Tip # 22 Save on Landline Phones

Still using traditional land-line phone service? You're probably paying too much. Here are some ways to save money.

Internet Phone Services:

• Vonage looks and acts just like a regular phone. With Vonage, you can use your internet connection to make phone calls worldwide, for prices as low as $17.99/month.

• Another option is Skype. With your computer, you can talk for free to other Skype users, and make inexpensive calls to landlines and cell phones. To use Skype, you will need a computer headset. This is the one I use.

• Finally, some people have had success with MagicJack. It's a device that allows you to plug a phone into your computer. It makes calls using your computer's internet, and costs $40 plus $20/year for unlimited calling. Garth, from Oregon, wrote this article about the MagicJack. I'd recommend reading it, since there are some pitfalls to the MagicJack and it might not work for everyone.

To use either Vonage, Skype or MagicJack, you must already have high-speed internet.

Calling Cards:

Don't get long-distance from the phone company. If you want to make a long-distance call, use a calling card. Don't pay more than a couple cents a minute. Beware of connection fees, though.