TEMPLE, Texas — Usually in every couple, there's a good cop and a bad cop.
When it comes to negotiating on getting lower rates like on a cell phone bill or an internet provider, as an example, you need a bad cop to demand your best deal. So who is it in your relationship? Here's a hint, if you live alone, it's you.
But, as we learn in this Money Talks, negotiating those lower rates could save you money.
"As you know, the cost of literally everything is inflated at this point in time," said Certified Financial Planner Rolandus "Rojo" Johnson. "From a to z it's a lot more than what it used to be."
We know that about inflation, and that has most of us looking for cheaper electricity or TV providers, internet, or any of our various bills.
"Usually built-in opportunities, there's opportunities are built in to where, right before you get ready to renew, you can shop for other companies," Johnson said.
What if you negotiated 25 dollars off of, let's say five bills? That would end up being quite a nice little savings.
"But also, when you call and talk to them, just don't go for what's online or whatever," Johnson told 6 News. "Call and talk to someone because you may get special deals that day. Always take an opportunity to shop around, especially in today's time, because you may be able to save a hundred bucks or two hundred bucks a month just by shopping around."
If someone you give money to every month thinks that you might walk away, that's usually when you get your best deal!
"Every company has a department for customer retention," Johnson said. "Every company has it. And so when you call and talk to someone, that's when you're going to get the best discounts, best deals and it may be as drastic as saying, 'Hey you know what, I think that I'm going to take my business elsewhere.' and you may not want to do it but hey, if it's hurting your pocket, by all means, it's time to look for another team to play with."
Many citizens might like the virtual assistant or clicking on a QR code and looking for a deal like that, but Johnson is adamant on the secret to the best deal.
"When you are looking to shop your services or renew contracts or talk to someone about your bills, always call the company and talk to someone," said Johnson. "That's the best way to get the best deals, best discounts, best price."
Johnson went on to say a longer contract may get you a better deal. Look for "anything" that will save you money or lock you into the protections of fighting inflation going forward.
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