31 Useful Tips To Reduce Big Telephone Bills

With Skype you can make free calls over the Internet. Skype – the whole world can talk for free

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".