by Reese Grey

The Federal Communications Commission is considering new legislation that would require wireless companies to send a text message to customers who are on the verge of racking up expensive charges for exceeding the plan’s data or text-messaging limit. The proposal is similar to one enacted by the European Union where customers complained so emphatically about huge data-roaming charges while traveling that their government reacted to their complaints.

Overage charges can add up to huge costs! For now, the easiest way for you to save costs is to change your plan. That is something you can do it without extending or terminating your contract.  Also ask for a usage summary going back 12 months to see if you could get by on a cheaper plan.

If not, consider switching carriers. Check BillShrink.com and Validas.com or wirelessadvisor.com to determine if you could get a better deal from a different carrier. Overall, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile have about 220 plans, so it will be a task to analyze them.

Verizon has a $99 family plan that features unlimited text messaging, AT&T has an $84.99 plan with a limit of 1,500 on text messages and 5 cents a minute after that and T-Mobile has a family plan for $79.99 a month with unlimited text messaging. But beware and check the fee for overages.

Until the FCC rules go into effect, (if they ever will), ask your carrier if you can receive phone or text alerts when account limits are nearing, it is sure worth a try.

Here are a few additional tips that may help you contain or lower your bill:

•    Cancel unwanted services. Scan the bill for charges you can’t identify and ask what they are. Cancel services you don’t want, such as roadside assistance service for $3 or $5.

•    Use a FREE information services rather than the more costly 411 service.    Try 800- 373-3411 (provided by Jingle Networks)  or 800-466-4411(provided by Google) to find the number of a person or business.  Add these numbers in your cell’s phone book so all you have to do is hit Info to further enhance this convenience.

•    Check your voicemail from a landline if you are almost out of minutes.  Most people do not realize they are charged for voice mail calls. To do it, dial your cell number from a landline, hit * or # during your outgoing message, then enter your pass code.

We are a “stay connected” society, spending premium dollars for the luxury of being linked to friends, family and the world, at every minute, but we can use offers and opportunities to lessen the cha-ching on our pocketbooks.