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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/9/2009 4:50:15 PM

pahunkboy

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From: Central Pennsylvania
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quote:

ORIGINAL: KYsissy

quote:

Prior to 1965 this would not be an issue. Back then money WAS silver.

My dad tells a story of a guy in his office in 1964 who kept telling everyone to go to the bank and get all the rolled coin they could afford. Everyone thought he was a whack job but time and events proved him right.

Then why do I get to pay 13 trillion $ for bail outs?

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/9/2009 5:10:39 PM

pahunkboy

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Ya know the more someone tells me that precious metals are a waste the more motivated I am. In general- I am a defiant -argumentative of person.

We have lurkers here. Take my advice. Silver and gold is the buy of a lifetime!

The beauty of being an adult and living alone is I can make the decisions that I want.   I fully understand that if I want water or any utility that I must pay. That is perfectly fine.

The gist of this thread is that maybe someone has a budgeting hint that others do not know about.

We all live in a world of limited resources.   I choose to allocate my funds ....as I do- but I can better do so if I know the rules/terms.

Prior to buying this house- all utilities were included in my rent. So this is fairly new to me.

So- hints to work the bills- that was my intent on this thread.   I can pay a few bills online and save a stamp. But when I tried this with my gas bill- I had to agree to paperless billing.   Which is NOT acceptable.   I need a paper bill. That is how I am. SO I must pay the stamp. Now some months I send 2 payments to save a stamp.

We are in tight economics and advice on saving is appreciated.

As to Silver- I started buying when they did TARP.   It was around $10 then. I have physical silver. Not paper. It is not hard to cash in.

It burns me up that I have too much in my mortgage escrow. We can not close it out until December.

As to gold- I have a tiny minuscule bit.   I cant afford it.   I have a tiny bit of platinum.    Chances are you are wearing more jewelry then I have spent on my hobby. (marriage diamonds) So- some like jewelry -I like coins/bullion.

In some ways I cut my spending to the bone. There are a few areas that are non-negotiable.

One reply mention late fees can be negotiated. I am trying this. I am glad I asked if a partial payment is allowed. The bill is $70. (no meters yet)   My electric bill was up- $26.45, gas dropped to $14.86, phone $7.19. (I have no features at all on the phone)
Last winter the heat bill threw me for a loop. Even keeping the temps at 62 and 53 over night.
Anyhow- the water bill is my 2nd highest expense. I live in a white trash area.   But I live alone and enjoy my house.   I really do not want to live with anyone. But if things get too tight- then I might have to.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 5:36:02 AM

IrishMist

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

It must be nice to live in a world where money is no object. That one can always pay every bill on time. Man- that must be nice.

Youns never had to choose between paying one bill or another?

But then youns probably were never homeless either.

Late fees should be clearly denoted.

"pay the bill on time". duh. That is not always possible. If it is for you- great. But for many- it is check to check.

You say this, YET, in another post, you say this

quote:

Funny you mention to stop buying silver. I am waiting for a download so as to to clear my browser so as to make a purchase...and maybe I should not.... but the price is right. Also- after reviewing todays newsletter- I can see time is limited on prices this low.

From what I can see, your priorities lay in buying silver...SO...obviously, you have the money to pay your fucking bills.

Easy to see where your priorities lie.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 5:39:19 AM

IrishMist

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quote:

The gist of this thread is that maybe someone has a budgeting hint that others do not know about.

I have a budgeting hint that just may rock your socks.

PAY YOUR FUCKING BILLS.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 6:09:08 AM

barelynangel

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I am just trying to figure out the logic ----- I will pay my bills late and pay BLANK amount of dollars in late fees and get nothing in return because its a fine.

Or pay my bills on time and take the money i would pay in late fees and invest it or use it for something i could possibly get some kind of return. When you take money from peter to pay paul a late fee, you aren't following rules, you are simply moving money around and in the end you are WASTING money on fines that could be better spent else where including on your passions. A fine is punishment, paying your bills on time and not accruing a fine means you can take the money you were willing to toss away on punishment and use it for something else.

angel

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 6:45:36 AM

LaTigresse

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Yes, it makes complete sense. NOT.

PA pay your fecking bills ON TIME.........then do what smart people do. Invest what is left over. Quite doing it backasswards.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 6:53:38 AM

SweetNika

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The reality is late fees add up and paying your bills late do have a long term affect on your credit. I know sometimes its unavoidable but comman sense says to take care of your necassities before you spend on your luxary items.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 1:05:35 PM

pahunkboy

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I know you all are trying to be helpful....

