Consumer Tips from CUB
Want to learn how to spend less on utility bills? How about learning how to protect yourself from getting ripped off? CUB is here to help! We've compiled some tips and advice designed to help you save money.
National Do Not Call List
10 Ways to Save On Your Heating Bill
Choosing a Long Distance Plan
Are 10-10 Numbers Too Good to Be True?
Avoid Pre-Paid Calling Card Scams
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
General tips
- Avoiding excessive Internet charges on your phone bill
When you sign up with an Internet service provider make sure that calls to your “log on” number are within your local, “untimed” calling zone so you won't have to pay per minute charges for the time you surf the web. To check if a phone number is in your local zone, call your phone company.
- Leave lights on or turn them off?
There's a myth that says you expend more energy by turning lights on and off so it's better to leave them on even if you leave the room. Not true. For regular incandescent lights, it's better to turn lights off when you leave a room. For energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs, turn them off if you won't be back in a room for more than 15 minutes.
- Read the fine print before purchasing a pre-paid phone card
Before buying a prepaid phone card, read the fine print to determine if the card has any restrictions, such as an expiration date or no in-state calls. The card should have clear instructions, and it should display a toll-free number you can call if there are problems. Give the number a call. A busy signal could be a bad sign. And buy the smallest amount of calling time possible to test the card and see if it has any hidden charges.
- Beware of unlimited phone plans that aren't really unlimited
Beware of phone companies that offer “unlimited” calling plans that aren't unlimited at all. Most local and long-distance companies are marketing flat-rate, all-you-can-use calling packages that sound too good to be true. But most of these plans only cover basic local calling. They don't include local toll calls or monthly taxes and surcharges, which can add another 20 percent to your phone bill. And, they only apply to one phone line. The bottom line? Read the fine print and make sure you understand what you're getting before you sign up.
- Budget billing plans can ease handling of winter bills
If you're having trouble paying your winter gas bills, ask your gas company about entering into a budget-billing plan. Budget-billing plans allow customers to even out their monthly gas bills and avoid drastic, month-to-month fluctuations in the payments they make. Instead of a fluctuating amount, you pay the same amount—or nearly the same amount—each month, year-round.
- Blackouts can knock out cordless phones
During a power outage cordless phones won't work. So, unless you have a cell phone, you'll need to have a hard-wired phone with a cord in your home to make calls during a blackout. If you've got an old phone, consider keeping it for such an emergency.
