Consumer United's Top 10 Savings Tips

Consumers now have more control of brands, not big corporations. Smart, business-savvy types embrace the shift in power rather than fight the cold, hard truth.

It's time to take control of your money. Here are our top 10 ways to save.

* DRIVE SENSIBLY
Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking waste gas and lower your highway gas mileage by up to 33% and your city mileage by up to 5%. Also, each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.

* DITCH YOUR AGENT
Chances are you’re paying too much for auto insurance. Consumer United’s 10% discount, plus our free assessment of each policy, has been saving our members on average $250-$500 a year. Call 1-866-686-2008 Mon-Fri 8am-7pm with your driver’s license to see how much you can save.

* GO GREEN
Installing storm windows can reduce heat loss (and money loss) through your windows by 25-50%. Plus, the government will actually pay you for certain energy-saving home improvements. Click HERE to learn what types of credits you can receive.

* KEEP IT COMPETITIVE
You can save on electricity by switching to one of the competitive electricity providers in the state. National Grid customers can get the lowest rate in the state by switching to MXenergy, and NSTAR customers can save 20% until 12/31/07 by switching to Dominion. Click HERE to learn more.

* BE COOL
Setting your thermostat back to 55 degrees at night or when you’re out-of-town can save 5-20% on your heating costs.

* STAY IN THE SHADE
Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses for cooling.

*QUIT IT
If you smoke, you are hurting your wallet more than you realize. In fact, a 40-year old who quits smoking and puts the savings into a 401(k) could save almost $250,000 by age 70.

*GET A GOAL
Determine your most important financial goals and begin saving regularly towards them. You’ll be more likely to save money if you have a tangible goal to look forward to.

*WRITE IT DOWN
Carry an index card in your wallet. When you see something you want to buy, write it on the card. Force yourself to wait at least a week before buying the item. During this time, if you find something else you want, write it down also, but limit the items on your card to three. This method can help curb impulse spending on new “must have” items.

*IT STARTS TOMORROW
Tomorrow when you wake up, challenge yourself to spend less money. Make your own coffee, bring a bagged lunch to work, make dinner at home, etc. Before going to bed, reflect on the money you saved throughout the day. When you realize how much you’ve saved simply by changing some habits, you can begin to make those habits into routines.

Supermarket consumers may face sticker shock

There's a bill being pushed through the Massachusetts legislature that will allow grocery stores to conveniently leave off price tags on items. With this new proposal, consumers are expected to rely on electronic scanners instead of item-by-item pricing.

John Hurst, the president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, tells The Enterprise in Brockton that “consumers will benefit in the form of lower prices and shortened lines once stores no longer need to devote resources to item-by-item pricing.”

Watchdog Edgar Dworsky, the founder of ConsumerWorld.org, believes it's a ploy to cheat consumers.

“They’re not going to pass on savings to consumers,” Dworsky says. “It’s going to go to pad their bottom line.”

Lowest Gas Prices in Massachusetts

Consumer United's auto insurance service provider, Plymouth Rock Assurance, offers a gas price finder widget here.

Meanwhile, check out Consumer United's Lowest Gas Prices in Massachusetts table (powered by GasBuddy.com) below:

Lowest Gas Prices in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

DRIVER'S ED: Auto Insurance Glossary

Here are a few common terms you need to know when shopping around for auto insurance:

*ASSETS- Material or monetary resources.

*BODILY INJURY- Liability coverage that covers other people (not your passengers) involved in a an accident.

*COLLISION- Coverage for damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident.

*COMPREHENSIVE- Non-accident-related coverage for your vehicle (element damage, theft, etc.).

*DEDUCTIBLE-The amount you pay before your insurance company starts paying.

*DEDUCTIBLE RISK-Opting for higher personal property damage deductibles in order to lower your premium.

*LIABILITY- Expenses you are responsible for if you're the party at fault.

*MANAGED COMPETITION- New system implemented on April 1, 2008 in Massachusetts where insurance companies are free to set their own rates.

*PREMIUM- The cost of an insurance plan.

*PROPERTY DAMAGE- Liability coverage for damage to another party's property.

*QUOTE- A price offered by an agent, like Consumer United, for an insurance policy.

*UNINSURED LIABILITY COVERAGE- The kind of coverage that protects you and your passengers if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. This coverage is required in most states and should match the limits you have for bodily injury and property damage liability.

Consumer United Newsletter :: June 20, 2008

Check out the archived version of Consumer United's bi-weekly newsletter here.

Here's the intro:

Our goal is to offer members a collection of cost-cutting tips, insider analysis and Consumer United-crafted research. The people who join our network are ordinary consumers, folks like you, who have come together to identify the best service providers, negotiate better deals and simplify their lives.

