Hang Up on High Phone, Cable, and Web Bills

By Jean Chatzky

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2. Determine your user profile
Each of the following describes a type of communications consumer. Decide which one is most like you, then follow the instructions for your type. If you fit more than one description, consider yourself a hybrid and take the appropriate steps for both.

The family planner: If you only had to worry about your own communication habits, choosing your telephone, computer, and cable services would be a snap. But maybe you have two teens and a little one. The teens have their own cell phones and so does the toddler's part-time babysitter. Your spouse carries a cell, too, but it's paid for by his employer. As for the Internet: You need top speed since that's how homework typically gets done these days. Gotta get these kids into college — and off the family payroll!

Rx: Have your kids ballpark how many text messages they send and receive per month as well as the number of daytime minutes they typically spend on the line. Then add everything up and buy yourself a nice big family plan. You purchase talking minutes in a bundle and should get your text messages that way, too, advises Allan Keiter, CEO of myrateplan.com. "You may be able to buy 1,000 text messages for $14.95 a month. But if your kids sent that many messages without a family package, it could cost you about $100 each month."

Mrs. On-Her-Own: Your kids are grown and paying their own bills, thank goodness. Your hubby has a great deal with his company — they pay for his cell phone, BlackBerry, and even his home Internet connection. Which leaves you...where?

Rx: Actually, it leaves you in the driver's seat. Since you have just yourself to please, shop for precisely the services you want. Go through the questions at the top of the story and figure out where you land.

Add up the number of minutes you think you'll use each month and tack on 20 percent more minutes, to be safe. If you know you'll never use text messaging or don't want to have Internet service on your cell phone, don't let anyone push you into the technological beyond. One more suggestion: If your husband's company is covering his home Internet costs, use his computer instead of paying for your connection.

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