I recently looked over my cell phone bill and noticed something strange.  I was paying ₪ 20 for a service I don’t even use.  Back when I got my phone, I was going into the army and then grad school so I signed up for internet on my phone.  But now that I work full time, I only use the internet when I am bored on a long bus ride and forget to bring a book.  So I am paying ₪ 20 to not be bored about twice a month for 10 minutes.  I promptly called orange and canceled my internet service on my cell phone.

Looking over your monthly fees can potentially save you a bundle.  When the internet subscription runs out, providers are quick to get you to renew your service with a brand new contract and fail to present the best deal.  Last June I was called by a provider and was told that if I would sign for 18 months I would get a special price.  I told them I was willing to do it if the length of the contract was less and they agreed.  At my work place, I ordered a newspaper for the office and brought a subscription to Yediot down by around ₪ 400 by bargaining.

The point is that when you have the option to renegotiate your contract, you have a golden opportunity to cut your expenses.  That is why providers try to sign customers on for long term contracts.  Once a year or so when a subscription expires, try negotiating; you’ll be thrilled by the results.

Please Note the Following:  During the next week, there is a golden opportunity for anyone who as HOT of Yes television service.  Read this article from the Jerusalem Post and see how, because of a channel that was recently canceled, subscribers can renegotiate their contracts or leave within the next few days. Good Luck.

PS – for some negotiating tips, learn how to bargain like an Israeli