Highlights:
*Auto Insurance Savings Tips
*Consumer United Testimonials
*Auto Savings Pass

Click here to read the Consumer United Newsletter :: June 20, 2008.

Also, click here for our bi-weekly Consumer United Newsletter archive.

Consumer United Testimonials

"I was already a Bunker Hill customer before I called and I just saved $350 on my auto insurance and $35 on my renters insurance. That's a REAL economic stimulus refund check.” --Geoff Grant, Methuen, MA

"You go to the supermarket and you look at your utility bills and everything is going up and it's frightening. I get bargains on everything and it never occurred to me that you could negotiate on utilities. It feels like finally someone is doing something about what seems like an out-of-control system."--Missy Lioz, Somerville, MA

"It was the best deal, love the idea and think it will be beneficial in the long run. CU made it easy to switch my insurance, save money and they were a pleasure to work with."--Court Clayton, Boston, MA

I was referred to Consumer United by a friend who raved about their services. I'm also always looking to save money." --Nicole Allard, Newton, MA

"Good fast service. They did what they said. It was so easy!" --Arthur Blye, Norton, MA

Auto Insurance Savings Tips

Bay State consumers mistakenly believe they have no control over the cost of their auto insurance. Not true. As of April '08, drivers in Massachusetts now have the opportunity to lower their auto insurance premiums by shopping around, driving safely and taking advantage of group discounts.

Still, there's always room for more savings. Here are our top 10 ways to reduce your auto insurance rates.

* JOIN A GROUP
Are you a member of a credit union or civic organization? In recent years, many insurers have offered discounts to groups to attract new customers. As a member of the Consumer United network, you will be able to save 10% off your car insurance rates.

* BUNDLE YOUR PLANS
Insurance companies that offer other kinds of coverage, like home or life insurance, can be a source of additional savings. For example, Consumer United members get 20% off Bunker Hill home coverage rates if they sign up for Plymouth Rock auto insurance.

* EXCEL IN COLLEGE
As a Consumer United member, Plymouth Rock offers an additional 5% off to college students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or B+ average while in school. To receive the discount, submit your transcript to Consumer United when signing up.

* TAKE DRIVER'S ED
Insurance companies usually cut customer rates for those who have completed a driver's training, or driver's ed, program. Plymouth Rock offers an additional 5% reduction in rates with standard driving training. To qualify, the customer must provide a certificate of course completion.

* DITCH TOW SERVICE
If you're already a member of an auto club like AAA (American Automobile Association), there's a good chance you already have access to free tow service. Cut the option on your insurance and save some cash.

* ASK FOR SENIOR DISCOUNT
If you're at least 65, you're eligible for 25% discount on your premium, according to the Division of Insurance. To qualify, you must have at least six years of driving experience and your car must be for personal use, not business travel.

* CUT PERSONAL INJURY
According to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, it might be worth reducing the personal injury coverage of those named on your auto insurance policy, especially if you already have medical and disability insurance.

* RIDE THE T
If you take the bus or T to work on a regular basis, and your car stays in the driveway, most insurers offer a premium discount of as much as $75.

* DROP COLLISION
Are you driving an older model car? If so, you may want to kick your collision coverage to the curb. Before you shop for insurance, find how much your car is worth using a service like Kelly Blue Book.

* ENSURE MULTIPLE CARS
Some insurance companies will extend discounts on some fees to customers who buy coverage for more than one vehicle.

Want to learn more? Check out this "Ways To Save" guide from the Automobile Insurers Bureau of Massachusetts. Meanwhile, click here to get a quote.

CU Advocate's Deals of the Week

Compact Appliance: Save 25% or more off air conditioners at Compact Appliance.

MXenergy: $25 Consumer United rebate upon signing.

Peapod: First time shoppers with our new service partner, Peapod, will instantly save $10 on their online grocery order. Use the Consumer United promo code CJN10, and click on the promotional link HERE to start saving.

Verizon: Limited time offer! Verizon FiOS bundle, cancel within 90 Days with no early termination charges. Click here to sign up for the Internet service and get the first month free.

Wall Street Journal: Eight free weeks and 75% off Wall Street Journal print & online subscriptions.

As fuel costs soar, airlines charge $30 for baggage

As oil prices soar to $130 per barrel, airlines are scrambling to generate enough revenue to compensate for a $30 billion increase in fuel costs.

The good news? There isn't any.

United Airlines plans to start charging customers $30 round trip to check one bag on domestic flights and will boost the fees on other baggage beginning with airline tickets sold as of last Friday, June 13.

The fee to check three or more bags, overweight bags or items that require special handling will increase form $100 to $125 or from $200 to $250, depending on the item, the airline says in a released statement last Thursday.

