Making the call to reduce phone bills
Have you been interested in lowering your phone bills? There are affordable telephone options that can lower your monthly bill without sacrificing talk time by turning your Internet connection into a functioning phone line. I called Kris Robinett, deputy field marshal for the Geek Squad from Best Buy, for advice. Here is what you need to know:
Skype (www.skype.com): Create an account and download it to your computer. Skype offers free services (including chat, Skype-to-Skype calls and video calls) and pay-as-you-go or unlimited calling plans for $2.99-$13.99 per month. Cool features include group video calls. Both parties must have high-speed Internet connections for it to work best.
magicJack (www.magicjack.com): You don't need a computer if you use the premium service. It offers free services such as call waiting, directory service and voicemail. It costs $39.95-$69.95, plus shipping and handling, and includes a year of local and long distance calls. Some international calls are free. Fees apply for certain extra features. You can purchase an additional year of service for $19.95-$29.95 or a five-year plan for $13.99-$19.95 per year. You can keep your original phone number, and you also can get an app to make phone calls when you don't have cell service but do have Wi-Fi. One downside is the lower-end magicJack requires your computer to be on in order to use your landline.
Jajah (www.jajah.com): Requires no software and works on phones and computers. You need an Internet browser and/or mobile or landline phone. You register online and get a local number to use. It's free to sign up and offers a free five-minute trial call. Charges vary per country called. There are no membership fees or fixed monthly rates.
A Savvy Deal
Every Saturday in January, the Center for Birds of Prey is offering two admissions for the price of one (normally $12 for adults, $10 for ages 6-18 and free for 6 and younger). Call 971-7474 or visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org.
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Reach Shannon Brigham at charlestonsavvyshopper@postandcourier.com.
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