered and get a statement in writing from the company that they are in good working order at the time of purchase of the policy. Of course, it is likely that the warranty company will refuse to do this. Our recommendation: self-insure. The $300 or $400 for yearly premiums, plus a deductible that is usually $100 plus a service fee, although lower than the going market rate, all add up to a hefty sum. If you do buy a warranty on an existing home read it carefully, find out the timeline for response to your complaint, who you have to call for service, and what is excluded. And get it in writing.