It might be time to cancel your phone line and replace it with a magicJack – a tiny gadget you insert into your computer’s USB port, instantly transforming the broadband access you’re already paying for into free phone service.
This is very easy to do, and very inexpensive – $40 for the device and one year of service, $20 per year after that.
You’ll save $400 or more per year on land-line phone service and you get unlimited calling, with free long-distance in the U.S. and Canada, and the company says it’s about to roll out a feature that allows you to keep your existing phone number.
It’s not perfect, and there are a few drawbacks. But it is very cheap and works very well as a “backup” for your cell phone.
Before making calls when away from home, compare per minute rates and surcharges for cell phones, prepaid phone cards, and calling card plans to find how to save the most money.
Be especially careful when placing telephone calls from hotels. With few exceptions, most lodging facilities add on significant surcharges for telephone calls.
Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling features or additional services, such as inside wire maintenance, that you don’t need. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.
If you make very few toll or long distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums. Or consider disconnecting the service altogether and use dial around services such as 10-10 numbers or prepaid phone cards for your calls. When shopping for dial around service, look for fees, call minimum, and per minute rates. Treat prepaid cards as cash and find out if there is an expiration date.