“With record-breaking fuel prices, we must pursue new revenue opportunities, while continuing to offer competitive fares by tailoring our products and services around what our customers value most and are willing to pay for,” confirms John Tague, executive vice president and chief operating officer. Click here for more information.

Inside Consumer United :: Andrew Laine

Andrew Laine brings the highest level of enthusiasm and energy to the Consumer United team.

A native of Marion, MA, Laine attended UMass-Amherst and now lives in Newton with his girlfriend Nicole. He likes to stay active and enjoys actives such as sailing, running, hockey, rugby and hitting the gym.

Laine is a die-hard Bruins fan and has been ever since his Pee Wee hockey days. He's a fierce competitor who brings that competitive edge to his job. Laine never stops fighting to save people money.

Laine's favorite thing about working for Consumer United is to motivate his co-workers to perform just as hard as he does trying to save people cash.

Consumer United on pooling buying power

Chronicle interviews Consumer United founder, Justin Dangel, where he discusses the power of consumers banding together to negotiate better deals.

"The core of most people's expenses are their bills and it's very hard for people to find savings there," Dangel tells Chronicle. "We use the size of this group to negotiate and to pool buying power. And it turns out that companies are excited to work with a large group of consumers and give them a better deal."

Dangel, who says he's saved his members over $300,000 on insurance and utilities, says the economy's careening costs drive people like Missy Lioz to search for bargains.

"You go to the supermarket and you look at your utility bills and everything is going up and it's frightening. I get bargains on everything and it never occurred to me that you could negotiate on utilities," Lioz adds. "It feels like finally someone is doing something about what seems like an out-of-control system."

Hook, line or stinker?

Several conductors of Boston's green line service are fuming over a recently unveiled Legal Sea Foods campaign that features a wisecracking cartoon fish that slings cheesy insults like: “This trolley gets around more than your sister” and “Hey lady, I've seen smaller noses on a swordfish.”

The offensive clincher? “This conductor has a face like a halibut.”

According to an article in the Boston Globe here, hundreds of green line employees complained to T management and the MBTA's top brass ordered the removal of the “halibut” ads, labeling them in poor taste.

While conductors find the ad to be a stinker, folks like Deana Cruthird says "you can't take everything personally" and Russell Sweet believes, "There are plenty of other things to be offended about."

DeVito/Verdi, the NYC-based ad agency who designed the ads, vetoed one idea as too crass. It reads, "The trolley is a lot like your mother. Anyone with a couple of bucks can get a ride." Bada-boom!

Click here for the complete article.

Consumer United Newsletter :: June 6, 2008

Consumer United launched its introductory bi-weekly newsletter.

Here's the intro:

Gas in Massachusetts topping $4 a gallon? Groceries? Up, up and up again. People are worried. Can Consumer United, a group that promotes the power of ordinary people banding together to get better deals on insurance and utilities, help lower your cost of living by $1,000 a year? Absolutely.

Highlights:

*Consumer United on Chronicle

*MXEnergy Rebate

*Inside Consumer United

*Demystifying Auto Insurance Deregulation

Click here to read the Consumer United Newsletter :: June 6, 2008

Demystifying Deregulation

Our advice to people looking to take advantage of the new auto insurance deregulation perks? Shop till you drop.

Consumers mistakenly believe they have no control over the cost of their auto insurance. This simply isn't true. As of April 2008, drivers in Massachusetts now have the opportunity to lower their auto insurance premiums by shopping around, driving safely and taking advantage of group discounts.

For the past 30 years, state regulators have set auto insurance rates and carefully restricted the types of insurance coverage folks could buy. Under the new “managed competition” system, insurance companies are free to set their own rates.

"It's going to take a lot of legwork," notes Deirdre Cummings, legislative director for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, to the Boston Globe. "We are completely changing the way people are buying auto insurance in Massachusetts."

As a Consumer United member, you're entitled to 10% off the rates from our service partner Plymouth Rock Assurance. But that's just the start.

Want to learn more? Check out this "Ways To Save" guide from the Automobile Insurers Bureau of Massachusetts. Meanwhile, click here to get a quote.

Inside Consumer United :: Kevin Pelissier

Advocate Kevin Pelissier brings a diverse background of customer service experience to Consumer United. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Pelissier has worked in a number of different customer-focused industries from personal banking and mortgage loan origination to real estate sales and event coordination.

Pelissier's dedication to his clients can be seen in his eagerness to get things done and get them done right. His favorite thing about working at Consumer United is when he's able to work with clients and save them hundreds of dollars on the every day services they already have and need.

"When I can save someone $200 or $300 on basic services, I just think of all the other wonderful things those people can do with the money,” Pelissier says. “Life's not about being burdened with bills, it's about living."