Sometimes I miss the days before cell phones, email and voicemail. Sure, they've simplified our lives in many ways -- remember how frustrating it was trying to reach people before answering machines? On the downside, though, not only do we often feel compelled to be accessible 24-7, but it's expensive. After factoring in Internet service and cable or satellite TV, you might be paying thousands of dollars a year to keep your family wired and wireless.
Here are a few cost-saving tips that might help:
Examine your home phone bill for services you may have signed up for but aren't using, such as call waiting, call forwarding or caller ID. Dropping them could save $100 a year or more, depending on your plan.
If you have good cell phone reception at home, try using your cell for long-distance calls. But be sure to stay within your monthly minute allowance or your bill will skyrocket. When in doubt, check your remaining minutes at your carrier's website or by calling or texting their "remaining balance" code.
More and more folks are dropping their land lines altogether, relying solely on cell phones. Just be sure it's always fully charged -- beware of extended power failures. And note that in an emergency, 911 operators may not be able to track your location if you're unable to speak, as they can with a land line.
Another possible route is using a service that let you make free or low-cost calls (often, including international calls) using your Internet broadband connection. Some popular versions include Skype, Vonage and Google Voice. You'll need to buy certain equipment upfront to enable the connection and monthly and/or per-minute charges may apply.
In addition, many cable TV carriers offer competitively priced digital phone service via their broadband connection. Be aware that with either of these types of broadband telephone service you risk losing coverage during power failures, so it's wise to have a cell phone as backup.
You may be able to lower your overall communications bill by bundling home phone, cell phone, TV and Internet services together through one carrier. Plus, it's convenient to pay only one monthly bill. Just make sure you're not being restricted on services you want or overpaying for those you don't; and do the math on rates after the introductory period, if one applies.
Many TV episodes are available free on websites like Hulu.com or on the networks' own websites, so you may be able to cut back to a minimal cable/satellite plan. Plus, you can always rent movies and shows from the local video store, Redbox kiosk and the library; or join Netflix and stream unlimited content to your computer or TV -- or receive them by mail -- for a monthly fee.
- Watch for offers made to new phone, cable/satellite or Internet customers and ask to be given the same deal -- or threaten to take your business elsewhere.
- Using a prepaid phone card for long-distance calls from home may be cheaper per minute than coverage through your phone company. Just beware of any connection fees or expiration dates.
- Find out if your employer has a cell phone plan discount for employees.
- Explore family calling/texting plans in which you can share minutes among family members.
- Add up your family's monthly calling and texting charges and see if the carrier's unlimited minutes plan is more affordable.
- Rethink cell phone replacement insurance unless you have an expensive "smart phone" or an accident-prone teenager -- it may not be worth the cost.
- If you need a cell phone for safety or convenience but don't use many minutes -- or don't want to be tied to a contract -- a prepaid phone plan may be more cost-effective. Compare plans at MyRatePlan.com.
- If you're not sure which cable, Internet and cell phone services are available and reliable in your neighborhood, ask neighbors which carriers they use and how much they pay.
- If you have trouble deciphering your home or cell phone bill, this fact sheet from the Federal Communications Commission may help.
- If you have questions or complaints about your local phone service, this FCC list provides contact information for each state's Public Utility Commission.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.
To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney