Save on utility bills by reading the fine print

Reading the fine print on utility bills and calling to negotiate new rates can seem like time-consuming tasks best left for another day. But if time is money, those minutes can be real moneymakers.

Compare what you pay to rent vs. buy a modem or TV remote from your cable company, and it will be a real eye-opener.

Put your cellphone bill side-by-side with a prepaid wireless plan -- even after factoring in the purchase of a phone -- and you might want to close your wallet to the big wireless carriers.

Brad Wilson, author of the new book Do More, Spend Less, says he spent 13 minutes on the phone with his cable company and got $50 a month knocked off his bill. He calls the company about every six months to negotiate a new rate.

There may be more competition than you realize in the basic services you need in life. From gas companies to garbage collection, there is often little shortage of upstart businesses dying to lure you away from the mainstream choices in your area. Read your bills more closely and decide whether or not you think it's fair to pay what you're being charged. Read more >>