Banklady Credit Doctor

Category: Utilities

  • Best TV Bundle to Cut Your TV Bill in Half

    Best TV Bundle to Cut Your TV Bill in Half

    If you’re looking to reduce your utility bills to save money, start by taking a look at what you pay every month for traditional cable or satellite TV. A recent study found the average monthly spending for traditional pay TV service is over $103, costing many over $1,230 a year.

    #1: Get an antenna for free over-the-air TV

    You will not only get the highest resolution possible with the best picture quality ever but you will save money with this simple add-on to your TV. Buying an antenna for $10 to $40 will give you a lifetime of free access to your favorite local channels in HD. Plug in your address at AntennaWeb.org to see which type of antenna is best for your needs.

    When we entered an address on the website, it also listed the channels that will be available, such as the local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and independent stations. (more…)

  • AT&T Data Warnings going out to more customers

    AT&T had a failed merger with T-Mobile and we are starting to think they are taking out the costs on their customers. Maybe they should pay their CEO and managers less and not punish their loyal customers. The number two carrier AT&T moved toward cashing in on rising wireless Internet traffic in 2010, when it became the first major U.S. carrier to stop offering unlimited data plans to new subscribers. This was devastating because it charged higher prices for greater data use. In January, it raised the prices of those tiered plans by as much as 33%. If this was not enough the behemoth Mother-Bell is telling the subscribers who were grandfathered into $30-a-month unlimited plans that their Internet download speeds will be cut back if they use more than three gigabytes of data a month. This amounts to about 10 hours of high-definition video according to the carrier but say someone is using Pandora or an online radio they listen to at work it will come faster than you think. The company claims that if you use your Wifi connection at home or work you can counter these charges and use less phone data but as much as we are paying we should not have to and AT&T needs a public outcry. We have got to stop this greedy corporation from stealing from us with these added fees. When they claim it is unlimited it should be nothing but unlimited.

  • Texas Energy Provider Rate Comparison

    It’s that time once again to compare energy companies here in Texas. I have had service from Reliant, Gexa, and TXU Energy. Recently I received a $250 welcome bonus from Reliant and a $150 welcome bonus from TXU Energy but both come with contacts and cancelation fees.

    Reliant Energy tells me that they have the cheapest plan that I can still use my welcome bonus of $250 at an average of 10.6 cents p/kw. There will also be a 12 mo commitment and a $3.08 separate Oncor Delivery charge. Most of the Reliant plans contained an Oncor Delivery charge of $3.08.

    Reliant’s Cap and Save plan is the newest of their plans where they put y ou in a 12 month contract and then cap out the rate at 8.2 cents based on natural gas prices. If natural gas goes up it will not go above the 8.2 cents but if it goes down it will decrease and save you money. You still have the extra $3.08 charge on this account.

    Another 12 month plan which was cheaper but where I would not get my welcome bonus of $250 was the 9.3 cents plan. This would include a surcharge as well. My favorite plan with Reliant was the 7.3 cents per kwh which sounds cheaper than other electric companies in the Dallas area but its only for 6 months and it has a base charge of $5.00 plus a $3.08 Oncor charge. The rep insured me that it will not go over 8 cents per kwh. This could be the cheapest plan available but there will be no welcome bonus payout and there will be no AAdvantage miles with this plan.

    TXU Energy gives you a $150 welcome bonus on their 10.8 cents kwh for 2,000 kw used but it will be 11.3 cents based on 1,000 kw. The former monopoly is charging 9.6 cents per kwh on a 6 month plan with no base charge. Furthermore, Their super secure plan is for 12 months at 10.3 cents per kwh. I am not to impressed with the $150 welcome bonus because it is a gift card and who really needs more of those prepaid plastics.

    What about early termination fees? With TXU the fee is $200 and with Reliant the early termination fee is an astounding $250 setback. That kind of makes your welcome bonus walk right out the door.