Trying To Do The Right Thing... Financially.

Maybe this blogging thing will let me get some frustration out.

Maybe.

It's Saturday. That's my day to get up early, co-host a radio show, and then get work done. When I got home, I went through the mail as I waited for the television repairman to come (thank goodness that one is under warranty). I decided to go through the last few days of mail, since most of what I get anymore is just junkmail.

I see an offer from Direct TV. My mom just got it, and likes it. So does my grandma. Me - I am tired of paying $135.00 each month to Comcast for channels I don't watch and in-and-out internet access. Direct TV's ad includes a note about internet service. "Hmmm," I think. "I should check this out." It goes in the Call Today pile.

Next up is a letter from my insurance company. Good people. The letter says that my homeowner's insurance has not been paid yet. I have to pay nearly $600 by the end of the month for it. "Hmmm," I think. "My mortgage company pays my homeowner's insurance." My mortgage was "sold" a couple months ago, so maybe there is some confusion. The insurance letter goes in the Call Today pile.

Then there is a notice from Citibank. They have been my sole credit card company since 1997 (aside from a Kohl's charge). I have it almost paid off - below $1,000. I'm thinking the letter is an increase in the credit line.

Not so much. My interest rate has jumped to 29.99%.

Call Today pile.

I first speak to George with Direct TV. I had to provide my telephone number first ("Please speak your home telephone number so we may begin your registration for Direct TV." Ummm, no. Not ready to sign up). George, of course, is a non-native English speaking individual. He says that in order to tell me the price of internet service, I must first sign up for the Direct TV. I try to explain that I am not ready to sign up, because I want to know more on the pricing. Of course, between the 300 "customer service agents" in the room, he is hard to hear and hard of hearing. Somehow he came up with $60 for internet and phone (which I don't believe I need).

I asked about the pricing for Direct TV, and he said "Well, how much do you pay now, sir?" I responded with "Well, I'd rather see what your offer is." He came back with "Well, how do I know how to beat your provider if I don't know the price." I fired back "Well, if you would just tell me the honest price, then we'll see where we stand."

He hung up on me.

I called back, and (un)fortunately got a nice lady on the phone. She apologized, but I'm sure George was back to fighting the mercenaries or something in the country of his origin. The lady said the internet would be $20 (how did it drop 66% so fast??). BUT... again, she couldn't confirm that price without me signing up for Direct TV.

Call Later pile.

Next up, the mortgage/homeowner's insurance. I got through relatively easy, but I was stuck with a guy who liked to mumble into the phone while talking to me. You know the ones - "OK, so I need to click this, then type in 315-2B for the code, then... oops, wrong button..."

He finally told me that I needed to send a copy of the insurance bill to the new mortgage company "right away" so a check could be issued. Hmmm... isn't that was the mortgage company is supposed to do? I am paying them each month... on time... so... yeah.

Call Later Pile.

Finally, I called Citibank. The automated voice at the other end of the phone (let's just call her Cindi Citibank) was so nice. She was gracious when asking for my account number and if I was having a good day (because automated voices can sense urgency). Then, Cindi left me, and I was on the phone with a man whose name had no vowels. I would imagine it like a toddler hitting keyboard open-palmed, and that being the person's name. Sort of like a one-armed bandit, but no one wins.

I explained to Mr. Citibank that a 29.99% interest rate was ridiculous, and completely unacceptable. I've been with Citibank since 1997. They have funded trips, parties, trips, clothing, trips... and have always been by my side. I feel a gentle tap on the shoulder when I pull out the card - like an old friend saying "Hello again" when I least expected to see him.

I was told to "hold a minute" while an Accounts Manager would look at my account and determine if my interest rate could be lower. I waited for a few minutes, and then when Mr. Citibank came back, he said that no one was available due to the large call volume Citibank was currently experiencing. He suggested I call back later.

Call Later pile.

So, in trying to be proactive, and save a few bucks, and get things lined out, I get hung-up on by a potential new cable company, told what to do by my new mortgage company, and spanked by my credit card company. My Call Today pile shifted to a Call Later pile.

Oh, and I still need to pay my regular bills. And the IU Credit Union website is down.

Thanks for reading. Please Call Later.