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    Negotiate Your Bills

    Posted on May 2, 2025 by East Lyme

    – I just did this with my cel phone bill and saved $100.00 a month. I deleted services and lines I wasn’t using and played the “I’m a long time user” card

    Negotiating your bills can save you a lot of money, especially with recurring services like internet, phone, insurance, and even medical expenses. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively negotiate your bills:

    1. Do Your Research
    • Know the competition: Find out what other providers are offering. Use these deals as leverage.
    • Understand your usage: Know how much data, minutes, or coverage you actually use—this helps identify unnecessary add-ons.
    • Review your bill: Look for errors, unexplained charges, or services you don’t use.
    1. Contact Customer Service
    • Use the phone: Negotiations are more effective via phone than chat or email.
    • Be patient: You won’t get this done in a few minutes. It took me a hour and a half but I’m saving $1,200 a year!!
    • Ask for the retention department: These reps are often authorized to offer better deals to keep customers.
    1. Use These Phrases
    • “I’ve been a loyal customer for [X] years.”
    • “I found a better offer from [competitor].”
    • “Can you help me lower my bill?”
    • “Are there any current promotions or discounts available to me?”
    • “I may need to cancel unless we can find a more affordable option.”
    1. Be Polite but Firm
    • Stay calm and friendly. People are more likely to help someone who treats them with respect.
    • If the first rep can’t help, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or call back another time.
    1. Consider Bundling or Downgrading
    • Ask if bundling services (e.g., phone + internet) will save money.
    • Downgrade to a lower plan that better fits your actual needs.
    1. Follow Up
    • Request a confirmation email or letter of any changes made.
    • Monitor your next bill to ensure the discounts are applied correctly.

    Let’s get out of the rut and try new restaurants

    Posted on April 1, 2025 by East Lyme

    We have a tendency to go to the same restaurants over and over again. Of course, we really like those we have been going to for years but there comes a time when something new is called for.

    Is a special event coming up? Will you be in a new area? Are you looking for a bargain? A friend told you about a great new place!

    Here’s an article to help you decide what works for you…

    https://delishably.com/dining-out/how-to-choose-a-restaurant-2#:~:text=Sometimes,%20all%20we%20want%20to%20do%20is%20get%20a%20table

    Here’s CT Magazine top restaurants!!

    https://www.ctinsider.com/projects/2024/connecticut-magazine-top-restaurants-2024/

    The ‘new’ ways to look at money

    Posted on April 1, 2025 by East Lyme

    We all need to find three sources who we trust and can explain what’s going on in the financial world. One of the ones I pay heed to is Jill Schlesinger.

    Jill Schlesinger, CFP®, is the Emmy and Gracie Award-winning business analyst for CBS News, where she translates complicated business and economic news into understandable, relatable topics for everyday viewers and listeners.

    https://www.jillonmoney.com/blog/