I cringe at when my heat bills start.

Nothing is being shut off.

Some financial planners would say- pay yourself first.

Here is what I am going to do. I have x$ left. I will hold it- on the last day I will go in and make a partial payment. Hopefully alot.

--I also might sell my old laptop to Jenny. If I make a fair price she will bite.

I also have some rebates coming.

All of this does pose a question. I just might have to take a room mate over the winter.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 3:08:08 PM

IrishMist

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

I know you all are trying to be helpful....

I cringe at when my heat bills start.

Nothing is being shut off.

Some financial planners would say- pay yourself first.

Here is what I am going to do. I have x$ left. I will hold it- on the last day I will go in and make a partial payment. Hopefully alot.

--I also might sell my old laptop to Jenny. If I make a fair price she will bite.

I also have some rebates coming.

All of this does pose a question. I just might have to take a room mate over the winter.

Yea right. Like some stupid schumuk is going to move in with a person who does not even think that paying his fucking utility bills is important.

Whatever

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 3:11:49 PM

Aylee

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

One reply mention late fees can be negotiated. I am trying this. I am glad I asked if a partial payment is allowed. The bill is $70. (no meters yet) My electric bill was up- $26.45, gas dropped to $14.86, phone $7.19. (I have no features at all on the phone)

I only wish that my bills were this low. Sheesh!

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 3:32:27 PM

stella41b

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quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

It must be nice to live in a world where money is no object. That one can always pay every bill on time. Man- that must be nice.

Youns never had to choose between paying one bill or another?

But then youns probably were never homeless either.

Late fees should be clearly denoted.

"pay the bill on time". duh. That is not always possible. If it is for you- great. But for many- it is check to check.

Nice try, but yes I've been homeless and yes, I generally pay my bills on time.

There is a good way around late fees you know. It's very simple. As soon as you get your bill, if you can't pay it you call them - the water people or whoever - and you tell them that you are having a problem and need time to pay.

Water and other utility companies are not banks, they are not money lenders, but utility companies. They supply, you use, they bill you for what you use and you pay for it.

I mean, if you turned on your tap and no water came out you'd be pretty pissed off about it, wouldn't you? How would you feel if you turned your tap on and water didn't come out of it until a week later?

It works both ways. When they send you a bill they expect payment. If you can't pay them then call them and work out with them when you can pay your bill.

Not sure how it is in the US, but here in the UK as long as you have made an 'arrangement' you avoid paying late fees and penalty charges.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 5:08:57 PM

pahunkboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: IrishMist

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

I know you all are trying to be helpful....

I cringe at when my heat bills start.

Nothing is being shut off.

Some financial planners would say- pay yourself first.

Here is what I am going to do. I have x$ left. I will hold it- on the last day I will go in and make a partial payment. Hopefully alot.

--I also might sell my old laptop to Jenny. If I make a fair price she will bite.

I also have some rebates coming.

All of this does pose a question. I just might have to take a room mate over the winter.

Yea right. Like some stupid schumuk is going to move in with a person who does not even think that paying his fucking utility bills is important.

Whatever

Well isn't this a lovely reply.

I regret posting this thread. Most the replies are of cynical nature.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 5:10:55 PM

pahunkboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: stella41b

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

It must be nice to live in a world where money is no object. That one can always pay every bill on time. Man- that must be nice.

Youns never had to choose between paying one bill or another?

But then youns probably were never homeless either.

Late fees should be clearly denoted.

"pay the bill on time". duh. That is not always possible. If it is for you- great. But for many- it is check to check.

Nice try, but yes I've been homeless and yes, I generally pay my bills on time.

There is a good way around late fees you know. It's very simple. As soon as you get your bill, if you can't pay it you call them - the water people or whoever - and you tell them that you are having a problem and need time to pay.

Water and other utility companies are not banks, they are not money lenders, but utility companies. They supply, you use, they bill you for what you use and you pay for it.

I mean, if you turned on your tap and no water came out you'd be pretty pissed off about it, wouldn't you? How would you feel if you turned your tap on and water didn't come out of it until a week later?

It works both ways. When they send you a bill they expect payment. If you can't pay them then call them and work out with them when you can pay your bill.

