How to save money on utilities.

[Gregory Matthews]

As most of you know, the cable TV companies and other companies attempt to hook you into signing up for their services with a discounted rate for a limited time believing that you will stay with them once the rates go up.  My wife is an expert at obtaining a reduction in the rate, after the promotional rate expires.  To set the context:  1)  We use Directv due to the fact that it has Hope (SDA) TV.  Here in California, we have a bundled service from ATT, who now owns Directv.

1)  Directv pays people to sign up new clients.  MY wife had discovered that if she goes to one of these, they can cancel the service that may be in my name, and  then sign up for new service in her name, with no break in service.  So, of course Directv know what is happening.  But, they have allowed this to be done multiple times.  Each time we are given the new promotional r ate.

2) ATT, as do other providers  have a "Loyalty Department."  If you connect to this department, they may be able to provide you with new promotional discounts that are intended to keep you from switching to another provider.  My wife just got off the phone from talking to this department.  She obtained new promotional discounts that will reduce our bill by several hundred dollars over the next year.  And, we were told to call back next month as they might be able to give us more in discounts for staying with them.

NOTE:  This comes from her living in Asia, in a society where she had to bargain over everything that she purchased.  She purchases here in the U.S. much of what she buys at a discount.  This is not my style. But, it is hers.