This week's tip is to spend a few minutes each week reviewing your bills. Just give them a glance over to see if you're getting charged incorrectly or if anything seems amiss. A review of my cell bill and a 10 minute call to customer service netted me a $50 refund for an overcharge dating back two years.
Also, NEVER be afraid to ask a customer service rep for the best deal. This works best for phone, cable, internet, insurance, companies etc. We've had high-speed internet at home with the same company for two years, but I am still paying the introductory price. I just keep calling and asking them to extend it. It costs a company almost 3x as much to sign a new customer as it does to keep an existing customer, so they want to keep you happy.
Some tips for getting discounts on your existing services:
-Be polite. Make the rep your ally. No one will go out of their way to give a discount to a major tool.
-Say that you have been looking at competitor's prices and are hoping you can remain with Company X since you've appreciated their great service, blah blah blah. It helps to have actual examples of competitor's discounts and sales!
-Ask if there is a discount based on your current employer. For instance, I get 12% off my Verizon bill because of my employer. You HR department should also have a complete list of discounts available.
-If the customer service rep is unable to get you a discount, very politely ask to speak with a manager who may have more flexibility in offering them.
Sometimes you'll get nothing from your troubles, but if you save even a little bit each month, it does add up!
Recipe - Meatballs. Mmmmmm....meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground sausage (I used spicy Italian from our local butcher) with casings removed
~1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko)
~3 tblsp grated parmesan cheese
-sprinkle of oregano, pepper, seasoning salt, parsley, basil
-splash of worcheshire (I can never spell that correctly) sauce
-1 egg mixed
-splash of milk
1) Add dry ingredients to large mixing bowl. Splash milk in and lightly mix. Add meat and egg. Mix
2) Brown in olive oil for about 30-60 seconds on each side. Transfer to a cookie sheet.
3) Bake at 400 degrees until the center is no longer pink. I think I did 30 min and it was a bit too long.
4) Serve with spaghetti and homemade garlic rolls and a salad.
5) Slip in to food coma.Labels: Cheap trick