Personal Finance News Tuesday 9/18

Phil's Personal Finance Tip of the Day:

Five tips to help lower your Internet bill
Check out these five tips that could help you save on your home Internet costs.

By Andrea Duchon | Yahoo! Homes – Fri, Sep 7, 2012 3:53 PM EDT

Between checking work and personal email, posting on social media sites, and researching local restaurants, having access to the Internet is a very real modern-day necessity.

But that doesn't mean you have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

According to Michael Matthews, founder of The Mobile Culture, a tech and mobile consulting firm based in New York City, "there are many options for reducing your monthly Internet costs. It just depends on what you use it for, how often you need access, and what companies are available in your area."

Intrigued? Read on to learn about five tips for lowering your Internet costs.

Tip #1 - Shop Around

Because there's often a rush to get Internet installed, it's common for people to sign up with the largest provider instead of shopping around for the best deal, says Matthews.

But when you take time to research other providers and compare prices, you could potentially uncover some savings.

For starters, ask your friends and neighbors about their experience and satisfaction with their current Internet providers. After you have the name of a few different companies, research their rates and contact them to see if they have any new customer discounts.

[Looking to change Internet providers? Shop around for quotes now.]

Even if you don't end up switching, you can become a more informed customer by learning more out about Internet service options, adds Matthews.

Tip #2 - Bundle Up

Got a landline and cable? Consider bundling these services with your Internet for potential savings.

Many providers offer discounts to customers that are willing to bundle Internet, cable, and phone services together all on one bill.

[Interested in bundling your Internet, cable, and phone services? Click to compare rates now.]

According to "The Benefits of Bundling and Bargaining" - an article from Consumer Reports, a nonprofit consumer-awareness organization - one in three surveyed Consumer Reports readers chose to bundle their TV, Internet, and home phone services.

Besides saving money by bundling their digital services, surveyors liked the convenience of having only one bill from one provider.

To read the entire article from Andrea Duchon | Yahoo! Homes:
http://homes.yahoo.com/news/tips-to-save-on-internet.html

Scripture of the Day from Dave Ramsey.com:
Matthew 6:34 — Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself, Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Please listen to the Dave Ramsey show live on WOR 710 from 2-4 PM EST. You can also listen to the 3rd hour 4-5 PM EST. at Dave Ramsey.com.