Time = $
How much is your time worth?
There is a popular saying based on a faith principle: “You have not because you ask not.”
This week I spent almost an hour on the phone with my Internet provider. I saw my bill was going up, so I called the company to get it lowered. All the subscription services (Internet, TV, cell phone, etc.) have customer loyalty departments whose sole purpose is to maintain your business. It’s cheaper for them to keep you rather than recruit a customer to take your place.
So I was on the phone for almost an hour, but most of the time I was on hold, so had my phone on speaker while I did other stuff.
But an hour? Was it worth it? Well you tell me.
I found out my bill was going up from $35/month to $75/month. By the time I got off the phone, the customer service representative got my bill down to $20/month! That’s almost half of what I was paying! By agreeing to auto-pay (on a credit card which I prefer to my bank account), I have a new promotion for 6 months, when it will then go up $10.
So in six months, I’ll call back and get another promotion. That’s the game these companies play, but if you’re willing to pay, you can save significantly!
So how much did that phone call save me? $55/month X 6 months = $330! That’s not too shabby for less than an hour of my time! That’s $330 I can do something else with!
You wouldn’t believe the discounts you can get just by asking. (This applies in the U.S.; I am unfamiliar with how things work in other countries; but I think it’s worth finding out!)
- Elimination or reduction in bank fees: (monthly fees, overdrafts, etc.) especially if you have a record of being financially responsible.
- Credit card annual fees and interest rates: Did you know that credit card companies will—in many cases—lower your interest rate just for asking? I’ve done it. I’ve also told them I don’t pay annual fees, and if they don’t find a way to help me, I ‘ll go somewhere else.
In the past I showed you how to Save Real Money Online by searching for promotional codes. You can’t believe the incentives that are out there, you just need to look.
Whether you’re broke or a millionaire, saving money just makes cents (and sense)! You can make your hard-earned money do so much more, if you’re willing to just put in a (very) little amount of time.
You have not because you ask not. Seek and you will find. Be smart with your money.
Royalty free image from Creative Commons, Tax Credit’s Flickr Photo stream