Not sure how it is in the US, but here in the UK as long as you have made an 'arrangement' you avoid paying late fees and penalty charges.

The good thing is our water is not privatized. As far as I know they can put a lien on any ones house that is delinquent.

It would not hurt to ask tho.

Thanks for your imput.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/10/2009 5:16:46 PM

pahunkboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee

quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

One reply mention late fees can be negotiated. I am trying this. I am glad I asked if a partial payment is allowed. The bill is $70. (no meters yet) My electric bill was up- $26.45, gas dropped to $14.86, phone $7.19. (I have no features at all on the phone)

I only wish that my bills were this low. Sheesh!

I am blessed. I don't use alot- so that is most of the reason. I am only in one room at a time- so no need to go wild. Generally speaking costs are higher in the metro areas. So- the conveniences and amenities that come with it are lacking. When I moved in- I had went wild with weatherization- and such. I have a gadget that measures power useage and have used it to figure out what is worth runnning.

I expect higher electric because I used the AC more this month.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 3:02:51 AM

soul2share

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You say the late fees were a surprise????? And you're how old???? Grow up, man.....pay your bills on time and you won't have to worry about crap like this. That seems to be the general consensus here, yet you don't seem to be getting it.

And a $70 water/sewer bill? For one person? Dayum!

You made the comment about expecting to pay more for your electric bill.....that means you plan for it...so why is it so hard to plan on paying your water bill on time? Your "robbing Peter to pay Paul" so you can play with the silver market is just a load of crap. And when you quoted the investment person as saying "pay yourself first"...that is usually meant in the context of putting money aside for retirement, not playing the metals market hoping that the prices stay high.

Join the rest of the responsible adult world......if it's tough making ends meet, look for a second job....or a higher paying first one.....stop making justifications for your irresponsibility.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 9:35:12 AM

pahunkboy

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The bill is $70 weather I use one drop or an ocean. We are not on meters yet.

Based on these replies- I gather 4% is the usual and customary late fee?

Anyhow- I ran out and bought a steak for dinner. As well as 15 gourmet chocolate bars. A few jars of cashew nuts. I now will make an appointment to sell a kidney, and to sell blood.

Silver is up 1.32% today.

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 1:35:12 PM

LaTigresse

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So is the interest on your past due bills.

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Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 1:45:05 PM

barelynangel

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quote:

Silver is up 1.32% today.

Which means nothing if you are throwing away what you would make on this in fines and fees because you don't pay your bills ontime.

I have never heard a finance guy tell someone to be LATE and accrue fines and possible interest in order to pay themselves first. They would tell you to pay on the PRINCIPLE not keep accruing interest and fines you would have to pay prior to paying off a principle.

angel

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 3:58:09 PM

pahunkboy

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So 4% a month late fee is what you all would have to pay if you were late?

That still seems high. The others utilities are 2%.

I asked my neighbor who has lived here 55 years. She was not aware that the late fee was 4%. My ebay thing has been picking up... so that is good.

In 2004 with deregulation PA law changed.... and they can shut things off pretty fast now.

I dread the heat bills. Last February when my family was here they did not take off their coat.

It is a good thing- that I am a cheap date. :-)

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RE: late fees on utilities? 4% - 9/11/2009 4:04:43 PM

pahunkboy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: barelynangel

quote:

Silver is up 1.32% today.

Which means nothing if you are throwing away what you would make on this in fines and fees because you don't pay your bills ontime.

I have never heard a finance guy tell someone to be LATE and accrue fines and possible interest in order to pay themselves first. They would tell you to pay on the PRINCIPLE not keep accruing interest and fines you would have to pay prior to paying off a principle.

angel

Does your billing denote the % of what any late fee will be??

Don't you think that is relevant?

Surely anyone who runs a household would know the terms of any late fees.    I had to replace my refrigerator this month.   I did buy a cheap one. But ya know there is always some type of surprise.

The terms are not on the billing- nor are they on the website. All of that should be spelled out.   My complaint is that the info is not spelled out. Any reasonable person would want the specific details of what the terms are.

I am glad I dropped the TV and the Cell- and the extra phone features- and long distance. Everything is an expense.

Dont forget- the pundits claim we are not in deflation.   Well- my bills do not deflate.   Not the water bill. So someone tell the water company that the economy is deflationary and therefore funds coming in should be deflated.

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