1. At least once a year review your phone bills for the previous three months to see what local, local toll, long-distance, and international calls you normally make. Call several phone companies, including wireless companies, to find an inexpensive calling plan that meets your needs.

2. If you make very few toll or long-distance calls, avoid calling plans with monthly fees or minimums.

3. Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling services you don't use. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.

4. Before making calls when away from home, compare per minute rates and surcharges for different prepaid phone cards and calling card plans to find the one that saves you the most money.

5. Dial your long-distance calls directly. Using an operator to place the call can cost you up to $10 extra.

6. If you use a wireless phone, make sure your wireless calling plan covers the calls you typically make. Understand promotions, peak calling periods, area coverage and roaming, and long-distance requirements to avoid paying too much.

Web Resource: http://www.fcc.gov/cib