Debi's Daily Dollar Idea: Call, Call, Call

Some of us have at one time or another forgotten to pay a bill on time, written a check before adding money to the account, or are just paying a high interest rate on a credit card.  Those late fees, overdraft and high interest charges take a bite out of an account balance.  It "pays" to just pick up the phone and call the bank, the credit card company or the business and beg for mercy.  I have had late charges removed, credit card interest rates reduced and bounced check charges reversed simply because I called.  I was told once by a customer service agent that they allow a charge to be reversed once a year.  Now that credit card companies are under more stringent regulations you may not get the interest rate reduced, but it can't hurt to try.  They want your business, and it pays to keep the customers happy.   So next time you incur a late fee pick up the phone and see if they will either reduce or eliminate those charges.  Ask them if there is anything else they can do to reduce your bill.  Always be courteous, remember the adage "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."