How to Save Money in Our Time of Fees

We in America have been used to be full of freebies, now it seems we have to pay for everything, even the littlest things.

Companies seem to be out for every dollar they can get from us. From statement fees to paying to be on a waiting list all add up to big money for you and me.

We are talking millions in regulatory assessment fees and surcharges for housekeeping at hotels to billions for online bill payment fees and credit card fees - need I say more?

Alaska has a good one. If you wish to drive with new tires on your vehicle then you need to pay $2.50 per tire to the government. People in New York have had an uprising over the excessive surcharge in recycling batteries and hidden charges in satellite service termination fee were claimed in lawsuits. Sears and Roebucks and Echo Star Communications Corp settled the claims.

The telecom industry has been the worst offender of hidden fees. They advertise inexpensive plans and then add often to 20 percent in regulatory and other charges. UPS and FED EX both have loaded in fees, from select area cods and remote delivery fees to fuel surcharges; it is the sign of the times.

In California MasterCard and Visa had to refund $800 million of hidden fees on foreign purchases. Some industries have long used extra charges like car rentals and air line flights so beware!

Think about it and you will realize then that any inflation reported is understated.

State and local governments play this too you see, dog and fishing licenses, fingerprinting and drivers fines.

Shop Around - you must be willing to walk away when you are unhappy with negotiation. I say tell them why and set an example.

Link up with others - you can garner help from the Consumers Union or the U.S. Public Interest Research Group. This group helped to get a law passed in California that bans almost any fee on gift cards and gift certificates. After all these gift certificates and gift cards are paid for in advance so there should be none of these fees on the balance left on them.